POSITION TITLE: Quality Improvement Registered Nurse (QRN)
REPORTS TO (TITLE): Director of Quality/Risk Mgmt, dotted-line report to CNO
PAY RANGE: $55-65/hr (exempt)
DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:
Under the direct supervision of the Director of QI/RM/PI and dotted-line to Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), the QRN monitors and evaluates performance improvement (PI), quality improvement (QI), and data integrity. This includes conducting research; analyzing, tracking, trending, and interpreting data; developing written reports; and facilitating related training programs to improve operational and program efficiencies, and other duties as assigned.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – Quality Improvement:
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Conduct thorough research on laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and technical reference materials pertinent to continuous performance and quality improvement initiatives.
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Ensures needed data is collected on a timely basis and assesses trends related to documentation
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Reviews and updates policies and procedures to ensure meet regulatory requirements, including, but not limited to The Joint Commission, CDPH, CMS. Comparing policies and procedures against regulatory requirements
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Analyzes, tracks, trends, and interprets data to identify issues or potential areas of risk
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Develops and written narrative and statistical reports
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Develop and provide effective training to staff to improve operational and program efficiencies
- Keeps supervisor informed of all regular communications and reports
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Performs related duties as assigned by Director of QI/RM/PI and CNO
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Upholds the Organization’s ethics and customer service standards
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Support annual Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Goals:
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Ensuring compliance to standards of care as defined by SBHH’s policies and procedures and evident by systematic chart reviews and audits
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Providing individualized treatment solutions as evident by clinical documentation of treatment interventions and goals
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Optimizing reduction of 30-day readmission rates for patients served by monitoring the care continuum and ensuring the needs of the patients we serve are met
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Identifying trends of concern and establishing interdisciplinary Performance Improvement Teams to develop corrective actions to improve outcomes
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Increasing patient participation in therapeutic programming as increased engagement leads to better outcomes
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Increasing utilization of least restrictive interventions to ensure we are treating those in our care with dignity and respect
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Decreasing overall incidents of patient aggression to ensure the safety of all in our facility
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Ensuring all reported patient safety incidents are thoroughly reviewed and identified missed opportunities are addressed and learnings are shared
Requirements
Experience/Education:
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Active California Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing required
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree required
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Minimum of 2 years’ nursing experience, with at least 1 year in psychiatric or behavioral health settings required
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Experience in quality improvement, performance improvement, or infection control in healthcare setting preferred
Knowledge:
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Handle with Care (HWC) certifications or obtained during initial orientation period
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Knowledge of infection control procedures, CALOSHA, OSHA, and CDC guidelines
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Knowledge of the principles of epidemiology and infectious disease
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Knowledge of the County Health department procedures and practices, CDPH, TJC, and CMS standards
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Thorough knowledge of all infectious disease, disease warning signs, and response procedures
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Knowledge of psychiatric and medical nursing procedures is essential
Skills and Abilities:
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Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines
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Skill in telephone etiquette and paging procedures
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Effective oral and written communication skills
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Ability to communicate effectively with patients and co-workers
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Ability to adhere to safety policies and procedures
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Ability to use good judgement and to maintain confidentiality of information
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Ability to work as a team player
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Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience and dedication
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Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures
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Ability to recognize the importance of adapting to the various patient age groups (adolescent, adult and geriatric)
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Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
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Ability to meet corporate deadlines
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Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations
Physical Requirements:
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Ability to sit and stand (one-third of the shift), and walk (two-thirds of the shift)
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Ability to reach above, at or below waist height, kneel, bend, stoop, turn twist, and throw
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Ability to see well enough to reach charts, treatment plans and typewritten materials
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Ability to hear well enough to detect noises on the unit and to discern odors
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Ability to frequently lift and carry 10 lbs., occasionally lift and carry, 10-50 lbs
- Ability to frequently push/pull wheeled carts from 100-200 lbs
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Ability to manipulate small and large tools (electric thermometer, telephone, wheelchair, blood pressure cuffs, walkers, paper punch, addressograph, restraints, staplers, EKG machine, copy machine)
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Ability to spend 95% of the work day inside in temperatures varying from 60 degrees-90 degrees F. and where noise levels ranging from low to high
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Ability to spend 5% of the work day outside in temperatures varying from 30 degrees-110 degrees F
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Ability to frequently handle hazardous/infectious waste
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Ability to work in an environment where chemicals are frequently used for cleaning; where mechanical and electrical hazards may occasionally be present and where dust, mist and steam are generated in housekeeping tasks
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Maintain Material Safety and Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) for facility wide products
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Ability to work frequently at a rapid pace and perform a variety of repetitive duties
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Manage supplies related to prevention and containment of infectious diseases
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Maintain facility Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Cleaning Supplies “Burn Rates.”
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Ability to respond to exposure to blood and body fluids - category 1
