Quality Improvement Spec - RN - Nursing Administration - Full Time

Position Summary:

The Quality Improvement Specialist-Registered Nurse (QIS-RN) supports the administration of The Guthrie Clinic's Nursing Quality Programs, supporting its quality-of-care improvements and patient safety activities, the QIS-RN serves as a facilitator, advisor and advocate to patients, providers, and the community. In supporting TGC's quality of care improvement activities, the position provides support through the coordination of collection, compilation, and aggregation of data. This position also provides project management services for the implementation and training of new systems, mining of new and existing systems and processes for actionable data, environment of care & infection prevention floor audits,  and acting where appropriate. 

This position directly reports to RPH VP/Chief Nursing Officer

Education, License & Cert:

A Bachelors' Degree in Nursing is required.

Healthcare experience preferred, Project Management, Process/Performance Improvement, Health Implementation, Data Analytics, Systems Science, or the like.

Master's degree preferred.

A Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) preferred; the CPHQ must be obtained within 3 years of employment. (Required)

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated Project Management, Analytical, Customer Service, Computer, Audit Function, Organization, Communication and Data Analysis skills
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in project management, quality, process/performance improvement or in a healthcare setting preferred.
• Demonstrated execution of quality improvement projects specifically relevant to improvements that addressed quality of care concerns. 
• Knowledge of applicable healthcare quality, patient safety, lean/six sigma, project management, information systems, change management or statistical methods preferred.

Essential Functions:

1. Maintain understanding of current best practice associated with improvements of quality and patient safety systems/processes. Use of information to appropriately assess gaps between current state and best practice. Recommend changes and revisions to any processes that impact quality and patient safety.
2. Ability to facilitate and lead change initiatives and remain consistent/within scope of job function and duties. Performs all job responsibilities in alignment with the core values, mission and vision of the organization. Provides resources and skills required to improve performance within the organization.
3. Routinely evaluates indicators and reports to appropriate stakeholders to ensure continuous improvement. Develops and/or directs ongoing performance improvement initiatives while coordinating and standardizing practices.
4. Perform observational audits and medical record analysis as needed as part of the quality audit function.
5. Use verbal and written communication skills to establish and maintain effective relationships, facilitate multi‐disciplinary teams, and produce written and/or verbal reports. Use knowledge of team process and collaboration to increase effectiveness of workgroups and committees. Develop strong team relationships with staff members in similar roles.
6. Maintain thorough understanding of the requirements associated with regulatory, quality reporting, and national quality standards/strategies. Responsible for the interpretation of quality standards and staying current with evolving quality reporting requirements (VBP, MIPS, Regulatory, Laws, etc.)
7. Apply knowledge in quality improvement methodology to identify, lead, and consult with others for improvement projects and ongoing initiatives. Use a variety of tools and methodologies appropriately to achieve results in improving care and services, including PDSA.
8. Actively involve other departments, including but not limited to Nursing, Imaging, Pharmacy, Patient Safety, Clinical Data Informatics, Clinical Systems, Case Management, Regulatory Compliance, Population Health, Value Based Reimbursement, Policy Management, Clinical Service Departments and other clinical leaders to lead, develop, and implement quality improvement projects that support quality initiatives and quality concerns.
9. Assist in the coordination and facilitation of Quality Committees that drive quality improvement under the Governance structure.

Other Duties:

Performs other duties as assigned and within scope of job function. In addition to the essential functions listed above, the following duties are an expectation of this role:

1. Travel for this position is sometimes required.
2. Participation in community and employee engagement activities is required.
3. Actively participates in moving the team toward the completion of goals.
4. Always exhibits a high degree