Melinda Ward
Healthcare Quality | Infection Prevention | Regulatory Compliance | Clinical Operations
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About
Detail-oriented healthcare professional with 15+ years of clinical experience and 5+ years specializing in Infection Prevention, Employee Health, Quality Improvement, and regulatory compliance within a Critical Access Hospital environment. Experienced in managing healthcare surveillance programs, analyzing quality data, preparing regulatory reports, developing policies, conducting audits, and implementing evidence-based improvement initiatives. Skilled in CMS Conditions of Participation, CDC guidelines, OSHA requirements, NHSN reporting, MBQIP metrics, employee health programs, and cross-functional collaboration.
Proven ability to work independently, manage projects remotely, and translate complex healthcare requirements into practical workflows.
Experience
Infection Prevention & Employee Health Nurse at Decatur Health (Present)
- Manage hospital-wide Infection Prevention and Employee Health programs for Critical Access Hospital operations.
- Conduct surveillance, data collection, analysis, and reporting for NHSN, MBQIP, HQR, and regulatory quality initiatives.
- Monitor healthcare-associated infection trends and implement evidence-based improvement strategies.
- Develop and maintain policies, procedures, education materials, and compliance resources aligned with CDC, CMS, OSHA, KDHE, and CLIA standards.
- Perform internal audits including hand hygiene surveillance, PPE compliance, environmental safety reviews, and infection prevention practices.
- Coordinate employee health services including immunization programs, respiratory protection, N95 fit testing, exposure management, and occupational health documentation.
- Collaborate with nursing leadership, laboratory, providers, and administrative teams to improve quality outcomes.
- Create reports, dashboards, presentations, and educational resources to improve staff compliance.
- Manage multiple independent projects requiring organization, prioritization, and remote communication.
Education
Licensed Practical Nurse w/IV Therapy Certification
Leadership Certificate 2022
Currently studying to obtain a-IPC
