Infection Control Nurse

Overview

The Infection Preventionist Nurse leads infection prevention at Caleb Hitchcock Health Center. This position drives quality care through evidence-based infection control practices that empower staff to deliver exceptional resident and patient outcomes.

As the Infection Preventionist, this leader partners with the Medical Director, Director of Nursing, and interdisciplinary teams to advance the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program and reduce the transmission of infectious diseases among residents, patients, team members, and visitors.

Essential Functions

• Conducts routine and unannounced environmental surveillance rounds across clinical and support areas, documenting findings and ensuring timely corrective actions.
• Monitors and analyzes infection data, including trends, outbreaks, and antibiotic utilization, and reports findings to the QAPI team.
• Maintains detailed records of infections, including treatment response and outcomes, for continuous quality improvement.
• Leads outbreak investigations and implements rapid response measures to prevent further transmission.
• Ensures compliance with all reporting requirements for communicable diseases and outbreaks to state and local health departments.
• Refers to infectious disease guidelines and collaborates with clinical leaders to review and refine infection control practices.
• Develops, updates, and implements infection control policies in alignment with OSHA, CDC, CMS, and DPH standards.
• Participates in facility-wide Quality Improvement and Safety initiatives.
• Collaborates with nurse managers and supervisors to ensure proper techniques related to infection control are observed by all staff to include direct observation of staff performance.
• Assists in maintaining the employee and resident health program to include immunization programs mandated by DPH and facility policy.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Current RN license in good standing is required.
• Bachelor's degree in nursing is preferred.
• 3 years of full-time or equivalent clinical nursing experience is required.
• 2 years of clinical experience in long-term care nursing is preferred.
• Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) certification is preferred or willingness to obtain within 12 months is required.
• Must be able to speak, read, and write the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Deep understanding of infection prevention principles, surveillance, and outbreak management.
• Must have strong communication, leadership, and coaching skills.
• Ability to analyze data and translate insights into actionable improvements.
• Thorough knowledge of State and Federal regulated standards of practice.

Environment & Working Conditions

• Ability to focus on task needs and perform intellectual executive functions as related to documentation, charting, care device operations, etc.
• Ability to execute intellectual tasks and duties under conditions of high demand and distraction.
• Ability to complete the essential functions of the position with or with adaptive personal devices (e.g., hearing aid, corrective lenses).
• Ability to operate equipment and technology required for the position.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment.
• Must be able to communicate effectively.
• Able to assist with the evacuation of residents under emergency status to the best of their physical ability.
• Able to function independently with integrity and work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
• Able to constantly stand or walk to provide resident care and assistance.
• Able to frequently push and/or pull a force up to 30 pounds including residents weighing up to 250 pounds in wheelchairs and geri-chairs.
• Able to reach overhead, bend, and carry or lift 50 pounds occasionally and 35 pounds frequently.
• Able to frequently transfer and support residents weighing up to 250 pounds while positioning, and transferring residents to beds, toilets wheelchairs, etc. Additional employees or mechanical assistance may be used.
• Able to frequently reposition residents weighing up to 250 pounds in bed for assistance with treatments, hygiene, and comfort needs. Additional employees or mechanical assistance may be used.

Hours

Part-time, 20-24 hours per week - Flexible Schedule

Pay

$47.00 per hour

What are the benefits?

Working in a Life Plan community will bring out the best in you. As a member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to pursue a truly rewarding career path, with multiple exciting benefits, including the following:

• 401(k) with match and profit sharing
• Free Access to our Aquatic & Fitness Center & to our beautiful walking trails throughout our campus
• Discount employee lunches
• Duncaster Spotlight Employee Recognition Program
• Referral bonuses
• Free on-site parking
• Shoes for Crews - discounted safety shoes for all staff
• Yearly performance increases plus additional bonus opportunities
• Employee Appreciation Events held throughout the year by our own “Funcaster” Committee