RN - Infection Prevention
Job Description
This position comes with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, a 403(b) retirement plan, and a generous Earned Time Off (ETO) program.
ST. CHARLES HEALTH SYSTEM
JOB DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Infection Prevention Nurse
REPORTS TO POSITION: Infection Prevention Manager
REPORTS TO: Quality Management Director
DEPARTMENT: Infection Prevention
DATE LAST REVIEWED: June 19th 2026
OUR VISION: Creating America’s healthiest community, together
OUR MISSION: In the spirit of love and compassion, better health, better care, better value
OUR VALUES: Accountability, Caring and Teamwork
DEPARTMENTAL SUMMARY:
Infection Prevention supports St. Charles Health System by establishing policies, guidelines and education to prevent healthcare-associated infections in patients, visitors, and caregivers, using a multi-disciplinary approach. This is Infection Prevention complies with regulatory reporting to the State of Oregon and CMS and other agencies.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Infection Prevention Nurse is responsible for the day-to-day activities of surveillance, prevention and control of infections. Responsibilities will include facilitating development of infection prevention related policies, procedures and educational programs to comply with local, state, federal, Joint Commission and CDC regulations and guidelines. Duties will also include developing and monitoring activities related to continuous quality assessment and improvement; serving as a facilitator, educator, and resource for the organization relating to evidence-based practice infection prevention. This position does not directly manage any other caregivers.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:
Institute infection prevention measures to protect patients, caregivers, and visitors from suspected risks
Assist in collection, analyzing and presentation of data
Serves as a system wide Infection Prevention consultant
Provides immunizations to caregivers, volunteers, and licensed independent practitioners in collaboration with Caregiver Health
Investigates caregivers following exposure to infectious diseases or organisms and provides pertinent information to Caregiver Health to aid in their part of exposure follow up and prophylaxis, as needed. Consults with the Director of Infection Prevention/Caregiver Health and the Infectious Diseases Medical Director. Accesses and reviews patient records in EMR system for chart review, lab results and to monitor follow up.
May investigate and track caregivers following exposure to blood and body fluids by providing appropriate follow-up care, including HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C testing and treatment counseling in collaboration with Caregiver Health..
Work in conjunction with Safety Director as it relates to monitoring the environment of care and performing infection prevention duties
Develop and maintain open lines of communications with all departments and medical staff
Educates individuals about infection risk, prevention and control
Supports the vision, mission and values of the organization in all respects.
Supports Value Improvement Practice (VIP- Lean) principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change.
Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients and guests.
Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality. Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures, supporting the organization’s corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violation of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all organizational investigations and proceedings.
Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient and accurate.
May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned.
Participates in creating a healing environment that supports all aspects of the care environment and the wholeness of each individual, patient and caregiver.
Participates in creating intentional relationships and demonstrates focus attitudes and behaviors that enhance the care experience.
Provides a therapeutic presence in service to others by purposefully responding to the needs of patients in a caring way, including introducing oneself and explaining role in patient’s care, asking the patient his or her preferred name, sitting with the patient to determine his or her care goals, active listening, and communicating effectively and appropriately through touch, eye contact, etc.
Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients and guests
Documents all patient care with proficiency in compliance with hospital policies and regulatory agencies
Calculates dosages and administers medications accurately in accordance with the organization’s policies and procedures for medication administration.
EDUCATION:
Required: As required by RN licensure
Preferred: Bachelor’s degree
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION:
Required: Current Oregon RN license. Valid Oregon driver's license and ability to meet St. Charles Health System driving requirements.
Preferred: Certified in Infection Control (CIC) (Must be willing to obtain CIC certification when eligible)
EXPERIENCE:
Required: Minimum of 5 years of recent hospital nursing experience.
Preferred: Two years of recent experience in Infection Prevention
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:
Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to perform the job safely.
ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION:
Knowledge and experience with the standards of practice for Infection Prevention from APIC, Joint Commission, and other regulating bodies, or be willing to attain the knowledge through various resources. Recent infection prevention and control experience preferred. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively with all personnel; experience in adult education, and computer literacy required.
Skills:
Must have excellent communication skills and ability to interact with a diverse population and professionally represent St. Charles Health System.
Ability to effectively interact and communicate with all levels within St. Charles Health System and external customers/clients/potential employees
Strong team working and collaborative skills
Ability to multi-task and work independently
Attention to detail
Excellent organizational skills, written and oral communication and customer service skills, particularly in dealing with stressful personal interactions
Strong analytical, problem solving and decision making skills Demonstrated ability and experience in computer applications, use of electronic medical record keeping systems and Microsoft Office
Position Specific:
Intermediate math skills in order to calculate statistical infection data reports and run charts
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Continually (75% or more): Standing, walking, keyboard operation, use of clear and audible speaking voice and the ability to hear normal speech level.
Frequently (50%): Sitting, lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling 1-25 pounds. Operation of motor vehicle for Home Health and Wound Caregivers
Occasionally (25%): Bending, stooping/kneeling/crouching, Climbing ladder/step-stool* (*varies by area), reaching overhead, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 25-50 pounds, grasping/squeezing, whispered speech level
Rarely (10%): Climbing stairs
Never (0%): operation of motor vehicle
Exposure to Elemental Factors
Rarely (10%): Wet/Slippery Area, chemical solution
Never (0%): Heat, cold, noise, dust, vibration, uneven surface.
Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure Category
Risk for Exposure to BBP
Schedule Weekly Hours:
40Caregiver Type:
RegularShift:
First Shift (United States of America)Is Exempt Position?
YesJob Family:
NON CONTRACT RN SPECIALISTScheduled Days of the Week:
Monday-FridayShift Start & End Time:
9 am to 5 pm with occasional work outside core hours