Summary:

The Surgical Quality Improvement Specialist, under the direction of the System Director of Quality Outcomes, and in collaboration with the Vice Chair of Surgical Quality and the Vice President of Surgical Services will support the surgical quality program through the collection, compilation, aggregation of data, identifying and leading quality improvement projects, acting as a resource to management and staff on the QI process, implementation and measurement of results, and a resource for internal and external quality standards.  The Surgical Quality Improvement Specialist will work closely with existing Quality Improvement Specialist(s) to ensure quality goals and projects, for the surgical ambulatory setting, are strategically aligned with the overall surgical program.

This position is responsible for the implementation of action plans to support assigned quality initiatives and address quality concerns to enhance quality patient care throughout the system. The SQIS will function as a patient, provider, and clinical care advocate and will work closely with various staff and leadership to enhance patient care through continuous quality improvement methods.

This position includes occasional off-shift duties that will be coordinated based on project needs.

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years clinical experience (inpatient and outpatient settings). Previous experience with quality improvement projects required.

License:

Registered Nurse

Education:

BSN required; masters preferred.

Essential Functions:

Support the development of a surgical quality program and align with other areas within the Guthrie system as deemed appropriate. Partner with the Patient Safety Department, the Operational Excellence Department, Clinical Data and Reporting Department, Case Management, Clinical Pharmacy, Regulatory Compliance, Nursing Education and Research, and other clinical leaders to lead, develop, and implement quality improvement projects that support quality initiatives specifically related to Surgical Services. 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. 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. Present and participate at Clinical and Surgical Quality Committees, Nursing Quality Councils if applicable, and other equivalent oversight committees to drive quality improvement. Perform observational audits and medical record review as needed as part of the surgical quality audit function. Review of data and preparation of audit reports and statistics. Responsible for the interpretation of surgical quality standards. Responsible for staying current with evolving surgical quality reporting requirements (Value Based Purchasing, MIPS, NSQIP, etc.).

Other Duties:

Performs other duties as assigned.