Infection Preventionist

The **Infection Preventionist and Educator (LPN or RN) **reports to assigned facility Director of Nursing and partners with the Director of Education to develop a system of care that promotes sound and scientific infection prevention principles and practices. This position is **Full Time,** **Monday-Friday**, **with on call responsibilities**.

**Essential Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Partners with the Medical Director and Director of Nursing to develop, implement and evaluate annual infection prevention goals and action plan.
- Responsible for the facility Infection Prevention and Control Program.
- Accountable for surveillance of healthcare acquired and community acquired infections
- Responsible for ensuring appropriate intervention and education occurs with staff, residents and visitors when healthcare infection trends, outbreaks or non-compliance to infection control/OSHA are identified.
- Provides education and counseling on infection prevention to staff, volunteers, providers, residents and families through group and individual sessions.
- Provides ongoing facility and company based in service education to staff.
- Monitors facility and staff for infection control practices and provides education accordingly.
- Monitors and maintains employee and resident immunization records.
- Participates in the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Committee and reports to the committee on the IPCP on a regular basis.
- Complies with all established policies and procedures.
- Promotes and demonstrates positive customer service towards VHS, co-workers, residents and visitors.
- Performs other duties as assigned.

**Qualifications and Requirements**:

- ** Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing and holds current Virginia license.**:

- **CMS Infection Prevention Certification is preferred, or certification must be obtained within 3 months of employment.**:

- Experience/education in Gerontological Nursing required.
- Computer knowledge required.
- Current drivers’ licenses in good standing.
- Ability to read, write, analyze, and interpret information.
- While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, turn, bend, stoop, lift, push, pull, reach, talk, hear, taste and smell.
- Must be able to lift, push, pull and move up to 50 pounds.
- Risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and hazardous materials.

**Why join Virginia Health Services?**

Locally owned and headquartered in Newport News, Virginia since 1963, Virginia Health Services offers exceptional senior living and health care services. Our 1,200+ employees are passionate and committed to the well-being and quality care of our residents.

A career with **Virginia Health Services **means you'll be part of a collaborative Team whose dedication and compassion are recognized and valued. We believe in quality of life and want to help you live your best life too

Recognizing you have many options;** Virginia Health Services** is committed to investing in its Team members and offers the following **benefits**:

- Competitive salary
- Get some of your paycheck early instead of waiting for payday with Netspend Earned Wage Access
- Group Health insurance including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings account
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and personal days
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with an employer contribution annual basis.
- Referral program
- State-of-the-art, Employment, Enrichment and Education Center to provide hands-on opportunities for training and development of our team

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and responsibilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.