DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' SERVICES

For Veterans and those who care for them.

QUALITY ASSURANCE NURSE

Job Location:

Address:

Arizona State Veterans' Home - Flagstaff
2100 North Gemini Road
Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Posting Details:

Salary: $70,400 - $74,800 (DOE) 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: Open Until Filled 

Job Summary:

The Quality Assurance Nurse is responsible for coordinating a structured Quality Assurance (QA program that meets all federal and state regulatory requirements. The program is multi-disciplinary, multi-level, and facility-wide and involves all essential departments in a process of evaluating, correcting and managing systems that affect the quality of care provided within the skilled nursing facility. The QA Nurse ensures that the facility's practices meet or exceed an expected standard of quality by utilizing the principles of continuous quality improvement. The candidate also provides education for staff at all levels to improve regulatory compliance and systems and to better meet the needs of our Veterans/Members.

They learn, implement, and monitor Arizona Management System (AMS) methods and utilize AMS concepts and tools for problem solving and continuous work/process improvements and efficiencies. They are actively involved in AMS processes such as huddle boards, problem solving, job breakdown sheets, success tracking, and standardized work. They incorporate a cultural focus on Veteran/Member-centered care in the performance of job duties.

Job Duties:

As the Quality Assurance Nurse you will:

• Draft policies and procedures pertaining to quality assurance using guidelines such as nursing home regulations, facility practices, evidenced-based practice, complaints, audits, observation and other informational sources
• Gather and analyze data through audits, interviews and other activities to monitor compliance of all disciplines, departments and services with applicable policies and procedures, standards and regulations
• Review monthly CASPER (Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reporting) report and develop Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) based PIPs (performance improvement plans)
• Prepares, distributes, and interprets reports, statistical analyses, data summaries and other written information to facility staff pertaining to the activities of QAPI
• Assist supervisors /managers in developing and implementing corrective action plans
• Ensure that the facility meets state, federal, and VA regulations and that they are consistent with the facility’s practices
• Investigate all incidents of non-compliance and works with the Administrator in investigating allegations of abuse, neglect, and mistreatment of residents
• Coordinate facility preparations for surveys
• Monitor and report on facility’s plans for correcting deficiencies identified by surveying agencies. Ensures that facility works to meet state, Federal and VA regulations
• Chair and coordinate internal Quality Assurance Committee and the Infection Control Committee meetings
• Identify training needs and develop and implement educational programs for staff and other areas related to quality assurance and compliance education
• Maintain records to document training and compliance with regulations
• Participate in special projects assigned by Administrator. Assumes staff assignments when necessary
• Maintain current antibiotic listing by unit for daily review with IDT
• Confirm appropriate and effective use of antibiotics per diagnostic test results and coordinate with nursing administration and physicians as needed
• Maintain weekly tracking and trending of infections per individual units and determine need for staff education. Coordinate with Director of Nursing for in-services
• Conduct infection control surveillance daily rounds to confirm compliance with individual care plans for residents with infections
• Prepare monthly summary utilizing weekly tracking, trending, and facility mapping for QAPI committee
• Keep abreast of any current information and attend educational opportunities to assist in role such as provided by CMS and CDC
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of: