Clinical Regulatory & Patient Safety Specialist

Location:  Salem Hospital, 665 Winter Street SE, Salem, Oregon 97301  
Department: Patient Safety & Accreditation
Position Type: Full Time, Exempt
Schedule: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday

Your role with us

Help shape a culture where patient safety, regulatory excellence and continuous improvement are at the heart of every decision. As a clinical regulatory & patient safety specialist, partner with physicians, leaders and frontline teams to strengthen compliance, guide accreditation readiness and drive initiatives that improve the quality and safety of care across the organization. Lead patient safety investigations, analyze trends, facilitate root cause analyses and transform findings into meaningful action plans that reduce risk and improve outcomes. Serve as a trusted consultant and educator by coaching leaders, supporting regulatory surveys, providing safety education and using data to identify opportunities for system-wide improvement. Collaborate across departments to optimize reporting systems, advance Lean initiatives and build sustainable processes that promote continuous readiness and organizational learning. This role offers the opportunity to influence clinical practice on a broad scale while helping create a safer environment for patients, caregivers and the community every day.

What you'll do

• Partner with physicians, clinic leaders and operational teams to strengthen regulatory compliance, accreditation readiness and patient safety across the organization.
• Monitor regulatory standards, interpret new requirements and provide guidance, education and support to ensure ongoing compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
• Coordinate regulatory surveys, manage survey activities and collaborate with leaders to develop corrective action plans and sustain continuous readiness.
• Serve as a patient safety consultant by coaching leaders, supporting safety initiatives and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Lead patient safety investigations, facilitate root cause analyses and develop action plans that reduce risk and improve patient outcomes.
• Analyze patient safety data and reporting trends to identify improvement opportunities, recommend solutions and monitor the effectiveness of implemented changes.
• Conduct Gemba rounds, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and build partnerships that advance patient safety and operational excellence.
• Prepare reports, presentations and regulatory submissions for organizational leaders, governing bodies and external agencies while ensuring timely and accurate documentation.
• Support the development and delivery of patient safety, regulatory and accreditation education for leaders, providers and staff.
• Optimize patient safety reporting systems, support Lean improvement initiatives and collaborate across departments to strengthen quality, compliance and organizational performance.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Current unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in the state of Oregon.

• Minimum of three years of recent acute care nursing experience required, or a minimum of two years of experience in quality, safety, or process improvement in the healthcare setting.

• Experience in data collection, analysis, and appropriate display.

Additional information

• Five years of acute clinical experience preferred.

• Knowledge and experience in Epic EHR and computer database systems preferred.

Why Salem Health?

Salem Health is a Top Workplace in Oregon, known for fostering a supportive culture where your contributions truly matter. As an award-winning, independent health care system, we serve our region through Salem Hospital, multiple community clinics and West Valley Hospital, ensuring broad access to high-quality care. 

We believe in empowering our teams. Through Lean principles, staff help drive innovation and solve real problems. We also invest in your growth with professional development, tuition assistance, and clear career pathways. At Salem Health, you’ll find more than a job, you’ll find purpose, connection, and room to thrive.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by law.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact my.recruiter@salemhealth.org.