Infection Preventionist

Location: Salem Hospital, 890 Oak street SE, Salem, Oregon 97301

Department: Infection Prevention

Position Type: Full time, 40 hours/week

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Your role with us

An Infection Preventionist leads systematic surveillance and analysis of infection data to identify trends and prevent outbreaks, ensuring compliance with current regulations and evidence-based practices. They collaborate with clinical teams to implement and enforce infection control measures, provide education, and support outbreak management. Additionally, they serve as a liaison with public health officials and contribute to policy development and risk assessments to maintain a safe healthcare environment.

What you'll do

• Conducts ongoing surveillance and systematic review of infection data, laboratory findings, and clinical rounds to identify and analyze infection trends.
• Implements and enforces infection prevention and control measures, including evaluating practices like hand hygiene, isolation, and sterilization, and developing corrective plans.
• Collects, validates, and reports infection data accurately, contributing to databases such as NHSN and generating reports for internal stakeholders.
• Assists in managing infection outbreaks and collaborates with medical staff and public health officials during epidemics and emergency preparedness activities.
• Provides education and consultation to healthcare staff on infection prevention best practices during rounds and through formal training programs.
• Performs infection control risk assessments for construction and remodeling projects to minimize infection risks and ensures compliance with mitigation strategies.
• Keeps current with professional guidelines, regulations, and evidence-based practices to continuously improve infection prevention efforts.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or Bachelor's of Science in clinical laboratory science required.
• Current Oregon Registered Nurse license or ASCP if Medical Lab Scientist required.
• Certified in Infection Control for RN required.
• 3 years acute care RN or MT.

Additional Information

• Previous experience in infection preventionist preferred.
• Working knowledge of microbiology and epidemiology preferred.

Why Salem Health?

Salem Health is a Top Workplace in Oregon, known for fostering a supportive culture where your contributions truly matter. As an award-winning, independent health care system, we serve our region through Salem Hospital, multiple community clinics and West Valley Hospital, ensuring broad access to high-quality care.

We believe in empowering our teams. Through Lean principles, staff help drive innovation and solve real problems. We also invest in your growth with professional development, tuition assistance, and clear career pathways. At Salem Health, you'll find more than a job, you'll find purpose, connection, and room to thrive.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by law.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact my.recruiter@salemhealth.org.