Infection preventionist & assistant director of nursing
Cindy is a highly skilled and dedicated healthcare professional specializing in infection prevention at The Bridges at Ankeny. With a passion for ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations, Cindy has dedicated her career to implementing robust infection control measures and promoting a healthy environment for residents and staff.
Cindy embarked on her career as a registered nurse, gaining valuable experience in various healthcare settings. However, it was her work in nursing homes that ignited her passion for infection prevention. Witnessing the vulnerability of elderly residents and the potential impact of infections on their health, Cindy knew she had found her calling.
Cindy's journey the Bridges at Ankeny team as she worked in a few nursing homes that did not rise to her level of expectations for senior care and heard through the community as well as employees at The Bridges how policies and procedures are implemented and followed. During the COVID pandemic, The Bridges aided multiple staff members in obtaining their Infection Preventionist certification with the goal of having someone certified on-site 24 hours a day. Cindy took on the primary role of infection prevention and has been flourishing in her role.
With her expertise and dedication to infection control, Cindy quickly advanced to the role of Infection Preventionist at The Bridges, an award-wining facility known for its commitment to resident safety. In this position, Cindy is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating infection control protocols and practices throughout the facility.
Cindy's role involves collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including nurses, physicians, and environmental services, to ensure that infection prevention measures are integrated seamlessly into daily operations. She conducts regular audits, risk assessments, and surveillance to identify potential areas of concern and implement effective strategies to mitigate the risk of infections.
One of Cindy's key responsibilities is educating staff members on infection control practices and providing ongoing training to ensure compliance with established protocols. She is known for her ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner, empowering staff to take an active role in infection prevention.
Cindy is also actively involved in outbreak management, working closely with local health departments and infection control networks to identify and contain infectious diseases. Her expertise in infection prevention strategies and her ability to quickly respond to emerging threats have been instrumental in preventing and managing outbreaks within the nursing home.
Beyond her role as an Infection Preventionist, Cindy is an Assistant Director of Nursing where she oversees staff and residents to enhance quality of life for the residents on her station and the staff that report to her. Cindy's dedication and expertise have not gone unnoticed. Her greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that her work has a direct impact on the health and well-being of residents at The Bridges.
As an Infection Preventionist, Cindy continues to be a driving force in ensuring the safety of residents and staff in nursing homes. Her unwavering commitment to infection control, her expertise in implementing effective prevention strategies, and her ability to educate and empower others make her an invaluable asset to our team!
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