Job Abstract

Under general direction, develops, implements, coordinates and facilitates the quality improvement/risk management (QI/RM) program for Nursing Department (inpatient) of the Valley Medical Center operation.

The current full-time Quality Improvement Manager - Inpatient Nursing position is located at O'Connor Hospital.

• Assesses QI/RM needs and trends for the Nursing Department of Valley Medical Center by reviewing current practices, and gathering, compiling and evaluating data related to services performed, problem reported, and patient feedback;
  
• Facilitates and coordinates annual evaluation of the QI/RM Program for the Nursing Department of Valley Medical Center ; initiates and monitors process to change that program based on findings.
  
• Ensures that the department of Nursing QI/RM Program is consistent with the agency/hospital-wide QI/RM Plan and implements changes necessary to maintain consistency.
  
• Ensures that Department of Nursing standards, policies, and procedures are consistent with professional standards and those of regulatory agencies.
  
• Plans, implements and evaluates programs designed to enhance nurse manager knowledge of care standards, changes in laws/regulations and QI/RM topics; trains/orients new managers.
  
• Coordinates approval process for all department and unit level policies for the Department of Nursing; maintain archives for all Nursing Service policies and procedures;
  
• Coordinate the design, content, duplication and distribution of the Nursing Service Policy manual to groups and individuals;
  
• Develops, implements and evaluates continuing education program based on QI/RM findings and to enhance staff knowledge on various related topics.
  
• Assists in planning, preparing, and compiling data/results for regulatory surveys and written responses.
  
• Participates in and may chair or coordinate agency/hospital-wide or departmental committees related to quality improvement, patient care standards and/or safety/risk management.
  
• Collaborates with clinical and administrative staff to develop monitoring methods and forms to facilitate patient management, clinic/department safety evaluation, performance appraisal, and tracking of data necessary for quality improvement and reporting.
  
• Maintains competence and knowledge of current trends in care standards and QI/RM topics.
  
• Participates in continuing education activities for professional growth, licensure and certification requirements.
  
• Regularly communicates and coordinates/acts as liaison with managers throughout Valley Medical Center, regulatory agencies, relevant professional associations, County Counsel, and other county agencies.
  
• May initiate and/or participate in research related to standards, quality improvement, and risk management.
  
• Performs other related tasks as required.

Possession of a license as a Registered Nurse issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing, and the abilities and current knowledge to perform the typical tasks of this position in a multiple location Ambulatory Care Program.

A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be a baccalaureate degree in nursing or the equivalent and a minimum of three years inpatient nursing experience in an acute care hospital setting of which a minimum of one year has been in an administrative or supervisory capacity in an acute care hospital.

Knowledge of:

• Nurse Practice Act;
  
• Principles and practices of inpatient nursing, clinical systems, safety/risk management, infection control, and quality improvement in an acute care hospital setting;
  
• Current trends in treatment, prevention, education, research, and issues related to QI/RM in an acute care hospital setting;
  
• Program management in an acute care hospital nursing, including planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting laws, codes and regulations governing nursing;
  
• County, State, and Federal legislation applicable to contemporary nursing and patient care issues; resources for researching legislative issues.
  
• Organization and functioning of an acute care hospital; organizational, personnel and fiscal management within a health care facility/agency;
  
• Methods, regulations, and procedures for medical research in an acute care hospital setting.
  
  Ability to:
  
• Organize, direct, coordinate and evaluate inpatient nursing services to ensure quality patient care and conformity with prescribed laws, regulations, and standards;
  
• Work cooperatively with administrators, medical personnel and nursing staff and others to obtain and evaluate information, and implement changes for QI/RM;
  
• Effectively train in QI/RM principles and practices;
  
• Prepare complex and detailed written reports and procedures;
  
• Develop and analyze data and maintain accurate records;
  
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of nursing practice, quality assurance trends/practices, risk management and current legislation;
  
• Communicate effectively at all levels within the hospital and with other departments/agencies and the public.