Infection Control Nurse

Why Join The Lodge at Heritage Grove Estates? At The Lodge at Heritage Grove Estates, joining our team means more than accepting a position—it means becoming part of an organization that values your contributions, supports your professional growth, and recognizes the meaningful impact you make every day. Supportive, team-oriented environment Opportunities for advancement and career development Leadership that values and listens to staff Meaningful work where you truly make a difference Position Overview (Infection Prevention Nurse) The Lodge at Heritage Grove Estates is seeking a knowledgeable and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) to serve as our Infection Prevention Nurse . This clinical leadership role is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the facility's Infection Prevention and Control Program while ensuring compliance with CMS, CDC, OSHA, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), and all applicable federal and state regulations. The Infection Prevention Nurse works collaboratively with the Director of Nursing, Medical Director, interdisciplinary team, and facility leadership to reduce healthcare-associated infections, promote resident safety, educate staff, and maintain survey readiness. This position plays a vital role in protecting the health and well-being of residents, visitors, and employees through proactive infection surveillance, prevention strategies, and regulatory compliance. Key Responsibilities Develop, implement, and oversee the facility's Infection Prevention and Control Program in accordance with CMS F880 and all applicable federal and Kansas regulations Conduct ongoing surveillance, tracking, trending, and analysis of healthcare-associated infections, communicable diseases, and antibiotic utilization Investigate infection outbreaks and implement timely interventions to reduce transmission risks and protect resident health Monitor compliance with CDC, OSHA, CMS, KDADS, KDHE, and facility infection prevention standards Conduct routine infection prevention rounds throughout the facility to identify opportunities for improvement and ensure regulatory compliance Educate and train employees on infection prevention practices, bloodborne pathogens, hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), standard and transmission-based precautions, and exposure prevention Collaborate with nursing leadership, physicians, pharmacy, laboratory, environmental services, dietary, therapy, and other departments to implement infection prevention initiatives Ensure proper isolation precautions, infectious waste disposal procedures, environmental cleaning, and disinfection protocols are consistently followed Maintain accurate infection surveillance data, reports, logs, NHSN reporting (when applicable), and regulatory documentation Report communicable and reportable diseases to local and state public health agencies as required Coordinate resident and employee immunization programs, including influenza, COVID-19, pneumococcal, and other recommended vaccinations Develop and oversee employee tuberculosis (TB) screening, exposure follow-up, and employee health monitoring programs Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives related to infection prevention, resident safety, and quality outcomes Assist with survey preparation, regulatory audits, corrective action plans, and infection prevention compliance reviews Maintain confidentiality of resident and employee health information in accordance with HIPAA regulations Serve as the facility's infection prevention subject matter expert and clinical resource for all departments Qualifications Graduate of an accredited nursing program with a current, active Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing in the State of Kansas Current CPR or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification Minimum of two (2) years of nursing experience in skilled nursing, long-term care, hospital, or healthcare setting preferred Infection Prevention certification (CIC) preferred or willingness to obtain certification within an established timeframe Comprehensive knowledge of CMS regulations, CDC infection prevention guidelines, OSHA standards, KDADS regulations, and long-term care infection prevention requirements Experience with infection surveillance, outbreak investigations, employee health, QAPI, and regulatory compliance preferred Strong organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills Excellent communication, leadership, and presentation skills with the ability to educate interdisciplinary teams Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR), Microsoft Office, and infection surveillance/reporting systems Commitment to promoting resident safety, regulatory compliance, and clinical excellence Benefits Competitive pay 401(k) Health, dental, and vision insurance Paid Time Off (PTO) Care Cash Program Referral Bonus Program Continuing education and professional development opportunities Supportive and collaborative work environment Grow With Us At The Lodge at Heritage Grove Estates, we are committed to developing clinical leaders who make a lasting impact on resident care. Whether you are expanding your expertise in infection prevention or advancing your nursing leadership career, we provide opportunities for continued education, mentorship, and professional growth. About Us The Lodge at Heritage Grove Estates proudly serves the Topeka, Kansas community by providing exceptional skilled nursing, rehabilitation, long-term care, and post-acute services. Our mission is centered on compassion, dignity, and clinical excellence while improving the quality of life for every resident we serve. We foster a workplace culture where employees are valued, supported, and empowered to succeed—professionally and personally. Equal Opportunity Employer The Lodge at Heritage Grove Estates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic in accordance with applicable laws. Reasonable Accommodation The Lodge at Heritage Grove Estates is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. Applicants requiring assistance should contact Human Resources. Physical Requirements Ability to lift, transfer, and reposition residents (up to 50+ lbs. with assistance as needed) Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform physical tasks throughout the facility for extended periods Ability to conduct infection prevention rounds and observe clinical practices across multiple departments Ability to respond promptly to infection control concerns, outbreaks, and emergency situations #J-18808-Ljbffr The Lodge at Heritage Grove Estates (SNF)