Infection Prevention & Safety Officer in Norfolk, Nebraska at Cherry County Hospital

Job Title: Infection Prevention & Safety Officer
Position: Full-time, Exempt
Location: Cherry County Hospital in Valentine, NE

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Infection Prevention & Safety Officer to lead and maintain hospital-wide programs related to infection prevention, workplace safety, and emergency preparedness. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with CMS Critical Access Hospital (CAH) Conditions of Participation, state regulations, and accreditation standards.

In our Critical Access Hospital environment, this position works collaboratively across departments and serves as a key resource for staff, leadership, and providers in promoting a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

• Coordinate and maintain the hospital-wide Safety Management Program
• Conduct environmental safety rounds and hazard assessments
• Investigate safety events, staff injuries, and hazardous conditions
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and workplace safety standards
• Oversee hazardous materials and waste management programs
• Collaborate with Facilities and leadership regarding life safety and environment of care concerns

• Coordinate the Infection Prevention & Control Program in accordance with CDC and CMS CAH requirements
• Conduct surveillance, investigation, and reporting of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)
• Monitor infection prevention practices including hand hygiene, isolation precautions, and sterilization processes
• Provide education to staff, patients, providers, and visitors
• Support antibiotic stewardship and exposure management activities

• Coordinate the Emergency Preparedness Program and Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
• Conduct required emergency drills and exercises
• Complete and update the annual Hazard Vulnerability Analysis (HVA)
• Participate in after-action reviews and implement improvement plans
• Provide emergency preparedness training and education

• Maintain compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements
• Prepare for regulatory surveys, inspections, and audits
• Track, trend, and report safety and infection prevention data
• Provide new hire and ongoing staff education
• Participate in Safety, Infection Control, and Emergency Preparedness Committees
• Collaborate with Nursing, Quality, Medical Staff, Facilities, and Administration on risk reduction and performance improvement initiatives

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare, Public Health, Safety, or related field required
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in healthcare safety, infection prevention, quality, or risk management preferred
• Critical Access Hospital or rural healthcare experience preferred
• Relevant certification such as CIC, CHSP, CEPS, or similar credential preferred

• Knowledge of CMS CAH Conditions of Participation, CDC guidelines, and OSHA regulations
• Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced healthcare setting
• Strong investigative and documentation abilities
• Commitment to professionalism, collaboration, and continuous learning

• Ability to walk throughout hospital and clinical areas
• Ability to lift or move up to 15 pounds
• May involve exposure to hazardous materials or bodily fluids
• Must be available to respond to urgent safety or emergency situations outside normal business hours

Join a collaborative healthcare team committed to providing safe, high-quality care to our community. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient safety, staff well-being, and regulatory excellence in a rural healthcare environment.

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, healthcare, public health, safety, or related field required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in healthcare safety, infection prevention, quality, or risk management preferred.
• Experience in a Critical Access Hospital or rural healthcare environment preferred.
• Health and safety–related certification (e.g., CIC, CHSP, CEPS, or other relevant credential) preferred.