What You Will Do To Change Lives
The Infection Preventionist performs clinical rounds for surveillance to observe and examine environmental factors that may impact infection control, and to verify the status of client care and treatment to ensure nursing personnel are performing according to infection control procedures and standards. The Infection Preventionist will also implement and train staff on the correct procedures and standards of care.
About La Paz
As part of the Telecare Family, La Paz is a 148-bed Gero-Psychiatric center serving adults 55 and older. La Paz offers an alternative to state hospitals or acute care facilities, based on the philosophy that all individuals have the potential to improve their functioning and make choices that impact their quality of life.
Shifts
Full Time | Monday-Friday | Temporary | 7:00am-3:30pm
Expected starting wage range is $53.20 - $65.73, with geographic differentials applied based on location. Starting pay is commensurate with relevant experience above minimum requirements.
Essential Functions
- Demonstrates the Telecare mission, purpose, values, and beliefs in daily interactions with stakeholders.
- Performs clinical rounds to observe and verify client status, treatment, and follow-up for care needs and staff development.
- Observes environmental factors impacting infection control and ensures procedures are followed.
- Assesses occupational exposure risks, develops immunization screening, and applies work restrictions related to communicable diseases.
- Provides input on staff development based on observations.
- Investigates infection outbreaks and assesses for cross contamination.
- Evaluates data to determine causes of infection outbreaks.
- Establishes and maintains relationships with regulatory agencies, reporting infections and significant conditions accurately and timely.
- Communicates and follows up on reported infections, serving as liaison to regulatory agencies.
- Maintains all documentation required by regulatory bodies.
- Provides weekly reports and leads the Infection Control Committee.
- Completes clinical assessments regarding infection control and isolation policies.
- Reviews progress notes to ensure adherence to isolation protocols and treatment response.
- Develops and delivers training on infection control safety and compliance.
- Establishes therapeutic relationships with members served.
- Participates in community meetings, multidisciplinary teams, and treatment planning.
- Maintains accurate and comprehensive medical records documentation.
- Demonstrates crisis management and intervention knowledge.
- Provides nursing support as needed.
- Participates in various safety, quality, and emergency preparedness committees.
- Monitors staff performance through rounds and review of surveillance reports.
- Contributes to the selection and evaluation of medical equipment and practice changes affecting infection risk.
- Monitors findings from quality and safety assessments, including sentinel events.
- Participates in emergency preparedness activities related to infection control.
- Maintains current knowledge through professional networking, memberships, literature, and educational activities.
- Serves as a key educator on infection control policies and procedures.
- Monitors infection patterns, conducts surveillance, and initiates control measures using epidemiologic principles.
- If employed in inpatient programs, assists with restraint procedures and crisis prevention training.
- If employed in outpatient programs, assists with managing assaultive behaviors and crisis prevention.
Qualifications
Required:
- RN licensure in the state of operation and two years' inpatient experience.
- Eligible for CDC Infection Prevention Certification within 60 days.
- Valid CPR/BLS certification.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- CPR, CPI, and First Aid certification required at or within 60 days of employment, maintained throughout employment.
- Successful completion of physical, background checks, and other regulatory requirements.
Preferred:
- BSN degree.
- Experience in behavioral health and skilled nursing facilities.
Skills
- Excellent listening and note-taking skills.
- Effective concise communication.
- High attention to detail.
- Ability to prepare succinct reports.
Physical Demands
Must meet physical requirements such as sitting, standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 25 pounds, with exposure to hazards like bloodborne pathogens and chemicals.
Equal Opportunity
EOE AA M/F/V/Disability. All employment opportunities are contingent upon regulatory clearances and successful completion of required assessments.