Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) / Infection Preventionist (IP)

Position Summary

The RN Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) / Infection Preventionist (IP) serves primarily as the ADON for the facility as well as works part-time as the designated individual responsible for the facility's infection prevention and control program (IPCP).

The RN ADON / IP assists the Director of Nursing (DON) in planning, organizing, developing, and directing the overall operation of the Nursing Services department to assure patient safety and attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each patient in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Life Care standards.

The RN ADON / IP evaluates the quality of resident care and outcomes as they relate to Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAI) and Community Acquired Infections (CAI) in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Life Care standards. Collects, prepares, and analyzes HAI data. Presents infection data and makes recommendations for actions. Monitors associate compliance with infection control standards through use of barriers and infection prevention measures. Prepares and presents education for the staff, residents, and families. Serves as a resource to all departments and personnel.

Education, Experience, and Licensure Requirements

• ASN or BSN from accredited college or university
• Currently licensed/registered in applicable State. Must maintain an active Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing throughout employment.
• Certifications or training per State requirements (e.g., Certified TB Nurse)
• Specialized IPC training beyond initial professional training or education prior to assuming the role. If a facility's resident population changes, the IP should re-evaluate their knowledge and skills and may need to obtain additional training for the change in the facility’s scope of care.
• Two (2) years' geriatric nursing experience preferred, preferably in post-acute care
• CPR certification upon hire or obtain during orientation. CPR certification must remain current during employment.

Specific Job Requirements

• Participates in community health matters/projects as appropriate
• Maintains a liaison with patients, families, support departments, etc. to adequately plan for patient needs
• Expert knowledge in field of practice
• Make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action
• Knowledgeable of nursing administration practices and procedures as well as the laws, regulations, and guidelines governing nursing administration functions in the post-acute care facility
• Implement and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures of the nursing administration department
• Serves as designated associate responsible for monitoring Public Health Advisories from local, state, and federal agencies including the CDC
• Serves as the on-site IPC for COVID-19 prevention and response activities, in accordance with current CDC recommendations
• Works onsite at the physical facility. May not be an off-site consultant or perform the IP work at a separate location such as a corporate office or affiliated short term acute care facility
• Holds responsibility for the development and accountability of the Antibiotic Stewardship Program
• Knowledgeable of Infection Prevention and Control practices and procedures as well as the laws, regulations, and guidelines governing nursing functions in the post-acute care facility
• Implement and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures of the Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP)
• Perform proficiently in all applicable competency areas
• Maintains confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information
• Understand and follow company policies including harassment and compliance procedures
• Displays integrity and professionalism by adhering to Life Care's Code of Conduct and completes mandatory Code of Conduct and other appropriate compliance training
• Promotes a culture of integrity, maintains an "open door" policy, and does not participate in or allow retaliation against those who report good faith concerns
• Actively implements the compliance program and Code of Conduct and ensures 100% participation by department staff

Essential Functions

• Assist the DON in planning, developing, implementing, evaluating and directing the Nursing Services department
• Interview, select, hire, train, evaluate, and supervise nursing staff
• Assist with overseeing care provided by nursing staff
• Oversee infection control responsibilities
• Assume the duties of the DON in his or her absence
• Provide direct nursing care as necessary
• Perform functions of a staff nurse as required
• Plan, develop, organize, implement, and evaluate facility-wide systems for the prevention, identification, investigation and control of infections of residents, staff, and visitors
• Plan, develop, organize, implement, and evaluate a high quality infection prevention and control program (IPCP) to prevent, recognize, and control the onset and spread of infection to the extent possible
• Serve as the educational resource for ensuring the facility is able to properly educate; residents, families, associates, consultants, contractors, and volunteers on information regarding: COVID-19, infectious diseases, outbreaks, and infection control practices the facility uses to mitigate the spread of infection
• Monitor usage and burn rate of personal protective equipment
• Regularly review CDC and State Health websites for Infection Control Guidance for Healthcare Professionals for current information and ensure associates and residents are updated when guidance changes
• Complete on-going monitoring of HAI's (Healthcare Acquired Infections) and CAI's (Community Acquired Infections) including antibiotic use, micro report, line listings, and trending of infections
• Serve as a QAPI Committee member, with the responsibility of reporting on infection prevention and control elements
• Serve as the chair and prepare the agenda for the Infection Prevention and Control Committee
• Serve as the PPE coach and complete associate training and competencies related to appropriate PPE use.
• Effectively supervise associates' compliance with appropriate usage of PPE in conjunction with leadership.
• Serve as a resource for all departments, associates, and licensed independent practitioners on infection prevention and control matters
• Conduct outbreak tracking, symptom monitoring, investigation, and reporting in accordance with local health and state agency as required by law
• Initiate follow-up on associate/resident exposures to communicable diseases
• Coordinate the development, review, and revision of the Annual Infection Prevention and Control Plan
• Participate in short- and long-range planning for the Infection Prevention and Control Program
• Serve as clinical lead in the facility in the implementation and support of the Antibiotic Stewardship program
• Participate in the ongoing review of facility assessment to ensure identification of Infection Control resources necessary to care for its residents competently during both day to day operations and emergencies
• Ensure reporting is completed in NHSN in accordance with F885
• Serve as the clinical lead for Associate Health, Vaccinations, Safer Sharps, and Post Exposure Coordination
• Serve as the RPA (Respiratory Protection Administrator) for the facility and administer respiratory fit testing as needed

Benefits for Full-Time Associates

• medical, dental, vision, life and short-term disability coverage
• 401(k)
• paid vacation, sick days and holidays

An Equal Opportunity Employer