Melinda Ward

Healthcare Quality | Infection Prevention | Regulatory Compliance | Clinical Operations

Talent

OberlinMember since June 22, 2026

Regulatory ComplianceCMS Conditions of ParticipationNHSN ReportingOccupational HealthInfection ControlInfection PreventionReportingData Entry SpecialistQuality Management

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Regulatory ComplianceCMS Conditions of ParticipationNHSN ReportingOccupational HealthInfection Control

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.