The Infection Prevention Control Officer (IPCO) is a qualified individual with knowledge of CDC guidelines, Joint Commission standards, occupational health standards, and federal and state regulations related to infection prevention and control in skilled nursing facilities. The IPCO is responsible for the administration of the center wide Infection Prevention Program, which includes among other functions the identification, investigation, reporting, prevention and control of center acquired infections among residents, staff and guests.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Responsible for staff education regarding infection prevention and control protocols and conducting staff skills checks and education competency.
Responsible for infection prevention and control surveillance, as well as outbreak identification and control.
Implements and maintains systems for preventing, identifying, reporting, investigating, and controlling infections and communicable diseases for residents, staff, volunteers, visitors, and other individuals providing services under arrangement based upon its center and resident assessments. These systems will be reviewed and updated, as needed, or at a minimum annually.
Reviews, modifies, and interprets infection prevention and control policies and procedures as necessary, or at a minimum annually.
Develops, maintains, and periodically updates infection prevention and control processes and techniques in accordance with current best practices.
Makes written and oral reports/recommendations to the Administrator, as necessary/required, concerning the infection prevention and control program of the center.
Participates in new employee orientation and coordinates competency completion related to infection prevention and control policies and practices.
Participates as a member of the center’s Quality Assurance & Assessment Committee and reports to the committee on a regular basis.
Serves as lead member of the committee for Infection Prevention and Control and collaborates with the infection prevention and control inter-disciplinary team.
Completes the infection prevention and control risk assessment (ICRA). Performs annual and periodic reviews to further enhance center’s ICRA and ensures appropriate QAPIs are in place to address.
Coordinates and manages adherence to the employee health program (immunizations, exposures, physical exams, fit testing, etc.).
Maintains and protects the confidentiality of employee and resident health files.
Completes required forms and documents in accordance with company policy and state and/or federal regulations.
ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS
Have primary professional training in nursing, medical technology, microbiology, epidemiology, or other related field.
Minimum of two years’ experience as an Infection Preventionist or related healthcare experience with knowledge of patient care practices, microbiology, infectious diseases, and epidemiology.
Completion of Infection Prevention training/IPCO Certification within 5 days of employment;
CIC or APIC preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ENVIRONMENT
Employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands or fingers, reach with hands and arms, feel, talk and hear. Employee will occasionally lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs. Employee will be required to allow for flexible schedule including weekends and evenings. Employee may occasionally be exposed to blood or other body fluids. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Adheres to and oversee communication of privacy guidelines relative to the confidentiality of residents' and staff’s protected health information. Participates in (or conducts) company-sponsored training to safeguard against improper use and disclosure of such information. Monitors and ensures compliance with company policies, procedures and state and federal law.
