Infection Control Nurse

POSITION PURPOSE The Infection Prevention Nurse is a hybrid clinical and infection prevention role responsible for coordinating, implementing, and monitoring the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Program across Emergency Services, Acute Care, Swing Bed, Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), and clinic settings. This role provides direct bedside nursing support while ensuring compliance with CMS, CDPH, and organizational infection prevention standards in a rural Critical Access Hospital environment. The Infection Prevention Nurse integrates infection prevention standards into daily clinical operations through frontline clinical support, surveillance activities, staff education, outbreak management, and regulatory oversight. SUMMARY All employees are expected to perform their duties in alignment with CIH’s mission, values, and vision. This position is responsible for supporting safe patient care, infection prevention compliance, regulatory readiness, and operational excellence while treating all individuals with respect and dignity. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Clinical & Bedside Support 1. Provides direct patient care and bedside nursing support as assigned across Emergency Services, Acute Care, Swing Bed, SNF, and clinic settings. 1. Serves as a clinical resource and role model for infection prevention practices including hand hygiene, PPE use, isolation precautions, and environmental safety. 1. Reinforces infection prevention standards during admissions, procedures, patient care activities, and transitions of care. 1. Assistswith staffing support during surges, outbreaks, staffing shortages, or operational emergencies whilemaintaininginfection prevention oversight. 1. Collaborates with nursing leadership and frontline staff to support safe clinical workflows and patient outcomes. Infection Prevention Program Oversight 1. Coordinates and supports the facility-wide Infection Prevention and Control Program in compliance with: - CMS Conditions of Participation for Critical Access Hospitals - CMS Requirements of Participation for Skilled Nursing Facilities - CDPH regulations and guidance 1. Conducts ongoing surveillance for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) across acute care, SNF, and clinic settings. 1. Tracks, trends, analyzes, andreportsinfection prevention data andidentifiesopportunities for intervention. 1. Participates in outbreak identification, investigation, containment, and reporting activities. 1. Monitors infection prevention practices including device care, isolation procedures, cleaning and disinfection standards, and employee compliance. Regulatory & Documentation 1. Ensurestimelyandaccurateinfection-related reporting including: - CDPH reportable diseases and outbreaks - NHSN reporting as applicable - Internal leadership and governing body reporting 1. Maintains infection prevention logs, policies, procedures, audit tools, and documentationin accordance withregulatory standards. 1. Maintains readiness for CDPH, CMS, and other regulatory surveys and inspections. 1. Participates in tracers, audits, corrective action planning, and follow-up activities related to infection prevention compliance. Education & Staff Engagement 1. Provides education, coaching, and competency support to staff, providers, and ancillary personnel regarding: - Standard and transmission-based precautions - PPE selection and use - Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization practices - Infection prevention policies and regulatory expectations 1. Supports onboarding and annual competency activities related to infection prevention practices. 1. Promotes a culture of accountability, patient safety, and infection prevention awareness throughout the organization. Quality & Performance Improvement 1. Collaborates with Quality, Nursing, and Leadership teams on infection prevention and patient safety initiatives. 1. Participates in root cause analyses (RCA), infection-related event reviews, and corrective action follow-up. 1. Supports integration of infection…