Infection Preventionist/Orientation RN

The Infection Preventionist (IP) and Orientation Nurse is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring the facility's Infection Prevention and Control Program while coordinating the orientation and onboarding of newly hired nursing staff. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, promotes resident safety, reduces healthcare-associated infections, and supports staff competency through education and training.

Infection Prevention

• Develop, implement, and maintain the facility's Infection Prevention and Control Program.
• Conduct ongoing infection surveillance and identify trends.
• Monitor healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and communicable diseases.
• Investigate outbreaks and implement appropriate control measures.
• Ensure compliance with CDC, CMS, OSHA, and state health department infection control standards.
• Monitor employee health requirements, including immunizations, TB testing, and exposure follow-up.
• Conduct regular infection control rounds throughout the facility.
• Review laboratory reports and identify reportable diseases.
• Ensure proper isolation precautions are implemented and maintained.
• Monitor hand hygiene compliance and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage.
• Educate residents, families, and staff regarding infection prevention practices.
• Maintain infection surveillance records and prepare required reports.
• Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities.
• Assist with emergency preparedness related to infectious disease outbreaks.
• Collaborate with physicians, pharmacy, laboratory, and local health departments regarding infection control concerns.

Orientation Nurse

• Coordinate orientation schedules for all newly hired nursing employees.
• Provide facility orientation regarding policies, procedures, infection control, resident rights, and safety practices.
• Conduct clinical orientation and skills validation.
• Ensure completion of required competencies and training checklists.
• Educate new staff on documentation standards and electronic medical record usage.
• Serve as a mentor and resource during the orientation period.
• Monitor new employee progress and communicate concerns to nursing leadership.
• Maintain orientation records and competency documentation.
• Coordinate annual mandatory education and required competency assessments.
• Assist department managers with ongoing staff education initiatives.

Quality Improvement

• Participate in Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) meetings.
• Analyze infection trends and recommend process improvements.
• Conduct audits related to infection prevention and orientation compliance.
• Assist with regulatory surveys and prepare documentation for surveyors.
• Develop corrective action plans when deficiencies are identified.

Education

• Plan and provide ongoing infection prevention education for all staff.
• Conduct annual mandatory infection control training.
• Educate staff on new regulations, policies, and evidence-based practices.
• Develop educational materials and competency evaluations.