Hospital Hygiene Nurses play a critical role in protecting patient safety and preventing healthcare-associated infections within Department of National Defence medical facilities. Working alongside infection prevention and control teams, these registered nurses develop, implement, and monitor hygiene protocols and infection control measures across hospital departments. They conduct surveillance activities, investigate outbreaks, and provide education to healthcare staff and patients about best practices in infection prevention.
As a Hospital Hygiene Nurse, you will work in a dynamic healthcare environment where attention to detail and strong communication skills are essential. Your responsibilities include assessing compliance with hygiene standards, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, maintaining detailed documentation, and staying current with evolving infection control evidence and regulations. You may also participate in quality improvement initiatives and contribute to the development of policies that enhance patient outcomes and staff safety.
This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in military health services by ensuring safe, clean healthcare environments. You will work within a structured organization that values professional development and provides access to specialized training in infection prevention and control.
Key Responsibilities
Provide nursing services to clients and patients, Assess needs and develop treatment or service plans, Maintain accurate clinical and case records, Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver care
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify as a Hospital Hygiene Nurse with the Department of National Defence, you must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or equivalent from a recognized Canadian institution. You must be a registered nurse licensed to practice in Canada, with current registration or licensure in good standing with your provincial or territorial nursing regulatory body.
While not always mandatory at entry, many successful candidates possess or pursue certification in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) through organizations such as the Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPCC) or the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC). Once employed, the DND supports professional development through access to specialized IPC training programs, conferences, and continuing education opportunities. The federal government also offers tuition support and professional development leave for nurses seeking advanced certifications or specialized credentials in infection control and epidemiology.
Entry Plans
Positions for Hospital Hygiene Nurses in the DND Civilian Workforce are filled through competitive recruitment processes managed by the Public Service Commission. Entry typically occurs through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Job Bank and DND recruitment channels. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who meet the specified education and licensing requirements.
The DND may also recruit through staffing pools established from previous competitions, allowing qualified candidates to be appointed more quickly when vacancies arise. Nurses already employed in other federal health services positions may transition into Hospital Hygiene Nurse roles through internal competitions or lateral moves, provided they meet the functional requirements. Student or new graduate pathways may be available through DND recruitment initiatives designed to attract emerging nursing talent. Prospective candidates are encouraged to monitor the Government of Canada Job Bank regularly and visit the DND Civilian Careers website for current openings and competition notices.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements for Hospital Hygiene Nurses vary depending on the specific DND medical facility and operational requirements. Many positions offer opportunities to work flexible schedules within a standard work week, particularly for roles focused on infection prevention planning and policy development. Remote work options may be available for specific duties such as data analysis, report writing, and administrative tasks, though direct patient care and facility inspections typically require on-site presence.
The DND is committed to supporting work-life balance and accommodating diverse workforce needs. Nurses interested in part-time arrangements are encouraged to discuss options during the recruitment process or with their manager once employed. Telework and flexible hour possibilities may increase for candidates with specialized roles in infection surveillance or education. Benefits such as leave provisions, employee assistance programs, and flexible benefit plans are available to all employees, whether full-time or part-time.
