Honoring Service and Excellence: Brandy O Totman, MS-IPE, BAS, BSN, RN, LTC-CIP, ASSE: Patient-Focused Registered Nurse, Long-Term Care Certified Infection Preventionist, and ASSE Certified Legionella Water Safety and Management Specialist

Leading Infection Prevention Efforts for Veterans at VA Puget Sound Health Care System

A dedicated champion for veteran health and safety, Brandy O. Totman, a decorated Army combat veteran, is making significant strides as an Infection Preventionist at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System – American Lake VA Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington. With an impressive array of qualifications, Brandy exemplifies patient-focused care and commitment to excellence in the nursing field.

In her current role, Brandy collaborates closely with healthcare providers and leadership to enhance practices and outcomes for veterans. Her contributions are vital to several committees, including Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Water Management, Construction Safety, Infection Prevention, Safety, and Antibiotic Stewardship Committees. Through these collaborations, she shares her extensive knowledge and expertise, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and enhanced care.

Brandy conducts thorough epidemiologic investigations to pinpoint causative agents and environmental factors that may lead to adverse health events among veterans. She is instrumental in developing and implementing infection control policies that align with best practices and regulatory standards. Her proactive approach ensures that the highest levels of safety and care are maintained for all patients.

In addition to her administrative responsibilities, Brandy is passionate about education and mentorship. She actively trains new employees, providing on-the-spot corrections and guidance during surveillance rounds. This hands-on approach is particularly crucial in areas such as hand hygiene and PPE usage, where adherence to protocols is essential for patient safety. 

Brandy performs weekly Environment of Care (EOC) rounds to identify and address compliance concerns in line with The Joint Commission (TJC) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) standards. Her leadership extends to construction site walk-throughs, where she reviews  Pre-Construction Risk Assessments (PCRA) and issues Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) permits. Her diligence in inspecting these sites ensures compliance with safety protocols, reinforcing her commitment to maintaining a safe environment for both veterans and staff.

In addition to overseeing water testing results and collaborating with the Water Safety Committee, Brandy is actively engaged in interdisciplinary team meetings. Here, she addresses infection prevention challenges and develops innovative strategies to overcome them. Her leadership in infection prevention initiatives and projects is vital to enhancing patient safety, as she regularly audits and inspects to ensure compliance with established standards.

Brandy’s educational journey reflects her dedication to her profession. Starting with a Diploma in Vocational/Practical Nursing from Vista College in 2015, she earned an Associate of Science in Registered Nursing from Excelsior University in 2019. She graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Martin’s University in 2020 and further advanced her expertise with a Master of Science Degree in Infection Prevention & Epidemiology at the University of Providence in 2023.

Brandy is an active member of several esteemed organizations, including the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), the Oregon & Southern Washington APIC Chapter-014, the Puget Sound Chapter-062, The Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living, and LeadingAge Washington. 

In her role as LTC Board Advisor with the APIC Puget Sound Chapter, Brandy offers expert guidance on infection prevention and control in long-term care settings. She works closely with board members to develop and implement effective infection control policies and actively participates in strategic planning initiatives. Brandy is currently presenting monthly educational calls, partnering with WA DOH, for Long-term care infection preventionists called Empower Hour. Brandy plays a pivotal role in analyzing infection data, identifying trends, and uncovering opportunities for improvement. With a strong commitment to advocating for best practices, she is dedicated to enhancing care and safety within the long-term care community.

Brandy O. Totman’s exemplary work serves as a beacon of hope and safety for veterans receiving care at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System. Her unwavering commitment to infection prevention and veteran care embodies the spirit of service that drives our healthcare community forward.

Learn More about Brandy O Totman:

Through her online profile, https://todaysnurse.org/nurse/4150529