Infection Prevention Nurse

Department: Nursing

Reports To: Director of Nursing

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location: Lincoln Village Healthcare Center, Lincoln, IL

PAY: $35-$37 per hour (Sign-On bonus starting at $7,500.00)
HOURS: Monday-Friday, 8:00AM-4:30PM, some weekends required

What We Are Looking For:

The Infection Prevention Nurse is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of the facility’s infection prevention and control program. This role ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, provides staff education on the infection prevention practices, monitors for trends and outbreaks, and works closely with the interdisciplinary team to protect the health and safety of residents, staff, and visitors.

What You Will Do:

Infection Prevention Program Management

• Develop, implement, and maintain the facility’s infection prevention and control policies and procedures in accordance with CDC, CMS, and IDPH guidelines.

• Conduct routine surveillance and track infection rates, trends, and patterns.

• Investigate, document, and report any outbreaks or unusual infection occurrences.

• Maintain required infection prevention logs and submit reports to regulatory agencies as required.

Staff Education & Training

• Provide initial and ongoing infection prevention education to all staff members.

• Ensure staff compliance with proper hand hygiene, PPE usage, isolation precautions, and cleaning protocols.

• Train staff on bloodborne pathogen exposure control and safe handling of biohazard materials.

Resident & Facility Safety

• Participate in resident care planning to identify and address infection risks.

• Ensure residents on isolation precautions receive appropriate care while maintaining dignity and comfort.

• Monitor environmental cleanliness and sanitation practices in coordination with housekeeping and maintenance teams.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

• Stay current on infection prevention best practices and regulatory updates.

• Prepare and present infection control report for Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) meetings.

• Collaborate with local health departments during outbreaks or public health emergencies.

What You Will Bring:

• Current, valid Illinois LPN license in good standing.

• Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) preferred or willingness to obtain within 2 years of hire.

• Minimum of 1 year experience in a healthcare infection prevention role, preferably in a long-term care setting.

• Knowledge of CDC, CMS, and IDPH infection control guidelines.

• Strong organizational, communication, and teaching skills.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift, push, pull up to 50 lbs.

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching.

• Ability to respond promptly to infection-related concerns anywhere in the facility.

Work Environment:

The Infection Prevention Nurse works in all areas of the skilled nursing facility, collaborating with staff, residents, families, and regulatory agencies. The role involves exposure to infectious diseases and requires strict adherence to PPE and infection control protocols.

What You Will Get:

• Competitive Wages

• Paid Holidays

• Vacation Time

• Sick Time

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Life Insurance

• 401 (K)

• Worker’s Compensation Insurance