The MDS & Infection Prevention Nurse Specialist functions as the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Nurse Coordinator and the Infection Preventionist (IP) nurse within the long term care facility.

The MDS & Infection Prevention Nurse Specialist directs the MDS process, collecting comprehensive data pertinent to the pediatric resident’s health or situation and analyzing the assessment data to determine the diagnosis or issues. The MDS & Infection Prevention Nurse Specialist also develops a plan of care to attain expected outcomes.

As the on-site Infection Preventionist, the MDS & Infection Prevention Nurse Specialist performs high-risk population healthcare-associated infection surveillance and guides clinical care to ensure adherence to recommended practice guidelines

The MDS & Infection Prevention Nurse Specialist serves as a nurse leader in guiding quality practice for optimal patient outcomes.

Essential Job Statements

Collects, Analyzes & Documents Residents Data

• Collects comprehensive data pertinent to the resident’s health or the situation and analyzes the assessment data to determine the diagnoses or issues.

• Collects data in a systematic and ongoing process, involves the resident, family, other healthcare providers, and environment in LTC as appropriate in holistic data collection.

• Prioritizes data collection activities based on the resident’s immediate condition, or anticipated need of the resident or situation.

• Uses appropriate evidence-based assessment techniques and instruments in collecting pertinent data as required by department. Uses analytical models and problem-solving tools. Synthesizes available data, information, and knowledge relevant to the situation to identify patterns and variances.

• Documents relevant data in a retrievable format. Derives the diagnoses or issues based on assessment data. Validates the diagnoses or issues with the resident, family, and other healthcare providers when possible and appropriate. Documents diagnoses or issues in a manner that facilitates the determination of the expected outcomes and plan.

• Is a member of the interdisciplinary team and directs the collection and analysis of data collected to form plan of care.

Develops Expected Outcomes & Individualized Plan

• Identifies expected outcomes for a plan individualized to the resident or the situation, develops a plan that prescribes strategies and alternatives to attain expected outcomes.

• Involves the resident, family, and other healthcare providers in formulating expected outcomes when possible and appropriate. Derives culturally appropriate expected outcomes from the diagnoses.

• Considers associated risks, benefits, costs, current scientific evidence, and clinical expertise when formulating expected outcomes.

• Defines expected outcomes in terms of the resident, resident values, ethical considerations, environment, or situation with such consideration. Includes a time estimate for attainment of expected outcomes. Develops expected outcomes that provide direction for continuity of care.

• Modifies expected outcomes based on changes in the status of the resident or evaluation of the situation. Documents expected outcomes as measurable goals. Develops an individualized plan in conjunction with the resident, family, and others as appropriate, considering resident characteristics or the situation.

• Includes strategies for promotion and restoration of health and prevention of illness, injury, and disease. Establishes the plan priorities with the resident, family, and others as appropriate. Defines the plan to reflect current statutes, rules and regulations and standards. Integrates current trends and research affecting care in the planning process. Considers the economic impact of the plan. Serves as a resident advocate assisting patients in developing skills for self-advocacy.

Implements Plan & Coordinates Care

• Implements the identified plan, coordinates care delivery, and employs strategies to promote health and a safe environment in LTC. Implements the plan in a safe and timely manner.

• Documents implementation and any modifications, including changes or omissions, of the identified plan. Utilized evidence-based interventions and treatments specific to the diagnosis or problem.

• Utilizes community resources and systems to implement the plan. Collaborates with nursing colleagues and others to implement the plan. Coordinates implementation of the plan. Documents the coordination of the care.

• Provides health teaching that addresses such topics as healthy lifestyles, risk-reducing behaviors, developmental needs, activities of daily living and preventive self-care. Uses health promotion and health teaching methods appropriate to the situation and the resident’s developmental level, learning needs, readiness, ability to learn, language preference and culture.

Evaluates Residents’ Progress

• Evaluates progress toward attainment of outcomes. Conducts a systematic, ongoing, and outcome-based evaluation in relation to the structures and processes prescribed by the plan and the indicated timeline.

• Includes the resident and others involved in the care of the resident in the evaluation process. Evaluates the effectiveness of the planned strategies in relation to resident responses and the attainment of the expected outcomes.

• Documents the results of the evaluation. Uses ongoing assessment data to revise the diagnoses, outcomes, the plan, and the implementation as needed. Disseminates the results to the resident and others involved in the care or situation.

Self Development

• Attains knowledge and competency that reflects current nursing practice and evaluate one’s own nursing practice in relation to professional practice standards and guidelines, relevant statutes, rules, and regulations.

Coordinates MDSC Nursing Activities

• Interacts with and contributes to the professional development of peers and colleagues. Collaborates with resident, family, and others in the conduct of nursing practice. The MDSC coordinates nursing activities related to the MDS, nursing assessments, Care Area Assessments, and care plans.

Performance Expectation: Infection Prevention

• Performs data collection, analysis, and reporting; conducts infection control related education; reports required diseases to the local health department; identifies and investigates employee exposures in conjunction with the Employee Health Department; serves as an active member on the hospital Infection Control Committee; and conducts potential outbreak investigations.

• This position serves as liaison with Infection Prevention program and is a respected resource to Health System, peers, health departments both local and state as well as community. All activities are monitored or supervised by the Hospital Epidemiologist and Associate Hospital Epidemiologist. The Infection Prevention (IP) component of this role requires additional education and training in infection control.

• Conducts collection of data pertaining to resident, analysis of data, and development of plan of care to attain expected outcomes. Directs process and communicates information to interdisciplinary team. Must understand and interpret regulations.

Miscellaneous Responsibilities

• May need to in-service staff of requirements and changes as they occur.

• Performs other duties as assigned and/or participates in special projects in order to support the mission of VCUHS and the Department. Provides assistance to team members. Accepts alternate assignments, as required, graciously.

Patient Population

• Neonates (0-4 weeks)
• Infant (1-12 months)
• Pediatrics (1-12 years)
• Adolescents (13-17 years)
• Adults (18-64 years)

Employment Qualifications

Education/training REQUIRED:

• Master’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited program.
• Minimum 5 years relevant clinical experience with 2 of those years of progressive leadership and/or supervisory/management experience.
• Completion of Long-Term Care Infection Preventionist Essentials Training within one year of hire.

Education/training PREFERRED:

• Master’s degree in Nursing from an accredited program. Long term care, and/or MDS experience, and/or infection prevention experience preferred.
• Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) preferred.

Licensure/Certification Required:

• Current RN licensure in Virginia or eligible or compact state
• BLS /CPR
• MDS Certification within one year of hire.
• Infection Control Certification for Long Term Care within 5 years of hire.

Minimum Qualifications

Years and Type of Required Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant clinical experience
• Minimum 5 years relevant clinical experience with 2 of those years of progressive leadership and/or supervisory/management experience.
• Minimum of one year experience in the position's specialty patient population or practice setting.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Collection of data pertaining to resident, analysis of data, and development of plan of care to attain expected outcomes.
• Directs process and communicates information to interdisciplinary team.
• Must understand and interpret regulations pertaining to the MDS.

Supervisory responsibilities:

• Negotiable with immediate supervisor in collaboration with the Director of Nursing and Nursing Home administrator.

Additional position requirements:

• Will generally work day shift, but may require flexibility for special projects or to meet organization and staff needs.
• Will rotate nursing on call with the director of nursing and nursing home administrator.
• Performs other duties as assigned and/or participates in special projects to support the mission of VCUHS and the Department.
• Provides assistance to team members. Accepts alternate assignments, as required, graciously.
• Cultural Responsiveness
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

Working Conditions

• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.
• May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. *
• May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. *
• May have periods of constant interruptions.
• Prolonged periods of working alone.
• Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements

Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.), Lifting/ Carrying (100+ lbs.)

Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing

Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards

Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Reach above shoulder, Repetitive arm/hand movements, Finger Dexterity, Color Vision

Hazards: Use of Latex Gloves

Mental/Sensory -Emotional

Mental / Sensory: Strong Recall, Reasoning, Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking

Emotional: Fast pace environment, Steady Pace, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4

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