Public Health/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.

Opportunities for advancement and career development

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.

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

Graduate of an accredited nursing program with a current, active Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing in the State of Kansas

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

Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR), Microsoft Office, and infection surveillance/reporting systems

Commitment to promoting resident safety, regulatory compliance, and clinical excellence

Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Care Cash Program
• Referral Bonus Program
• 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.

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.

Join a team where your clinical expertise, leadership, and commitment to resident safety make a meaningful difference every day. The Lodge at Heritage Grove Estates is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. 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