Infection Prevention Nurse & Safety Officer*Cherry County Hospital and Clinic

Description

Location: Cherry County Hospital in Valentine, NE

Job Title: Infection Prevention Nurse & Safety Officer
Position: Full-time/ Salary

Compensation for RN: Competitive wage based on experience

Benefit Eligible: Yes

Clinical Experience Required

Are you an experienced healthcare professional passionate about patient safety, infection prevention, and creating a safe environment for patients, employees, and visitors? We are looking for an Infection Prevention & Safety Officer to lead and coordinate our hospital-wide safety, infection prevention, and emergency preparedness programs.

This is an important, hands-on role within our Critical Access Hospital, working closely with nursing, medical providers, department leaders, and administration to promote a culture of safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.

Clinical healthcare experience and experience in a Critical Access Hospital or rural healthcare setting are required.

Key Responsibilities

Infection Prevention & Control

• Coordinate and oversee the hospital-wide Infection Prevention and Control Program.
• Monitor, investigate, and report healthcare-associated infections and communicable diseases.
• Conduct surveillance and ensure compliance with CDC guidelines and CMS requirements.
• Monitor hand hygiene, isolation precautions, cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization practices.
• Provide infection prevention education to staff, providers, patients, and visitors.
• Support antibiotic stewardship and employee exposure management.

Safety & Environment of Care

• Lead and maintain the hospital-wide Safety Management Program.
• Conduct safety rounds, environmental assessments, and hazard investigations.
• Investigate safety events, near misses, and employee injuries.
• Monitor OSHA compliance, hazardous materials, waste management, and workplace safety.
• Collaborate with Facilities and department leaders to address safety and life safety concerns.

Emergency Preparedness

• Coordinate the hospital's Emergency Preparedness Program and Emergency Operations Plan.
• Develop, conduct, and document emergency drills and exercises.
• Maintain the annual Hazard Vulnerability Analysis (HVA).
• Coordinate emergency preparedness education and after-action improvement plans.

Regulatory Compliance & Education

• Maintain compliance with CMS Critical Access Hospital Conditions of Participation, state regulations, and applicable accreditation standards.
• Maintain required policies, documentation, risk assessments, and program evaluations.
• Prepare for regulatory surveys, inspections, and audits.
• Provide new hire and ongoing staff education.
• Participate in hospital committees and collaborate with leadership on quality and performance improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Nursing.
• Clinical healthcare experience required.
• Experience working in a Critical Access Hospital or rural healthcare setting required.
• Strong understanding of clinical operations, patient safety, and infection prevention practices.
• Excellent communication, organizational, investigative, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Ability to manage multiple programs and priorities in a hands-on healthcare environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least two years of experience in healthcare safety, infection prevention, quality, or risk management.
• Infection prevention or healthcare safety certification, such as CIC, CHSP, CEPS, or another relevant credential.
• Knowledge of CMS CAH Conditions of Participation, CDC infection prevention guidelines, OSHA regulations, and HIPAA requirements.

Working Conditions

• Work throughout all areas of the hospital, including clinical and mechanical spaces.
• Ability to lift or move up to 15 pounds.
• Potential exposure to hazardous materials and bodily fluids.
• Availability to respond to emergencies or urgent safety concerns outside normal business hours.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Health Insurance: Co-pay or HSA plan options – 100% employee premium paid
• Dental Insurance: 100% employee premium paid
• Vision Insurance: 100% employee premium paid
• $50,000 Group Life Insurance with AD&D
• Long-Term Disability: 100% employee premium paid
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
• Optional Supplemental Benefits: Short-Term Disability, Supplemental Life & AD&D, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Accident Insurance
• Retirement Plan: 457 Plan with Pre-Tax and Roth contribution options

Why Join Our Team?

This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across the entire hospital. As a key resource for staff, providers, and leadership, you will help strengthen patient safety, support our clinical teams, and ensure a safe and prepared healthcare environment.

If you have a clinical background, understand the unique needs of rural healthcare, and are passionate about making a difference, we encourage you to apply!

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Nursing.
• Clinical healthcare experience required.
• Experience working in a Critical Access Hospital or rural healthcare setting required.
• Strong understanding of clinical operations, patient safety, and infection prevention practices.
• Excellent communication, organizational, investigative, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Ability to manage multiple programs and priorities in a hands-on healthcare environment.