Infection Preventionist RN - LPN

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Infection Preventionist RN - LPN to join our team at Oak Knoll Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. As a key member of our nursing team, you will lead and coordinate our infection prevention and control program to reduce healthcare-associated infections, protect residents, staff, and visitors, and ensure compliance with federal and Massachusetts public health requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the facility's Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP) and ensure implementation of current best practices and required policies/protocols.

• Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements, including public health guidance relevant to LTC in Massachusetts.

• Conduct ongoing infection surveillance, identify clusters, emerging risks, and patterns, and communicate findings to leadership and frontline teams.

• Ensure required reporting to appropriate systems/agencies as applicable.

• Coordinate timely response to suspected or confirmed outbreaks and implement isolation and transmission-based precautions.

• Provide onboarding and ongoing education for staff on infection prevention practices, PPE, isolation, respiratory etiquette, and exposure protocols.

• Collaborate with clinical leadership and medical providers on testing strategies, return-to-work criteria, and mitigation measures.

Required Qualifications:

• Active license in Massachusetts as: RN (preferred) or LPN (facility-dependent), or other clinically appropriate credential per facility policy.

• Demonstrated experience in infection prevention in healthcare (LTC/SNF strongly preferred).

• Strong working knowledge of infection control principles, including standard and transmission-based precautions, PPE, surveillance, and outbreak management.

• Strong documentation, data tracking, and report-writing skills.

• Confident educator/coach with the ability to lead change across departments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) or willingness to obtain within a defined timeframe.

• Experience with QAPI, audits, and performance improvement.

• Familiarity with respiratory/GI outbreak response in LTC settings and interdisciplinary coordination.

Skills & Competencies:

• High attention to detail and strong organization

• Clear communication and training abilities

• Ability to analyze trends and translate findings into action

• Calm, decisive leadership during urgent situations (outbreaks/exposures)

• Strong collaboration with frontline staff and leadership

Physical Requirements (typical for LTC):

• Ability to walk rounds throughout the facility, enter resident rooms, and observe care practices.

• Ability to use PPE and follow required safety protocols.

• Ability to lift up to [[PLACEHOLDER FOR WEIGHT]] lbs occasionally (or per facility standard).

What Success Looks Like:

• Strong hand hygiene/PPE compliance scores with sustained improvement

• Reduced infection rates and faster containment of clusters/outbreaks

• Survey readiness with complete, accurate infection prevention documentation

• Consistent staff education completion and competency validation

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Oak Knoll Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

If you are a motivated and experienced Infection Preventionist RN - LPN with a passion for infection prevention and control, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Apply today to join our dedicated team and make a difference in the lives of our residents!