Infection Control Nurse (LVN) - Full-Time
Gateway Post Acute - Porterville, CA.
Salary: $70, 000 - $71, 000 annually (DOE)

Gateway Post Acute is seeking a knowledgeable and detail-oriented Infection Control Nurse (LVN) to lead and oversee our infection prevention and control program. This role is critical in ensuring the health and safety of our residents and staff while maintaining compliance with all regulatory standards.
General Purpose

The primary purpose of this position is to plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, coordinate, and direct the facility's Infection Control Program in accordance with current federal, state, and local regulations, as well as CDC and OSHA guidelines, to ensure the highest level of resident care and safety.
Essential Duties

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position; however, this does not imply that these are the only duties you will be required to perform.
Administrative Functions

• Develop, implement, and manage the facility's Infection Control Program.
• Ensure compliance with CDC, OSHA, and local infection control regulations and guidelines.
• Monitor infection control practices and ensure adherence to standard/universal precautions.
• Conduct routine rounds to evaluate infection control practices, environmental sanitation, and isolation procedures.
• Review and analyze laboratory reports related to infectious diseases and collaborate with the Director of Nursing on care planning.
• Maintain infection control logs, reports, and surveillance data.
• Prepare monthly infection control reports and summaries for leadership review.
• Report communicable diseases to local and state health departments as required.
• Maintain infection control reference materials and policies.

Committee Functions

• Participate in and support Infection Control Committee meetings and initiatives.
• Assist in evaluating and updating infection control policies and procedures.
• Provide reports and recommendations regarding infection trends and prevention strategies.

Personnel Functions

• Educate and train staff on infection control practices, including hand hygiene, PPE use, and bloodborne pathogen standards.
• Assist with employee health programs, including TB testing, exposure tracking, and vaccination education.
• Provide guidance and counseling to staff on infection prevention and exposure incidents.
• Promote compliance with infection control policies across all departments.

Nursing Care & Consultation

• Ensure proper isolation precautions are implemented and maintained.
• Support nursing staff in infection prevention practices and procedures.
• Assist with obtaining cultures and providing direct nursing care as needed.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care for residents with infectious conditions.
• Educate residents and families on infection control practices when appropriate.

Staff Development

• Develop and conduct infection control in-service training programs.
• Support orientation of new staff regarding infection control protocols.
• Assist with OSHA and CDC training requirements.

Safety & Equipment

• Monitor sterilization, decontamination, and infection prevention processes.
• Ensure proper handling and disposal of infectious waste and contaminated materials.
• Maintain appropriate levels of PPE and infection control supplies.
• Assist with preventive maintenance of equipment related to infection control.

Supervisory Requirements

The Infection Control Nurse is delegated the authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out assigned duties and reports directly to the Director of Nursing Services.
Qualifications
Education and/or Experience

• Current, active LVN license in the state of California in good standing.
• Minimum of 2 years of nursing experience, preferably in a skilled nursing facility.
• Working knowledge of infection control practices, epidemiology, microbiology, and aseptic techniques.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Current CPR certification required.
• APIC Certification in Infection Control preferred, but not required.
• Experience with PointClickCare (PCC) preferred.
• Must maintain all required continuing education and licensure.

Language Skills

• Ability to read, interpret, and apply technical procedures and regulatory guidelines.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to educate and train staff effectively.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to apply concepts such as percentages, ratios, and data tracking for infection control reporting.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and implement corrective actions.
• Ability to solve complex problems and interpret detailed instructions.

Physical Demands

• Ability to move throughout the facility and stand/walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to perform duties that may involve exposure to blood/body fluids.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations, including resident evacuation if necessary.

Work Environment

The work environment is a healthcare setting with a low to moderate noise level. Exposure to infectious materials may occur. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Additional Information

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Gateway Post Acute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.