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Hand Hygiene Observer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

SSM Health

Nurse Extern

Madison, WI · On-site

... direct observation. * Creates a positive patient experience by assisting patients with their ... personal and oral hygiene and making occupied and unoccupied beds as measured by patient ...

All JobsHand Hygiene Observer JobsHand Hygiene Observer Jobs in Madison, WI

Hand Hygiene Observer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$11.1K

$89.9K

$251.9K

How much do hand hygiene observer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for hand hygiene observer in Madison, WI is $89,884.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,400.00 and $73,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hand hygiene observer?

Hand Hygiene Observers are individuals trained to monitor and assess hand hygiene practices within healthcare or other settings. Their main responsibility is to observe whether staff, patients, and visitors are following proper hand washing or sanitizing protocols to prevent the spread of infections. Observers often collect data, provide feedback, and help implement strategies to improve hand hygiene compliance. This role is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy environment, especially in hospitals or clinics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hand hygiene observer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hand Hygiene Observer, you need a keen attention to detail, a basic understanding of infection control practices, and familiarity with healthcare environments, often supported by relevant training. Experience with data collection tools, observation checklists, and sometimes knowledge of electronic reporting systems is typically required. Strong communication skills, discretion, and the ability to provide constructive feedback help an observer collaborate effectively with staff while maintaining professionalism. These competencies ensure accurate monitoring and reporting, which are critical for promoting patient safety and reducing healthcare-associated infections.

What are typical challenges faced by hand hygiene observers, and how can they be overcome?

Hand Hygiene Observers often encounter challenges such as staff members altering their behavior during observations or experiencing resistance when providing feedback. To overcome these issues, it's important to maintain a discreet and non-intrusive presence, build rapport with staff, and ensure that feedback is delivered constructively and supportively. Consistent communication and education about the importance of hand hygiene can also help foster a culture of compliance and continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Hand Hygiene Observer vs Hand Hygiene Auditor?

AspectHand Hygiene ObserverHand Hygiene Auditor
CertificationsMay require basic healthcare or infection control trainingOften requires additional certifications in infection prevention or quality assurance
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilitiesHealthcare settings, quality assurance departments, compliance teams
Primary FocusMonitoring hand hygiene compliance in real-timeAuditing and analyzing hand hygiene practices periodically

Both roles focus on improving hand hygiene practices in healthcare settings. The Hand Hygiene Observer primarily monitors compliance in real-time, while the Hand Hygiene Auditor conducts periodic reviews and assessments to ensure adherence to protocols. Understanding these differences helps healthcare facilities assign appropriate staff to maintain infection control standards effectively.

What are popular job titles related to Hand Hygiene Observer jobs in Madison, WI?

For Hand Hygiene Observer jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hand Hygiene Observer jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Hand Hygiene Observer jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Hand Hygiene Observer jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Hand Hygiene Observer job openings:

Hand Hygiene Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hand Hygiene Observer job openings in Madison, WI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,884 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Nurse Extern

Madison, WI • On-site

SSM Health

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 551 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

499th of 895 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Recommended by parents

Learn more about SSM Healthexternal

Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

It's more than a career, it's a calling.
WI-SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Madison
Worker Type:
PRN
Job Summary:
Under supervision and in collaboration with other health care professionals, assists in performing a variety of nursing care services for patients. This is a transitional role for nursing students enrolled in an accredited school of nursing who have an interest in pursuing an RN position with SSM upon completion of their RN program.
Job Responsibilities and Requirements:
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Completes patient care tasks based on skills deemed competent in nursing school under direction of RN.
  • Contributes to overall quality and safe care for patients by answering patients' calls for help, taking their vital signs, and monitoring their behavior and physical condition for progress or deterioration as measured by patient satisfaction, quality audits, direct observation.
  • Creates a positive patient experience by assisting patients with their activities of daily living including assisting with baths, ambulating, feeding, skin care, personal and oral hygiene and making occupied and unoccupied beds as measured by patient satisfaction quality audits and direct observation.
  • Contributes to quality care and safety by assisting and performing procedures such as performing dressing changes, enemas, ostomy care, toileting, turning, cough and deep breathing, catheter care, collection of biological specimens, measuring and recording intake and output of fluids.
  • Contributes to exceptional patient satisfaction by establishing a compassionate environment, timely responses to patients' needs, open communication and providing emotional and psychological support.
  • Contributes to safety and quality care by relaying information via charting and communicating to team members.
  • Contributes to achievement of exceptional health care by functioning as a member of the team as measured by active participation in department initiatives, unit meetings, committees and special projects.
  • Informs licensed nurse of any changes in patient condition/needs, of patient complaints, and of patient/significant other educational needs.
  • Prepares patients for discharge and accompanies them upon dismissal as indicated.
  • Stocks and maintains supplies and equipment in keeping with patient care needs and cost containment. Utilizes time and supplies economically and conscientiously.
  • Orients new patients and significant others to the nursing unit.
  • Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION
  • Current enrollment in an accredited school of nursing and completion of first clinical rotation, or no more than 90-days post conferral date

EXPERIENCE
  • No experience required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Constant standing and walking.
  • Frequent use of hearing and speech to share information through oral communication.
  • Frequent use of hearing to distinguish body sounds and/or hear alarms, malfunctioning machinery, etc.
  • Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0-25 lbs.
  • Frequent reaching, gripping, and keyboard use/data entry.
  • Frequent use of vision for distances near (20 inches or less) and far (20 feet or more) and to identify and distinguish colors.
  • Occasional bending, stooping, crawling, kneeling, sitting, squatting and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements.
  • Occasional use of vision to judge distances and spatial relationships.
  • Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25-50 lbs.
  • Occasional lifting/moving patients.
  • Occasional use of smell to detect/recognize odors.
  • Occasional driving.

REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS
State of Work Location: Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Wisconsin
  • Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)

Work Shift:
Rotating Shift (United States of America)
Job Type:
Employee
Department:
1002000007 Surgical Care (4SW)
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
0
Benefits:
SSM Health values our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs.
  • Paid Parental Leave: we offer eligible team members one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE).
  • Flexible Payment Options: our voluntary benefit offered through DailyPay offers eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday.
  • Upfront Tuition Coverage: we provide upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members.

Explore All Benefits
SSM Health is an equal opportunity employer. SSM Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Click here to learn more.

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