Role of SDC nurse during survey

BoopetteRN · Oct 8, 2009

I am the in-service director and infection control person for a 304 bed facility and the job seems to never end, but it is rewarding. Monthly I have in-services with the CNAs reminding them of isolation procedures, how to use the lift, behavior documentation, handwashing, bathing, other topics that I feel need review from what I see when I am walking down the halls. I was a floor nurse in this facility for almost 30 years so I know what kind of stuff goes on. A couple of months ago I did one on Infection control and I covered everything from MRSA to head lice. We have a supervisor's clip board and 24 hr report is on there, I look for any infections, wounds, and things I need to address with staff. When someone is placed on isolation, I recieve a sheet telling who what and where so I can ensure everything is being done correctly. Toward the end of the year I have mandatory in-services with the cnas about residents care, reminding them what is expected, and that good care needs to be delivered every day, not just when surveryors are in the building. Most of my in-services are on powerpoint and last anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. These are on top of the mandatory in-services we have to have. Another thing that helps is I have a CNA training program where I monitor all new CNAs for their first 90 days. This is done by having trainer meeting every week where we as a group discuss how new staff are doing and how we can help them succeed, that has been a jem. It also keeps me informed of practices that go on that should not so they can be resolved in a more timely manner. There are times that I can not be here all 3 shifts to inservice everyone so I leave memos at the desks and ask them to call me if there are any questions or concerns. I have an open door policy which I feel helps alot, CNAs come in and talk to me about issues so they can be resolved