Infection Control LPN

Oceans Healthcare; Kentwood (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Oceans Healthcare in Louisiana is seeking an Infection Control Coordinator (LPN) to oversee the facility's infection control program, conduct surveillance, data collection, and education for staff, patients, and families. The role reports to the Infection Control Officer and DON and works across departments to minimize exposure risks.

The position requires active LPN licensure, 1 year clinical experience with preferred 2 years in Employee Health or infection control in behavioral health

Qualifications

• Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrates ability to work under high stress and prioritize patient safety.
• Shows cultural sensitivity and understanding of diverse patient populations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the Annual Infection Control Plan and Program Evaluation.
• Review lab data for infection rate trends and corrective actions.
• Perform environmental inspections to ensure infection control standards.
• Collaborate with department managers to improve safety and reduce exposure risks.
• Coordinate infection control reports, minutes, and liaison with hospital committees.

Skills

Communication skills

Stress resilience

Leadership abilities

Education

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license

Job description

The Infection Control Coordinator (IC) coordinate IC activities for the facility to minimize patients, families and employees risk of exposure. The nurse provides assessment, surveillance, data collection, reporting, and education to employees, patients, and families according to Joint Commission, Federal and State Regulations, Oceans' Mission, policies and procedures, CDC and PI standards. Coordinates and communicates activities under the supervision of the IC Officer and DON.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for development and implementation of Annual Infection Control Plan and Annual Infection Control Program Evaluation based on recommendations from and approval of Infection Control Committee.
• Reviews, assesses and investigates lab data relative to infection rates, sources, and trends associated with specific objectives outlined in the Infection Control Plan.
• Performs environmental inspections for adherence to infection control standards of practice.
• Works with all Department Managers to devise more efficient, reliable and cost effective ways to ensure the integrity of infection control activities and safety of the patients and staff.
• Formulates plans for corrections related to deficient infection control practices.
• Responsible for the agenda, minutes, and infection control reports at the Infection Control Committee meetings.
• Serves as liaison for the Infection Control Committee with hospital committees/departments.
• Serves as liaison for the public health department in the reporting and follow-up of “Reportable Communicable Disease”.
• Assists in the planning and presentation of orientation and in-service training programs for hospital staff and physicians.
• Works collaboratively with Employee Health on preventive actions, screening and monitoring of staff exposures to infectious diseases.
• Works collaboratively with plant operations to ensure patient and staff safety during construction projects by minimizing potential exposure.
• Works collaboratively with the certified Infection Control Preventionist to control and prevent infections.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

Educational / Experience Requirements

• Valid license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in state of practice.
• One year of recent experience in a clinical setting. Two years’ experience in Employee Health and/or Infection Control activities in a Behavioral Health hospital setting preferred.

Qualifications / Skills

• Must be able to work in high stress and assess potential for patient escalation.
• The LPN must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, to consistently achieve positive results with internal and external customers, be highly organized, have an understanding and sensitivity to serve culturally diverse and special needs population such as Chronically Mentally Ill, Geriatric, CD, as well as be versed in basic knowledge of normal physical and emotional development.
• Exhibits critical thinking abilities and applies them for continuous improvement of patient care.
• Demonstrates self-confidence and ability to think conceptually in leading and directing others.

Work Environment

Subject to many interruptions. Occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries. This position can be high paced and stressful; must be able to cope mentally and physically to atmosphere. This person might sometimes experience disagreeable odors, sights and/or unpredictable patient behavior.