Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services

Infection Preventionist

Job Summary: A licensed practical or registered nurse who educates and coordinates an ongoing Infection Prevention & Control Program (IPC) ensuring that the facility complies with federal and state regulations. Designated Lab Coordinator. Assumes other duties as assigned.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities: Performs the following duties listed and others as required to assure state and federal compliance regarding infection prevention. This list does not include all duties required but to serve as a basis of expectations. Duties and responsibilities may be added or modified at any time.

• Organizes annual flu vaccination program for employees, as well as coordinating Hep B vaccine program for staff.
• Resident flu & pneumococcal vaccines.
• Conducts ongoing infection control and compliance surveillance in all departments.
• Completes surveillance on all new antimicrobial starts. Monitors infection rate in the facility and submits monthly a written summary.
• Organizes and leads the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program.
• Identify, track, and control outbreaks.
• Maintains a current TB Prevention Program.
• Conducts daily education with floor nurses regarding Infection Prevention.
• Conducts clinical classroom orientation for newly hired licensed nursing staff.
• Maintains a relationship with the County Health Department.
• Attends seminars relevant to Infection Prevention.
• Identifies and studies infection problems and assists in their solution.
• Participates with water management program for Legionella Prevention.
• Coordinate facility's participation with NHSN.
• Facility Administrator for use of MCIR System.
• Leads Infection Prevention QAPI.
• Lab Coordinator. Maintain lab supplies on units, assist nurses with question regarding labs.
• Complete lab draw audit as delegated.
• Perform related work as required.

Working Conditions:

• Nursing home setting.
• Lifting up to 50lbs. when needed.
• Prolonged standing or walking. Bends, lifts, carries, pushes and pulls various equipment, supplies or residents throughout the work day. Extended, evening, unusual or mandated working hours when required.

Qualifications: Must have primary professional training in nursing, medical technology, microbiology, epidemiology, or other related field. Ability to comprehend instructions, organize time and complete tasks with minimal supervision. Ability to adapt to frequent changes in routine. Ability to be flexible to meet changing demands as necessitated by variations in the nursing home routine. Capable to adapt to frequent changes in routine.

Experience: Two years of related experience.

Education: Must be qualified by education, training, experience or certification. LPN/RN required. Attends continuing education seminars and workshops as required to maintain current licensing/certification, in addition to participating in in-house inservice workshops.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift up to 50 lb. Ability to walk, climb stairs, push and/or pull equipment as required. Prolonged standing or walking. Bends, lifts, carries, pushes and pulls various equipment or stock throughout the work day. This position requires the ability to perform the essential functions described. These functions are not limited to these requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be made to otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements.