SARAH PACHAL
North Bend
Summary
Dynamic Infection Preventionist with extensive experience at in Critical Access and Acute Care settings. Adept at developing infection control protocols and conducting risk assessments. Proven ability to enhance patient safety through effective training and communication. Skilled in regulatory compliance and outbreak management, successfully reducing infection rates while fostering a culture of safety among staff.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Server
Back Alley Pub & Grill
12.2023 - Current
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
Infection Preventionist
Coquille Valley Hospital
10.2022 - 12.2023
- Oversee infection prevention and control protocols to provide a safe environment for staff, patients, and visitors, aiming to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
- Collaborate with leadership to develop, implement, and evaluate annual infection prevention goals, policies, and procedures.
- Conduct outbreak investigations and manage COVID-19 pandemic response strategies.
- Assess the need for, develop, and deliver education for departments, general orientation, and annual reviews on the Infection Control Program.
- Perform risk assessments and serve on the safety committee, communicating effectively with organization leaders on quality and safety concerns.
- Stay up-to-date with federal, state, and local regulations and ensure compliance with infection control, safety, and OSHA standards.
Infection Preventionist
Bay Area Hospital
05.2018 - 10.2022
- Provided comprehensive training for staff on proper hand hygiene, personal protective equipment usage, and other infection control practices to minimize risks.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for effective infection prevention strategies and policy development.
- Facilitated ongoing risk assessments for healthcare-associated infections by identifying potential vulnerabilities in current practices or systems and recommending strategies to address these concerns.
- Developed targeted educational materials to raise awareness among patients, families, and visitors about the importance of infection prevention measures.
- Identified risks proactively, preparing teams for likely infections based on seasonal changes or current epidemiological trends.
- Gathered and submitted data to regulatory agencies for mandatory report infections such as [Type].
- Investigated outbreaks and revamped control measures to prevent future incidents.
- Supported quality improvement initiatives by analyzing data trends over time to identify areas for potential enhancements in infection prevention efforts.
- Evaluated hospital-onset and healthcare-acquired infections by conducting root cause analysis.
- Assisted with regulatory compliance efforts by conducting audits, addressing deficiencies, and providing guidance on necessary improvements related to infection control standards.
- Enhanced patient safety through rigorous monitoring and evaluation of infection control measures.
- Assisted in the management of infectious disease emergencies by providing guidance on isolation precautions, containment measures, and appropriate response actions.
- Developed and improved infection control procedures.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the organization by consistently emphasizing the importance of adhering to established protocols for preventing infections among staff members at all levels.
- Reviewed relevant literature to stay current on emerging trends and advances in the field of infection prevention, incorporating findings into daily practice when appropriate.
- Reduced infection rates by implementing evidence-based practices and guidelines in the healthcare facility.
- Developed strong working relationships with public health officials to ensure timely notification of reportable communicable diseases within the community.
Lead Hematology Medical Laboratory Technician
Bay Area Hospital
01.2012 - 04.2018
- Conducted complex diagnostic tests on clinical specimens, ensuring accuracy and reliability in results.
- Recorded control values from instruments to verify test result validity.
- Trained and oriented new technicians on laboratory instrumentation and workflow.
- Developed policies and procedures for blood, body fluid, and tissue examinations.
- Worked closely with pathologists to identify disease states and monitor patient outcomes.
Education
Master of Science - Forensic Science
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ04-2025
Bachelor of Science - Medical Laboratory Science
Oregon Health Sciences University/Oregon Institute
Portland, Or12-2011
Master of Science - Bioilogy
Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, OR01-2009
Skills
- Infection Control & Prevention: Infection surveillance, outbreak management, infection risk assessments, development of infection control protocols
- Medical Laboratory Techniques: Hematology, blood analysis, microbiology, diagnostic testing, quality control in lab settings
- Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of CDC, OSHA, and state/local health regulations, adherence to infection control and safety guidelines
- Staff Training & Education: Development of training materials, delivery of educational sessions, staff orientation and annual training on infection control practices
- Communication: Effective written and verbal communication skills with diverse teams, leadership, and external stakeholders
- Risk Management: Risk assessments, hazard identification, developing and implementing safety strategies
- COVID-19 Response: Experience in pandemic response, ensuring staff safety, infection prevention measures, and patient care during outbreaks
- Policy & Procedure Development: Creation of policies related to infection prevention, laboratory practices, and safety procedures
Certification
- Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology License (CBIC)
- Medical Laboratory Scientist (ASCP)
Timeline
Server
Back Alley Pub & Grill
12.2023 - Current
Infection Preventionist
Coquille Valley Hospital
10.2022 - 12.2023
Infection Preventionist
Bay Area Hospital
05.2018 - 10.2022
Lead Hematology Medical Laboratory Technician
Bay Area Hospital
01.2012 - 04.2018
Master of Science - Forensic Science
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Science - Medical Laboratory Science
Oregon Health Sciences University/Oregon Institute
Master of Science - Bioilogy
Oregon Institute of Technology
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