Staff Development/ Infection Preventionist, RN

Description Department: Nursing Administration Reports To: Director of Nursing, Administrator Position Summary The Staff Educator/Staff Development Coordinator is responsible for coordinating employee onboarding, orientation, education, competency validation, and ongoing staff development to ensure employees meet facility requirements prior to employment and maintain competency throughout their employment. This position collaborates with nursing leadership and administration to support regulatory compliance, quality improvement initiatives, employee performance, and resident-centered care through comprehensive education and training programs. Accountability: Director of Nursing, Administrator Essential Duties and Responsibilities Review employment applications and qualifications of prospective employees to ensure compliance with facility hiring requirements. Coordinate reference checks, employment verification, and background screenings in conjunction with the Accounts Manager, Human Resources, or designated personnel. Participate in the initial interview process for prospective employees in collaboration with the Director of Nursing and Administrator. Complete all required new hire employment paperwork and onboarding documentation in accordance with facility policies and regulatory requirements. Coordinate and conduct new employee orientation in accordance with the facility's orientation program, ensuring all mandatory training requirements are completed. Verify that all newly hired employees have completed required pre-employment requirements prior to assuming job responsibilities. Provide oversight and approval of staffing coverage in collaboration with nursing leadership to maintain adequate staffing levels during employee absences, call-ins, and scheduling changes while working in conjunction with the facility master schedule. Develop, coordinate, and conduct required in-service education programs for all facility staff based on annual mandatory requirements, regulatory changes, identified educational needs, quality improvement initiatives, and time-sensitive occurrences. Provide individualized one-on-one education, coaching, skills training, and competency validation, including return demonstrations, whenever additional instruction or remediation is needed. Oversee Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) education and competency programs, focusing on employee performance evaluations, skills development, corrective education, and ongoing training based on identified needs and performance outcomes. Provide ongoing in-service education throughout the year to ensure employees remain current on changes in federal regulations, state regulations, CMS requirements, facility policies, infection prevention practices, resident care standards, and clinical procedures. Maintain current knowledge of all applicable regulatory requirements and communicate updates to facility staff through education and competency training. Demonstrate knowledge of and comply with facility fire safety, emergency preparedness, sanitation, infection prevention, bloodborne pathogen standards, Hazard Communication (HazCom), OSHA requirements, and workplace safety programs while educating staff on these requirements. Coordinate employee tuberculosis (TB) testing, tracking, documentation, and compliance in accordance with facility policy and applicable regulations. Coordinate employee Hepatitis screening, immunization tracking, and related documentation in accordance with facility policy and regulatory requirements. Maintain education records, competency files, orientation documentation, certifications, licensure verification, and training records required for regulatory compliance. Promote and maintain a safe, clean, healthy, and therapeutic environment for residents, visitors, and staff. Conduct daily Resident Advocate rounds to identify resident concerns, promote resident satisfaction, address issues promptly, and communicate findings to appropriate department leaders. Recognize, prevent, and immediately report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment of residents in accordance with facility policies and applicable federal and state regulations. Collaborate with the Director of Nursing, Infection Preventionist, Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee, department managers, and interdisciplinary team members to identify educational needs and improve resident outcomes. Assist with survey preparation, mock surveys, Plans of Correction, competency validation, and regulatory readiness activities. Participate as an active member of the interdisciplinary team by placing resident safety, dignity, quality of life, and resident-centered care as the highest priority. Attend required facility meetings, department meetings, committee meetings, in-services, and continuing education programs. Perform all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Nursing, Administrator, or designee. Requirements PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Hold/handle Lift Carry Reach – at and below shoulder height Push/pull Grasp and handle – pens, paperwork and small equipment Sit, stand and walk Twist, bend, stoop, kneel, and squat Fine hand motor coordination Ability to read and write legibly Ability to give and follow instructions COGNITIVE AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS: Talking: Must be able to tolerate a high pace as typical for a nursing facility. Must be able to take and give instructions well and enjoy working with the elderly. Although employee is required to sit for prolonged periods of time, he/she must also be able to tolerate prolonged standing and walking. Hearing: To communicate on the phone effectively, Taking instructions from the Administrator, To respond to resident complaints and requests, To respond appropriately to disaster instructions and pages Sight: For performing job effectively and correctly Smell: For accurate detection and maintenance of facility odors LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS: Licensed Practical Nurse (L.P.N.) or Registered Nurse (R.N.) licensed and in good standing with the Board of Nursing in the State in which the facility is located. SUMMARY OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE: Tasks and procedures performed by the employee involve risks classified by C.D.C. as Category I. (Direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids to which universal precautions apply.) OTHER CONSIDERATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to tolerate a high pace as typical for a nursing facility. Must be able to take and give instructions well and enjoy working with the elderly. Although employee is required to sit for prolonged periods of time, he/she must also be able to tolerate prolonged standing and walking. FULL TIME BENEFITS Tuition Reimbursement Paid Time Off Health Insurance Vision Insurance Dental Insurance Life Insurance Opportunities for Advancement