QI Specialist (Registered Nurse) (2026-0622)

Req #2026-0622 | Full Time | Renton, WA

About the role

Responsible for overseeing and enhancing the quality of care provided within the hospital for defined areas, populations, and/or clinical pathways. This role involves analyzing clinical processes, implementing quality improvement initiatives, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards to enhance patient outcomes and safety. Serves as a consultant on The Joint Commission (JC), Department of Health (DOH), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and other regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee quality projects aimed at improving patient care, reducing errors, and enhancing hospital operations.
• Apply the IHI Model for Improvement to facilitate quality improvement teams.
• Demonstrate an understanding of team leader roles, group dynamics, and leadership strategies in the context of quality improvement teams.
• Support and guide improvement teams through various stages of the project management life cycle, from planning to execution.
• Assist physicians and managers in analyzing and interpreting data for decision-making and performance improvement.
• Lead or co-lead committees focused on quality, patient safety, and operational efficiency.
• Lead and participate in process redesign initiatives to streamline workflows.
• Promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Educate physicians, hospital leaders, and staff on quality management and performance improvement techniques.
• Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, accreditation standards, and internal policies through audits and assessments.
• Abstract and collect data from electronic health records (EHR) to meet program monitoring requirements.
• Develop data collection strategies based on research principles.
• Analyze and interpret clinical data to assess performance metrics and trends.
• Report variations in clinical care requiring immediate corrective actions.
• Prepare and present detailed reports on quality improvement outcomes for hospital leadership and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure that performance measures data are prepared and submitted in accordance with required timelines and standards.
• Support the Medical Staff through preparation of mandated ongoing performance measures data and peer review referrals.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with multidisciplinary teams to foster collaboration in quality improvement.
• Engage patients, families, and external stakeholders to incorporate their feedback into quality improvement efforts.
• Network with peers from other organizations and participate in relevant community outreach efforts and improvement collaboratives.
• Serve as a clinical expert to guide the development and implementation of programs and policies ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Stay current with emerging trends, best practices, and technologies in quality improvement and patient care.
• Apply knowledge from research and current literature to develop and implement improvement strategies.
• Benchmark hospital performance against internal and national/regional standards to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Navigate key online resources (e.g., AHRQ, JC, CMS) for benchmarking and performance evaluation.
• Support the preparation and facilitation of regulatory and/or certification surveys.
• Assist in the development and review of clinical practice policies, procedures, order sets, and protocols in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Apply new insights to improve quality initiatives and contribute to ongoing organizational learning.
• Demonstrate awareness of cost containment strategies for quality improvement.
• Support the allocation and efficient use of resources to meet quality improvement goals and objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet program needs, including staff training and organizational support.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in nursing or other healthcare-related field, or Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S.) required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Current Registered Nurse or Registered Pharmacist license to practice in the State of Washington required. Those with M.B.B.S. are not licensed in the State of Washington.
• Minimum three (3) years' clinical experience in an acute care healthcare setting required.
• Experience in use of electronic health record (EHR).
• Demonstrated skills for project management, problem solving, decision making, and change management.
• Experience in Quality Management and Performance Improvement role preferred.
• Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) preferred.

Skills

• Solid understanding of systems thinking, process management, and performance improvement.
• Organizational and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent facilitation skills, ability to create an environment that encourages open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.
• Exhibits a genuine connection with frontline staff, offering clear, concise information and supportive feedback.
• Knowledge of group process, leadership skills, and ability to facilitate performance improvement teams.
• Proficiency in application of performance improvement tools and methodologies, including aptitude for using QI data management software.
• Certifications or training in IHI Model for Improvement, Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen preferred.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple demands and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards and interpretation including CMS, DOH, and JC.
• Ability to prepare effective oral and written reports and presentations to various groups including physicians, hospital leaders, and staff.
• Proficiency in use of Windows® and MS Office Suites® applications, particularly Word, Excel, Visio, and PowerPoint.
• Aptitude for navigating quality-related Internet sites and those of various data management vendors and support agencies.

Pay

Salary range: $104,383 – $156,575/annual, DOE.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, typically 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, with requirement for flexibility.