Infection Preventionist Lacked Required Training and Certification
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the designated Infection Prevention Nurse (IPN) had completed the required specialized training in Infection Control and Prevention. Record review showed that the IPN's certification, dated 12/30/2024, was from CDC Train but did not indicate the hours completed. During interviews, the IPN stated she began working at the facility as a new graduate licensed nurse in November 2024 and had been serving as the IPN since February 2025. She was unable to locate the correct Infection Preventionist certificate and believed the CDC Train certificate was sufficient. The Director of Nursing (DON) was unaware that the IPN had the incorrect certification and acknowledged the importance of having a full-time IP nurse with the correct credentials. The facility's job description for the Infection Preventionist required at least two years of clinical experience and appropriate training, which was not met in this case.