Infection Control & Prevention (ICP) Nurse (RN)

The primary responsibilities of the Infection Control & Prevention (ICP) Nurse at Southview Manor include developing and implementing infection control programs according to IDPH regulations, ensuring compliance with CDC and OSHA guidelines, conducting surveillance on infection rates, and leading Infection Control QAPI meetings. You will also be responsible for educating staff on infection prevention practices and monitoring antibiotic usage. This role is crucial in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for both staff and patients.

To apply for the Infection Control & Prevention (ICP) Nurse position at Southview Manor, candidates must hold a valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Illinois. Ideal applicants will have either the a-IPC EPI certification or a current CDC infection prevention training course. Prior nursing experience in a skilled nursing facility or intermediate care setting is preferred. Familiarity with electronic documentation systems, such as PCC, is also beneficial.

Southview Manor is committed to professional development and offers several opportunities for the Infection Control & Prevention (ICP) Nurse to enhance their skills. This includes access to leadership training programs such as the Director of Nursing and AIT training, as well as educational assistance programs that help fund advanced nursing classes. The collaborative environment also allows nurses to learn from experienced colleagues and participate in ongoing training sessions.

At Southview Manor, the work culture for the Infection Control & Prevention (ICP) Nurse is fast-paced and collaborative. Here, every staff member plays a vital role in creating a supportive environment that feels like family. With a staff that is warm and welcoming, you can expect daily interactions with both colleagues and patients who are eager to connect. The facility values flexibility, recognizing that life happens, ensuring that work-life balance is a priority for all employees.

The Infection Control & Prevention (ICP) Nurse at Southview Manor can expect a robust benefits package that includes a competitive salary range of $40-43/hr, flexible scheduling options, and opportunities for annual merit increases. Additional benefits include employee recognition programs, referral bonuses, and educational assistance to support your career advancement. The emphasis on both personal and professional growth makes it an attractive workplace for nursing professionals.

When answering this question, showcase any direct involvement you’ve had in developing or implementing infection control programs. Highlight specific examples where you tracked infection rates or educated staff on protocols. Discuss your understanding of local and national regulations and how you've ensured compliance at previous workplaces.

Respond to this question by illustrating your conflict resolution techniques, such as open communication and fostering a collaborative environment. Share instances when you've mediated disagreements over infection control measures, demonstrating your ability to keep patient safety and team cohesion as top priorities.

Discuss your awareness of challenges such as antibiotic resistance, staff training, and keeping up with ever-evolving guidelines. Provide examples of how you've helped to address these challenges in the past, such as developing educational programs for staff or implementing new policies that improved patient outcomes.

Outline your approach by emphasizing the importance of tailored training sessions based on staff experience levels. Specify your methods for making the training engaging, such as using case studies or hands-on demonstrations. Highlight feedback mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of these educational initiatives.

Mention various resources you rely on to keep abreast of the latest developments, including professional organizations, journal articles, and training courses. Emphasize your commitment to continuous learning through workshops and conferences, demonstrating your proactive approach to professional development.

Discuss the influential role of the Infection Control & Prevention Nurse in safeguarding patient health. Describe how your work helps to minimize infection risks and enhance overall care quality, ultimately promoting a healing environment for patients in skilled nursing facilities.

Your response should reflect a systematic approach to program development. Include steps like assessing current protocols, engaging with stakeholders, analyzing infection data, setting clear objectives, and developing training materials for staff. Stress collaboration with leadership to ensure alignment with overall facility goals.

Be prepared to discuss any certifications you have, such as the CIC certification or IPC EPI. Explain how these credentials have equipped you with advanced knowledge that enhances your infection control strategies in clinical settings, improving both patient outcomes and compliance with regulations.

Discuss your skills in data collection and analysis, including the tools you use to track infection trends. Provide examples of how you’ve utilized this data to make informed decisions that positively affected patient and staff health, demonstrating your analytical capabilities in a healthcare context.

Share a specific example of an intervention you've implemented, detailing the rationale behind it, how you involved your team, and the measurable outcomes that resulted from the initiative. Illustrating your hands-on approach to infection control will show your capability and commitment to improving patient care.