Nurse Educator/Infection Preventionist

Description

* EXCELLENT BENEFITS * ELIGIBLE FOR AETNA HEALTH INSURANCE 1ST OF THE MONTH AFTER DATE OF HIRE * 

Amazing opportunity to work in a BEAUTIFUL setting in the rolling hills of North Salem with a *TOP RATED* Facility in Westchester County known for providing the highest quality care and resident experience. Waterview Hills Campus is home to Waterview Hills and Salem Hills Rehabilitation & Healthcare: Two facilities committed to providing outstanding Subacute Rehab and Long-Term Skilled Nursing Care. Together, these facilities offer patients the best rehab and nursing care they can obtain after their hospital discharge.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: The Infection Preventionist/Nurse Educator is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining an effective infection prevention and control program within the skilled nursing facility. The role is critical in the facility’s efforts to mitigate the onset and spread of infections. This role ensures compliance with state, federal, and local regulations, including guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), and other relevant agencies. This includes coordination or conducting education on infection control related matters/topics. The IP will work closely with all departments to reduce the risk of infections and ensure a safe environment for residents, staff, and visitors. As Nurse Educator they are responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing educational programs for the staff at a skilled nursing facility. This role ensures that all employees are trained and up-to-date on essential skills, procedures, and regulatory requirements, contributing to the overall quality of care provided to residents. As Nurse Educator, works closely with the administration and department heads to identify training needs and develop programs that enhance staff performance and compliance.

• Plan, implement, and maintain the Infection Prevention and Control Program, including surveillance, outbreak detection, investigations, reporting, vaccination programs, audits, and staff training.
• Ensure compliance with NYS and federal regulations; analyze, present, and report infection data
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and serve as an active member of QAPI, providing updates on IPC performance and outcomes.
• Oversee PPE supply, infection control rounds, biohazard disposal, and survey preparedness.
• Coordinate new hire orientation, mandatory in-services, annual competencies, remediation training, and EMR instruction
• Maintain accurate training and in-service records in compliance with NYSDOH requirements.
• Educate residents, families, and staff on infection prevention and safe care practices.
• Support nursing/facility leadership during audits, regulatory reviews, and emergency situations.
• Participate in disaster preparedness and assist in outbreak or pandemic response, including staff education and monitoring.
• May perform direct nursing care as needed to support facility operations.
• Ensure adherence to HIPAA, infection control, safety, and documentation standards.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduate of an approved school of nursing
• Current, valid New York State license as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) in good standing.
• Current Infection Control Certificate as required by NYS licensure.
• Qualified by education, training, experience, and/or certification to meet IP standards per NYS DOH and Federal/CMS guidelines.
• Completion of a specialized Infection Preventionist course (e.g., CDC Nursing Home IP Training, CBIC, APIC, ACHCA, CIC) required. CDC course must be completed within 1 month of hire if not already obtained.
  Leadership experience working with geriatric patients.
• Minimum four years of progressive nursing experience in a geriatric setting.
• At least two years of teaching experience in a nursing home or related environment (preferred).
• Experience in infection prevention is a plus.
• Must be physically present at assigned facilities weekly; travel between sites required.
• Increase presence during outbreaks or elevated infection rates.
• Stay current with infection prevention/control guidelines from national, state, and local authorities.
• Ability to teach adult learners, implement evidence-based infection control, and conduct staff training/competency audits.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and present data, including QAPI reporting.
• Knowledge of medical, social, and psychological needs of residents.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, time management, and documentation skills (paper and electronic).
• Flexible and able to work weekends or off-shifts as needed for infection control and education initiatives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; SigmaCare experience and MDS/PPS knowledge preferred.