Infection Control RN - Long Term Care (Not to exceed $100K)

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  The work involves responsibility for implementing an effective facility-wide infection control program at the Lewis County Residential Health Care Facility.  The duties include ensuring adherence to established infection control standards and policies in accordance with the Centers for Disease, Department of Health, OSHA, Joint Commission, and other regulatory agencies.  Reports to Director of Infection Prevention and Environmental Services who is responsible for the overall Infection Prevention Program.  The incumbent in this position investigates outbreaks of infection in a hospital and/or nursing facility, provides on-going education for all personnel, and serves in a liaison capacity between an Infection Control Committee and medical staff.  The work is performed under general supervision allowing for the use of independent judgment in carrying out work assignments.  May supervise the work of subordinate staff.  Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

·  Develops and implements policies and procedures in order to carry out an effective infection control program in accordance with Centers for Disease Control, Department of Health,  OSHA, Joint Commission, and other regulatory agencies;

·  Helps control outbreaks of infection in a hospital and/or nursing home by observing, investigating and identifying areas demonstrating infection risk and initiate and maintain such programs to eliminate hazards of infection;

·  Educates staff at all levels on infection control techniques, practices and policies;

·  Coordinates on-going in-service training programs for health care staff and takes a lead role in employee health/exposure control;

·  Acts as the infection control liaison between all departments and medical services, Infection Control Committees, facility administration and community programs;

·  Reviews all construction projects for exposure control issues;

·  Initiates cultures and/or sensitivity testing and institutes appropriate isolation procedures in the absence of an attending physician;

·  Facilitates yearly employee flu shot clinics;

·  Notifies physicians of those in the hospital and/or nursing facility who have been exposed to an infectious disease;

·  Serves as a member on the Environment of Care Committee and provides guidance on matters of infection/exposure control;

·  Reviews employee annual health assessments for completeness and refers those with possible health issues to occupational health physician;

· Maintains close communication with all supervisors and head nurses related to infection control and employee health issues that could impact patient health;

·  Evaluates sterilization and disinfecting methods used throughout the hospital and makes recommendations when appropriate;

·  Evaluates staff knowledge and adherence to infection control policies;

· Assists medical personnel in identifying carriers and tracing possible sources of infection, and preventing transmission of disease;

·  Assists with the review, revision and formulation of policies and procedures on a regular basis;

· Prepares, maintains and submits reports to the Quality Council related to infection control issues using appropriate statistical tools.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Good knowledge of infection control principles and techniques; good knowledge of professional nursing principles and techniques; good knowledge of training and teaching techniques; working knowledge of medications and drugs, common dosages, their physical and physiological effects and possible adverse reactions; ability to develop, evaluate, implement and as necessary modify an infection control program; ability to communicate effectively with others; ability to instruct others on infection control methods, practices, and techniques; ability to prepare written records and reports; ability to make accurate observation; sympathetic attitude toward the sick; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Possession of a license and current registration issued by the State of New York to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse and three (3) years of professional clinical nursing experience in a hospital or public health setting.

Lewis County Health System offers a highly competitive compensation and generous benefits package including NYS Retirement.  Applicants may forward resume to: Human Resources, Lewis County General Hospital, 7785 N. State St., Lowville, NY 13367 or Email: hr@lcgh.net. LCHS is an equal opportunity provider and employer.