Infection Preventionist LVN

Mariner Healthcare; Palm Desert (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Mariner Healthcare in Palm Desert, CA is seeking an IP Nurse to implement infection control and antibiotic stewardship across our Skilled Nursing Facilities. The role requires an active California LVN license, IP certification, and specialized training in infection prevention.

Immunization program administration and compliance are essential. The IP Nurse will monitor antibiotic use, review resistance patterns, and coordinate with Pharmacy and attending physicians to ensure appropriate therapy.

Qualifications

• Active LVN license in California.
• Certification in Antibiotic Stewardship or Infection Control Training.
• IP Certified required.
• Immunization program knowledge and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Participate in Antibiotic stewardship program to support safe antibiotic use.
• Review antibiotic usage and resistance patterns in the facility.
• Maintain infection control logs and surveillance reports for residents.
• Coordinate with Pharmacy and Infection Physicians on antibiotic use.
• Communicate antibiotic indications and appropriateness to care teams.
• Conduct daily rounds to identify infection control issues and provide in-service training.
• Lead infection control policy adherence and outbreak reporting.

Skills

Infection control

Antibiotic stewardship

First Aid/CPR

Fast-paced environment

Immunization program

Education

CA LVN license

IP Certification

Antibiotic Stewardship Certification or Infection Control Training

Job description

Summary

We are looking for dynamic associates to join our clinical team and provide our residents and network of Skilled Nursing Facilities with a best-in-class care experience! Whether you are just starting your career or have years of experience we want to meet you!

The IP Nurse is responsible for the implementation of the Infection Control program of the facility including antibiotic stewardship program. Employee will also be responsible in keeping facility staff and residents compliant with immunization program as required by Title 22 regulations and CDPH directives.

IP Nurse Requirements

• Active Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in California

• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 including Booster shots

• Knowledge of long-term care patient needs

• Current First Aid and CPR Card

• Attended Antibiotic Stewardship Certification or Infection Control Training Program.

• RN or LVN from an accredited school or have a Professional training in nursing, Medical technology, Microbiology, epidemiology, or another related field.

• Employee should have completed specialized training infection prevention and control.

• Demonstrated ability to deal with fast-paced environment

• Must be IP Certified

Primary IP Nurse Responsibilities

• Complies with the facility’s attendance policy requiring regular, reliable, and punctual attendance

• Participate in the Antibiotic stewardship program of the facility to support the safe and appropriate use of antibiotics

• Review and monitor antibiotic usage patterns in the facility

• Review antibiotic resistance patterns especially MDRO (MRSA, VRE, CRE, ESBL, etc.)

• Maintain infection Log and surveillance report for each resident that had infection

• Responsible for the collection and gathering of data for review of the Antibiotic Stewardship Committee

• Responsible for the coordination and consultation with the Pharmacy consultant with the with the use of antibiotic in the facility

• Responsible with communicating to Infection Physicians and Attending Physicians regarding the appropriate use of antibiotic medications

• Review every antibiotic order in the facility ensure that each medication has proper indication for use and is appropriate for the residents

• Review of resident’s assessments, by facility nurse, for appropriateness of residents care with regards to infection control and adherence to isolation policies and procedures according to evidence-based practices. January 27, 2022

• Responsible also for reviewing Laboratory provider with any results that are flagged out with MDRO

• Perform daily rounds in the facility to assess and identify infection control related issues and problems. Conduct staff in-service education / training when needed, to abate known problems

• Perform hand hygiene observations and document findings of all departments including clinicians and outside contractual providers

• Acts as Infection Control supervisor, making sure all policies and procedures, regarding Infection Control are carried out

• Confirm, investigate and report Outbreaks

• Manage and follow up on employee and resident exposures to infectious diseases.

• Complete the Infection Risk scale upon admission, quarterly and when changes in condition occurs

• Conduct resident screening for TB during admission and annually using a 2-step tuberculin skin test, and Chest X-ray when skin test is positive

• Directs the implementation of the Immunization program for Flu and Pneumonia, ensure the completion of the informed consent and maintain a current log for immunization

• Perform surveillance of residents (and staff, when indicated) reported to have infections by collecting and analyzing and interpreting data documented

• Summarize data for a monthly and quarterly report

• Maintain infection control log for each infection occurring in the facility monthly

• Maintain tracking log for MDRO infections in the facility

• Collect and review types of antibiotics used in the facility, and cost of the treatment

• Review orders for antibiotic treatment if cultures were done prior to treatment and which physician started the therapy

• Review also antibiotic orders for length of therapy and any changes in the antibiotic during the course of treatment

• Attend quarterly QA meetings and participate as a member of the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee. Report findings of review and analysis to the Quality Assurance committee

• Responsible for sharing feedback to Physicians regarding individual prescribing patterns of cultures ordered and antibiotic prescribed

• Assist DSD in the education program for the clinical staff, residents and families concerning the appropriate use of antibiotic and proper infection control practices

• Other duties may be assigned

Physical setting:

• Long term care

• Nursing home

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday (8 hour shift)

• On call

• Weekends as needed

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

License/Certification:

• LVN (Required)

• IP Nurse (Required)

Work Location: In person

MUST BE IP CERTIFIED

WAGE RATE: FROM $38.00 to $40.00 PER HOUR DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE