About this position
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
Compensation for Non-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.
- 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!
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.
PI377839e41556-38003-40066892
Location and commute
1100 S Pine Industrial Rd, Norfolk, NE 68701.
Plan your route with Google Maps. Travel times and transportation options vary; confirm the work location with the employer before commuting.
How to apply
Review the vacancy and complete the application on the employer or recruitment partner’s website. Requisition ID: WJ-3268333361.