Infection Prevention/Control Nurse

Job Description

Infection Control Nurse (Infection Preventionist / ICN)
Skilled Nursing Facility – Connecticut

Position Summary
The Infection Control Nurse, also known as the Infection Preventionist (IP), leads the facility's infection prevention and control program. This role develops, implements, and evaluates strategies to prevent, detect, monitor, and control healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) among residents, staff, and visitors. The ICN ensures compliance with federal CMS requirements, Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) regulations—including mandates for full-time or part-time IP staffing based on facility size—and CDC guidelines to promote resident safety, reduce outbreaks, and maintain survey readiness in a skilled nursing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate the facility's comprehensive infection prevention and control program, including policies, procedures, and protocols for surveillance, prevention, and outbreak management.
• Conduct ongoing surveillance of infections, track HAIs using National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) criteria or equivalent, analyze data, identify trends, and report findings to leadership and regulatory bodies.
• Investigate outbreaks, perform root cause analyses, implement control measures, and coordinate response efforts with the interdisciplinary team.
• Monitor compliance with infection control practices (e.g., hand hygiene, PPE use, isolation precautions, environmental cleaning, antibiotic stewardship, and device-related protocols) through rounds, audits, and observations.
• Educate and train nursing, clinical, and non-clinical staff on infection prevention best practices, mandatory in-services, and updates to regulations or emerging threats (e.g., respiratory viruses, MDROs).
• Serve as chair or key member of the Infection Control Committee; collaborate with department heads, physicians, and external agencies on infection-related issues.
• Oversee employee health aspects related to infections, including vaccination programs, exposure follow-up, and return-to-work clearances.
• Prepare for and participate in state/federal surveys, CMS audits, and quality assurance/performance improvement (QAPI) activities; maintain accurate records and documentation for compliance.
• Stay current with CMS, CT DPH, CDC, and APIC guidelines; incorporate evidence-based practices and respond to emerging infectious disease threats.

Qualifications

• Current, active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Connecticut (required).
• Minimum 2–3 years of clinical experience in skilled nursing, long-term care, or acute care; infection prevention experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of federal CMS F-tags (e.g., F880 Infection Prevention & Control), CT DPH requirements for nursing homes, RAI process implications, and NHSN reporting.
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) from CBIC preferred, or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail in data tracking and reporting.
• Excellent communication, teaching, and interpersonal abilities to engage diverse staff and promote a culture of safety.
• Proficiency in electronic health records, infection surveillance software, and Microsoft Office.