Infection Prevention Registered Nurse

Snoqualmie Valley Health • Snoqualmie, Washington, United States • 5h ago

Infection Prevention Registered Nurse

At Snoqualmie Valley Health, we’re not just in the business of healthcare; we’re in the business of empowering our community to live boldly and live well. Our commitment to excellence and innovation calls for team members who will build trust, obsess over excellence, lead innovation, and deepen connections within our community. We are guided by our core values, and we’re looking for someone who can embody those principles as part of our dynamic and growing team.

Located in a trailblazing, adventure-loving town at the base of the Cascades, Snoqualmie Valley Health is an independent public hospital district serving a vibrant community that thrives on both adventure and connection. This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Infection Prevention Registered Nurse is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of the hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control Program to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections and ensure a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.

This role collaborates with clinical and support departments to conduct surveillance, identify infection trends, educate staff, and implement evidence-based infection prevention practices in accordance with regulatory requirements.

This role supports the hospital’s mission and values by fostering trust, promoting excellence in patient safety, encouraging innovative approaches to infection prevention, and strengthening relationships with patients, families, and community partners.

Build Trust

The Infection Prevention Nurse demonstrates integrity, transparency, and compassion in all interactions by:

Promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and open communication regarding infection prevention practices.

Providing clear, accurate, and timely reporting of infection surveillance data to leadership and clinical teams.

Ensuring ethical and evidence-based infection prevention practices are consistently followed.

Supporting staff with guidance and education in a respectful and collaborative manner.

Obsess Over Excellence

The Infection Prevention Nurse supports continuous improvement and high standards by:

Monitoring and analyzing healthcare-associated infection (HAI) data to identify opportunities for improvement.

Ensuring compliance with infection prevention standards from regulatory and accrediting organizations.

Leading quality improvement initiatives aimed at reducing infection risk and improving patient outcomes.

Promoting adherence to best practices including hand hygiene, isolation precautions, and sterilization processes.

Lead Innovation

The Infection Prevention Nurse encourages creativity and forward-thinking approaches by:

Implement innovative strategies and evidence-based interventions to reduce infection risks.

Leveraging data and technology to enhance infection surveillance and reporting.

Adapting infection prevention strategies to meet evolving healthcare challenges, including emerging infectious diseases.

Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to develop new solutions that improve safety and efficiency.

Deepen Connections

The Infection Prevention Nurse strengthens relationships with patients, staff, and community partners by:

Educating patients, families, and staff about infection prevention practices.

Collaborating with public health agencies and community partners when managing infectious disease concerns.

Serving as a trusted resource for infection prevention guidance across all hospital departments.

Promoting teamwork and shared accountability in protecting patient and staff health.

Key Responsibilities

Infection Surveillance and Reporting

Conduct ongoing surveillance of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) using CDC and NHSN definitions.

Collect, analyze, and interpret infection data to identify trends or outbreaks.

Report required infection data to regulatory agencies and public health authorities as required.

Maintain accurate documentation and infection surveillance records.

Monitor sterilization and high-level disinfection processes.

Program Development and Compliance

Develop, implement, and evaluate the Infection Prevention and Control Program for the hospital and new Ambulatory Surgery Center

Ensure compliance with guidelines from CDC, CMS, OSHA, and accredited organizations.

Participate in regulatory surveys and audits related to infection prevention.

Review and update infection control policies and procedures.

Conduct infection risk assessments annually and update prevention strategies based on findings.

Education and Training

Provide infection prevention education to hospital staff, providers, and departments.

Support orientation and annual competency training on infection control practices.

Educate patients and families on infection prevention measures when appropriate.

Outbreak Investigation and Response

Investigate suspected infection clusters or outbreaks.

Implement appropriate control measures and coordinate response efforts.

Collaborate with public health agencies when necessary.

Quality Improvement

Partner with the Quality team on performance improvement initiatives.

Monitor compliance with infection prevention practices including hand hygiene, PPE use, and environmental cleaning.

Lead committees focused on infection prevention and patient safety.

Collaboration and Leadership

Serve as the subject matter expert for infection prevention practices within the organization.

Work collaboratively with clinical departments, laboratory services, environmental services, employee health, and pharmacy.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Preferred Education: Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Required Licensure: Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in Washington

Specialty Certification: Certification in Infection Control (CIC), if not currently certified, then must become certified within one year.

Required Experience:

Minimum of 2–3 years of clinical nursing experience.

Infection prevention experience.

Skills:

Knowledge of infection prevention principles and surveillance methodologies.

Familiarity with CDC guidelines and NHSN reporting.

Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.

Effective communication and education skills.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.

Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is primarily performed in a hospital clinical environment.

Exposure to infectious diseases and healthcare environments.

Flexibility to work extended hours as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple priorities.

May require occasional travel between facility locations.

OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

BENEFITS: We believe in taking care of those who take care of our community. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that puts your health and well-being first. With our flexible medical plan, you’ll have access to multiple

in-network tiers, including top-quality care from Snoqualmie Valley Health, Eastside Health, and First Choice/First Health providers. The best part? Anyone covered under our plan can receive care at SVH at no cost! It's all about giving you the options and support you need to experience life’s great adventures.