Quality Assurance Coordinator/Infection Preventionist - Crete Full Time

TABITHA'S PURPOSE: We empower people to live joyfully, age gratefully.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Quality Assurance Coordinator/Infection Preventionist assures optimum care is provided to Tabitha's Seniors/residents/clients (hereinafter, "Seniors/clients") by being responsible for the management and interpretation of the QAPI as well as implementation of quality assurance activities. The Quality Assurance Coordinator/Infection Preventionist will be responsible for identifying education needs based on an ongoing, systematic analysis or quality assurance studies. This position is responsible for tracking and trending infection control reports and coordination of all aspects of the Infection Control program for the living community. This TEAMember strives to uphold Tabitha's LIVE2Care culture and actively embraces Tabitha's Core Values. As a result, the TEAMember supports Tabitha goals related to dignity, respect, independence, competence, autonomy, personal comfort, safety and security of Seniors/clients. In addition, the TEAMember contributes to the success of Tabitha through ongoing collaboration with TEAMembers, management, volunteers and others in the organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Ensures clinical record reviews, audits and assessments are completed by established deadlines.
1. Ensures optimum Senior/client care by providing, planning, organizing, supervising, directing, and evaluating Senior/client care.
2. Assists in coordinating the continuity of Senior/client care by assisting, directing, and monitoring nursing TEAMembers on unit/shift, assuring that Tabitha policies and procedures are followed and that state and federal regulations are carried out.
3. QAR review and follow up:
   • Assesses QAR numbers and targets clinical concerns
   • Follows up with education of staff as necessary
4. Tracking and trending rehospitalization, ER visits and assisting with case study and root cause analysis on all hospital readmissions.
5. Help assure compliance of policy and procedures in related areas.
   • Examples - dressing changes, glucometer checks, showers, transfers, etc.
6. Assists with corporate clinical excellence reporting.
7. Collects information and develops reports for quality measures and metrics outcomes.
8. Informs Administrator of any problems or circumstances which may compromise the integrity of Tabitha.
9. Assists in reporting of APS related issues.
10. Facilitates weekly meeting with Administrator to address concerns and review goals.
11. Maintains protocols to maintain highest level of care.
12. Develops Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP) system for preventing, identifying, reporting, investigating and controlling infections by following national standards.
13. Track and trend infection control reports and implement/alter policy and procedures as needed.
14. Conducts Infection Control and Clinical Safety rounds for all areas.
15. Conducts annual review of Infection Prevention and Control Program and updates as necessary.
16. Develops and facilitates antibiotic stewardship program that includes antibiotic use protocols and systems to monitor antibiotic use.
17. Serves on corporate Infection Prevention committee.
18. Conducts and participates in various committee meetings of the facility (Performance Improvement/Quality Assurance, Safety, Patient Care Review (Medicare), etc.) as required.
19. Conducts Wound rounds and collaborates with the Physician whereby providing excellent nursing care/documentation to Senior/clients suffering from wounds.
20. Educates and collaborates with nursing team in assessing and planning care for complex wounds.
21. Assists developing and implementing the Senior's/client's plan of care in collaboration with the physician, other consulting health care professionals, family/caregiver according to agency procedures and state and federal regulations.
22. Completes Nursing Admission process including greeting and escorting Senior/client to assigned room, completes Nursing Admission Assessment, completes other paperwork as required.
23. Completes the Nursing Discharge process to ensure proper documentation is completed.
24. Completes an initial nursing care plan. Updates the plan according to changes in the Senior's/client's physical and emotional state.
25. Ensures immunizations are completed and updated as per Physicians Orders.
26. Conducts quarterly Podiatry Clinic with the Podiatrist.
27. Contacts and coordinates Dental Health for the Seniors/clients as required.
28. Participates fully as a member of Tabitha's leadership, contributing the skills, talents and abilities that are unique to the individual for the good of Tabitha. Is a constant learner, willing providing and receiving support and advice. Embraces responsibility for the success of various Tabitha initiatives, taking on fair share of workload for implementing said initiatives.
29. Maintains courteous relationship with Administrator, members of management, peers, Seniors/clients, family members, loved ones, TEAMembers of other departments and volunteers, providing leadership, support and assistance as needed to ensure achievement of departmental and corporate goals. Volunteers to assist others, seeks opportunities to serve Seniors/clients, loved ones, peers and Tabitha.
30. Behaves as a leader, fostering staff satisfaction through effective and consistent leadership. Establishes good relationships with TEAMembers, listens to TEAMember concerns, takes appropriate action, communicates expectations, holds TEAMembers accountable, manages consistently, identifying and removing barriers to TEAMember success. Contributes to the success of Tabitha TEAMembers by coaching, developing, encouraging, nurturing, mentoring, challenging, and setting an example for TEAMembers. This will include working with TEAMembers on correcting performance deficiencies, policy violations, or any other area of concern, and working with the Talent and Culture department to make the decision to terminate TEAMembers when such corrective action is not successful.
31. Performs work duties within the assigned work environment related to the position, as assigned by Tabitha, regardless of TEAMember preference.
32. Prioritizes work load to assure that all essential functions are addressed effectively, making appropriate adjustments throughout each shift and each work week to meet changing and/or competing priorities when necessary. Frequently works more than 40 hours in any given work week, based on the needs of Tabitha, their department, projects and/or deadlines. Utilizes strength and stamina to carry out all essential functions safely and effectively. Willingly takes on additional duties and works as long as necessary during times of peak workload.
33. Assures reports of broken and malfunctioning equipment are made in a timely manner.
34. Follows disaster plans and uses strength and agility during participation in preparedness drills and actual emergencies. Maintains a safe work environment.
35. Complies with HIPAA regulations regarding privacy by insuring that Protected Health Information (PHI) is safeguarded at all times. In addition, maintains a high level of confidentiality regarding any matter pertaining to any Tabitha Seniors/clients, as well as Tabitha TEAMembers.
36. Makes good decisions that contribute to the well-being of the Seniors/clients, the success of TEAMembers, and the achievement of Tabitha objectives. Makes decisions regarding matters of importance, including decisions regarding complex issues that have been elevated by TEAMembers.
37. Prepares for, participates in and/or conducts meetings, both on a departmental level and on a company level. Identifies on-going training needs. Participants in and/or conducts educational in-services as well as formal and informal training sessions for staff.
38. Completes required training and in-services promptly. Attends and participates in continuing education programs designed to keep abreast of changes in the profession, as well as to maintain current license. Demonstrates understanding of the course content and implements training in daily activities.
39. Is a role model for TEAMembers by maintaining an exemplary record of attendance and punctuality as defined by Tabitha's policy pertaining to attendance and punctuality. Records all time worked accurately and consistently using the timekeeping method provided by Tabitha.
40. Consistently uses strength, agility and good body mechanics when performing essential functions, develops, implement and follows appropriate safety and infection control policies and procedures of Tabitha and/or community and regulatory agencies.
41. Complies with Tabitha policies and procedures as published by Tabitha and which may be modified at Tabitha's discretion. Contributes to quality assurance and performance improvement activities by identifying instances of non-compliance and taking appropriate action, including reporting violations of Tabitha policy or regulations as appropriate.
42. Follows Tabitha protocol for submission of completed documentation as it pertains to employee time records, performance evaluation, performance improvement, interview notes, attendance records etc. with particular attention to accuracy and timeliness.
43. Responds appropriately to emergencies. Implements appropriate safety and disaster measures for the protection of elders/clients, visitors and staff.
44. Makes decisions regarding matters of importance. Acts with integrity and in the best interest of Tabitha. Business relationships are conducted in the best interest of Tabitha, free of gifts, cash inducements, gratuities, favors, or other perceived improper inducements.
45. Willingly takes on additional duties and/or assignments, assisting with projects and responding to requests as assigned or as necessary.
    
    

Tabitha's
Core Values
As a member of the Tabitha team, I will...

CARE

...extend unwavering Christian compassion

CONNECT

...build relationships rooted in love, because love matters

CUSTOMER CENTRIC

...identify, clarify and anticipate needs to exceed expectations

COLLABORATE

...create an atmosphere of teamwork

CULTIVATE

...nurture an environment of innovation and growth

COURAGE

...demonstrate confidence, boldness and determination

COMMIT

...devote our time, talent and treasures

CELEBRATE

...recognize and encourage all accomplishments big and small

COMMUNICATION: Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the English language as well as Medical Terminology related to the job. Is able to provide instructions orally or in writing. Sufficient fluency to be able to educate TEAMembers, Seniors/clients and caregivers regarding matters pertaining to complex issues such as medical needs, hold a complex or emotional conversation, conduct or participate in meetings, compose professional e-mails or other written communication, complete documentation requirements of the job and interact with doctors, state officials, members of the media, employees, peer TEAMembers, customers, vendors, volunteers, managers and family members effectively. Ability to recognize and interpret non-verbal cues. Ability to provide calm and clear leadership during emergencies and emotional situations.

WORKSITE CONDITIONS: Works indoors in a facility maintained by Tabitha that will typically be in good repair, clean, well ventilated and well lit. Frequent exposure to heat/steam (in bath facility), dust, disinfectants, infectious waste, communicable diseases, bodily fluids, blood borne pathogens, cleaning products and personal care products. Frequent exposure to noise from call lights, phones, walkie talkies. Frequent interruptions and changes in priorities based on needs of elders/clients, employees, other managers, leadership, state officials etc. Occasional exposure to hazardous chemicals. Occasional exposure to outdoors and the resulting extremes in temperature and exposure to sun, rain, heat, cold, wind, and allergens. Frequent interaction with Seniors/clients, TEAMembers, visitors, representatives of government agencies, etc. under all conditions and circumstances. This will include exposure to Seniors/clients, family members and TEAMembers who may experience extremes in emotions. Seniors/clients, in particular, may become agitated or combative. Often works beyond normal scheduled hours and on weekends and holidays when circumstances require it, when on duty or when on call. Is frequently subject to extended hours or callback based upon needs of the organization.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to gain access to the work area and then safely perform the duties of the job while utilizing standard and specialized equipment, including but not limited to the equipment described below. Physical stamina with the ability to perform duties while moving about the work area for the entire shift with few opportunities to sit down and with little or no break between tasks. Strength and agility sufficient to assist employees with any or all of their essential functions or to complete their essential functions if necessary. This includes the ability to lift, push, pull, reach, squat, kneel, bend, carry, twist, pinch, grasp, climb stairs while performing duties (such as bathing, toileting, transferring) and manipulating various supplies and equipment. Frequent periods of intense activity. Ability to safely perform unassisted transfers (from/to bed/chair/toilet/commode/bathtub/shower) and otherwise provide care to Seniors/clients who are weak, frail, obese, unable to assist due to limited mobility, quadriplegia, paraplegia, tremors, paralysis etc. Ability to remain calm and work effectively when others (such as Seniors/clients, TEAMembers or family members) experience emotional extremes, up to and including Seniors/clients who become combative. Vision and hearing within normal limits (with or without correction). Must have unrestricted lift/push/pull ability and pass a 50 - pound physical exam demonstrating strength and agility prior to employment and from time to time thereafter at Tabitha's discretion.

EQUIPMENT USAGE: Standard and specialized equipment including but not limited to gait belts, bedpans, urinals, wheelchairs, geri - chairs, commodes, shower chairs, blood pressure apparatus, thermometers (glass, electronic and tympanic), ambulation equipment (canes, walkers, crutches, etc.), whirlpool, scales (electronic and regular), oximeter, oxygen concentrator, mechanical lift devices, Clinitron bed, Aqua-K pad, braces, splints, nebulizer, inhaler, tube feeding equipment, side rails, humidifier, fan, telephone, cell phone, computer, walkie talkie, electronic devices, and photocopier, video camera, tripod, overhead projector, and slide projector.

AGE REQUIREMENT: At least age 18.

EDUCATION: Successful completion of a Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse course of study.

EXPERIENCE: Three years of nursing experiences as an LPN or RN required. Two years of supervisory experience as an LPN or RN required. Experience in quality assurance and advanced training in infection prevention preferred.

CREDENTIALS: LPN or RN License in good standing as recorded on the Nebraska State Registry or other Nurse Compact state required. CPR Required. License must be kept up to date at the expense of the employee. CPR Certification which must be kept up to date at the expense of the employee. Valid Nebraska Driver's license (unless otherwise allowed by law) and a good driving record required. Must possess auto insurance at or above Nebraska statutory requirements. Must meet Tabitha's vaccination requirements

STATEMENT OF EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

Tabitha Health Care Services is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all employment practices and decisions including recruitment, selection, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, benefits, and the termination of employment.

Furthermore, Tabitha Health Care Services will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship, safety, and/or health risk. Please contact Tabitha Health Care Services Human Resources Department to request an accommodation.

As a government contractor, the organization has adopted written Affirmative Action Plans for women and minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. These plans will be revised on an annual basis. Tabitha Health Care Services is committed to making a good-faith effort toward achieving the objectives of the Plans. Any employee who would like to review the Plans may do so by scheduling an appointment with the Human Resources Department during normal business hours.