Infection Preventionist/ Staff Development Nurse Leader

At Central Maine Healthcare our team members are committed to providing exceptional care and experiences for our community and for each other every day.

Position Summary:

Assists the Director of Nursing Services in planning, organizing, developing, and directing the day-to-day functions of the Nursing Department in accordance with current Federal, State, and local standards, guidelines and regulations that govern the facility. Coordinates educational functions for staff as required by regulatory agencies. Plans, organizes, implements and coordinates facility’s Infection Control Program. Ensures that the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times. Assumes the duties of the Director of Nursing in his/her absence as directed.

Essential Duties:

• Supports nursing management in ensuring that resident care is of highest quality and within regulatory guidelines, care is prompt and courteous within CMHC service standards.
• Makes daily rounds of nursing units to observe quality of resident care.
  • Reviews resident records routinely to assure documentation is according to facility policies and state and federal regulations.
  • Routinely connects with residents and care teams to review clinically complex or challenging cases. Works with appropriate teams to develop plan for appropriate care.
  • Coordinates the development, implementation, and evaluation of the facility/unit orientation program to meet CMHC, state and federal guidelines.
• Utilizes advanced nursing expertise serving as a resource consultant, role model, and facilitator for staff.
• Orients management staff as needed.
• Plans, organizes, implement and coordinates facility’s Infection Control Program in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern such requirements in the long-term care facility.
• Monitors infection control practice and procedures to ensure implementation and utilization of facility’s program.
• Assists other departments as necessary in developing infection control procedures.
• Prepares monthly summaries of all resident/personnel infections, corrective action taken, and the results of the corrective action. Submit copies to the Administrator and Director of Nursing Services.
• Performs duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies, charting, etc., as necessary in accordance to CMHC policy.
• Maintains a reference library of written infection control material that will assist the facility in meeting the day-to-day needs of residents.
• Keeps Director of Nursing informed of findings and/or recommendations with regard to the facility’s Infection Control Program.
• Responsible to ensure staff compliance with mandatory in-service; assures documentation of in-service education attendance.
• Directs nursing personnel in emergency situations.
• Evaluates the provision of support services and makes recommendations to improve the quality of care.
• Evaluates nursing practice and care delivery system and makes recommendations for change.
• Informs other departments about pertinent patient/resident care data or special patient/resident problems as appropriate.
• Intervenes in employee and/or visitor incidents and implements facility/unit policies and procedures as indicated.
• Assist to develop, revise, and implement Nursing Department standards, policies and procedures, for all patient/resident populations.
• Assures patient/resident rights by directing and/or providing care which considers each patient’s/resident’s value and belief system.
• Functions as a patient/resident advocate providing information and assuring confidentiality of information of records.
• Prepares and directs staff nurses to recognize potential problems, mobilize resources, and take appropriate action.
• Directs staff in responding to complex patient/resident care priorities.
• Acts as a role model and facilitator for Nursing Department collaboration with the interdisciplinary team. Attends team meetings.
• Collaborates with other members of the healthcare team to provide safe care to patients/residents.
• Clarifies nursing protocols and procedures with physicians and department heads.
• Insures the safe administration of medications per protocols in conjunction with the pharmacy.
• Collaborates with the Clinical Liaison, Case Manager and Medical Director on infection control issues, nursing care requirements, and psychosocial, spiritual and cultural issues.
• Demonstrates setup, operation and troubleshooting of Nursing Department equipment; ensures that all damaged equipment is removed from operation, repaired or replaced.
• Ensures the maintenance of a safe therapeutic environment for patient/resident family.
• Assures implementation and integration of quality improvement activities and implements corrective action when needed.
• Monitors the quality of all aspects of the medical record through open and closed chart reviews.
• Identifies specific aspects of care for quality improvement monitoring and participates in data collection activities as appropriate. Monitors results.
• Serves on, participates in and attends various committees of the facility/unit as appointed including: Infection Control; Pharmacy, Medical Staff and Quality Improvement.

Education and Experience:

• Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as a Registered Nurse in this state.
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to engage tactfully with personnel, patients/residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
• Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations and guidelines that pertain to long-term care.
• Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures, etc., that are necessary for providing quality care.
• Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing nursing practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Able to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work effectively with professional and non-professional personnel.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Represent the organization in a positive manner, support and encourages strong morale within the team and maintain effective, professional relationships with others
• Ability to engage patients and team members utilizing the CMH Experience Standards
  • I am creating a warming, caring, and non-judgmental environment
  • I am actively listening and seeking information
  • I am honest, truthful, and consistent
  • I am respectful, treating all individuals with dignity and empathy
  • I am serving as a role model, taking both initiative and ownership when appropriate
  • I am working collaboratively and demonstrating teamwork
  • I am resilient and adapt to change in positive ways.
• Serve as the champion of the patient and team member experience.

If you are passionate about making a difference and are looking for your next great career opportunity, we look forward to reviewing your application!