Infection Preventionist Nurse

Job Description

Job Description

Hiawatha Care Center is actively hiring an Infection Preventionist Nurse to join our Administrative Nurse team. The Infection Preventionist Nurse plays a critical role in developing, implementing, and maintaining the facility's Infection Prevention and Control Program while supporting regulatory compliance, resident safety, and quality improvement initiatives. As the Infection Preventionist Nurse, you will collaborate with nursing leadership, providers, environmental services, and interdisciplinary teams to promote a safe, healthy environment for residents, employees, and visitors.

What We Offer

Compensation: $38 - $43 per hour

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

• 401(k)

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Schedule and Employment Type

• Full-Time Days (6AM - 6PM)

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the facility-wide Infection Prevention and Control Program

• Establish systems for the prevention, identification, reporting, investigation, and control of infections and communicable diseases affecting residents, staff, and visitors

• Develop, implement, review, and update infection prevention policies and procedures in accordance with current CMS, CDC, OSHA, state, and local regulations

• Conduct ongoing infection surveillance, monitor infection trends, investigate outbreaks, and develop action plans to improve resident outcomes

• Perform annual infection control risk assessments and participate in the facility's annual assessment process

• Lead the Infection Prevention and Control Committee and participate in the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI/QAA) program

• Oversee the facility's Antibiotic Stewardship Program

• Monitor resident care practices that increase infection risk, including wound care, urinary catheter care, medication administration, point-of-care testing, skin care, and incontinence care

• Provide education and training on infection prevention and control practices to staff, residents, and families

• Serve as the facility's infection prevention resource regarding transmission-based precautions, infection control practices, and regulatory compliance

• Ensure reportable diseases are communicated to appropriate public health agencies as required

• Collaborate with nursing, environmental services, therapy, dietary, and other departments to reduce infection risks throughout the facility

• Support employee health initiatives related to infection prevention and occupational health

• Work with community healthcare partners to promote safe infection prevention practices during resident admissions, discharges, and care transitions

• Maintain accurate documentation, surveillance data, reports, and regulatory records related to the Infection Prevention and Control Program

• Stay current on infection prevention standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements through continuing education and professional development

• Assist with resident admissions, discharges, transfers, and resident care as needed

• Perform administrative nursing duties and other responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• Current Iowa Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in good standing

• Education, training, certification, or specialized continuing education in Infection Prevention and Control required or willingness to obtain as required

• Previous experience in long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or another healthcare setting preferred

• Knowledge of infection surveillance, outbreak investigation, antibiotic stewardship, and infection prevention best practices

• Knowledge of CMS, CDC, OSHA, HIPAA, and state regulations related to infection prevention and resident care

• Strong clinical assessment, critical thinking, organizational, and problem-solving skills

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to educate, mentor, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams

• Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) and Microsoft Office applications

• Ability to work independently, prioritize responsibilities, and effectively manage multiple projects

• Compassionate, professional, and committed to providing high-quality resident care

If you are a dedicated Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with a passion for infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and improving resident outcomes, apply today to join the Hiawatha Care Center Administrative Nurse team!