RN Trauma Quality Improvement

About the Role

The RN, Trauma Quality Improvement is responsible for monitoring and evaluating performance in the new Trauma Program and works closely with the Trauma Registry to ensure accurate concurrent data collection and identification of performance improvement occurrences. This role collaborates with the Trauma Medical Director, Trauma Program Director, Trauma Registrars, and other disciplines to review the performance and safety of the Trauma Program, coordinating activities to evaluate issues, promote loop closure, and enhance clinical outcomes.

The RN, Trauma Quality Improvement is accountable for meeting federal and state regulatory and accrediting standards for performance improvement and patient safety for a Level III trauma program.

Responsibilities

• Manage and implement the trauma Performance Improvement (PI) model using the trauma PI manual.
• Maintain the tracking system for case reviews and performance improvement reports.
• Evaluate the trauma care process for efficacy, quality, safety, and effectiveness of patient care guidelines through chart review.
• Assist in establishing indicators for performance improvement activities/filters.
• Interpret data and prepare reports for performance improvement, support of related programs, research purposes, and regulatory visits.
• Participate in local, state, and national meetings and conferences as required by state and national regulations.
• Identify trauma patients that meet process improvement inclusion criteria.
• Collaborate with the Trauma Program Manager, Trauma Medical Director, and other hospital personnel to evaluate and problem-solve variations in care identified during chart review.
• Conduct outcome follow-up with referring hospitals and transporting agencies.
• Participate as an integral member of the Trauma Services team.
• Engage in leadership and professional development to ensure skills and knowledge of trauma information.
• Collaborate with the Trauma Program Manager and other Trauma staff to determine data collection and monitor parameters.
• Review medical records for accuracy and completeness of documentation.
• Participate in the maintenance of and preparation for review of the Trauma Center.
• Present data at Trauma PIPS and Trauma peer review meetings as requested.
• Review related materials and attend in-services to maintain current knowledge of applicable policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
• Effectively communicate the vision, mission, and goals of Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, including hospital and unit-specific dashboards.
• Foster a healthy, collaborative, open work environment conducive to teamwork and communication.
• Follow administrative protocols.
• Demonstrate effective problem-solving and communication skills, including conflict resolution and negotiation.
• Build constructive and effective relationships with staff, peers, and customers.
• Maintain positive employee relations and morale.
• Emphasize a team approach to work and motivate others to strive for excellence.
• Create a culture that rewards cooperation, teamwork, and collective problem-solving.
• Proactively address conflict in a timely manner.
• Serve as a role model for professional practice.
• Assess team members' clinical competency through observation, testing, and evaluation of variances to care standards.
• Mentor and precept students and new hires.
• Serve as a resource for students.
• Attend required hospital-wide orientations, meetings, and in-services.
• Demonstrate commitment to flexible work scheduling to ensure patient care.

Additional Duties and Expectations

• Maintain current skills and knowledge in professional area of practice.
• Utilize opportunities for professional growth.
• Present lectures and in-services for staff, patients, and new hires.
• Attend and participate in unit meetings, committees, and in-services.
• Actively network with professional organizations.
• Exhibit exceptional guest relation skills.
• Pursue certification in clinical specialty.
• Maintain in-service hours.
• Follow dress code.
• Demonstrate flexibility with staffing and scheduling to ensure safe patient care.
• Model and encourage high standards of courtesy, honesty, integrity, trust, openness, and respect for others.
• Work harmoniously with the team toward the accomplishment of common goals.
• Create and contribute to an environment that encourages, recognizes, and rewards creativity and innovation.
• Participate in community activities supported by the hospital.

Requirements

• Registered Nurse licensed in the State of Virginia or a compact state.
• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) required; instructor status preferred.
• At least two years of progressive trauma quality improvement experience at a Level II or III trauma center.
• Four years of nursing experience in an emergency department or intensive care setting caring for trauma patients.

Certifications

• Current BLS, ACLS, and PALS Certifications.
• Certification in a specialty field preferred.
• Trauma Outcome Process Improvement Course (TOPIC) within 6 months of hire.
• Trauma Certified RN certification within 6 months of hire.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Reports to: Trauma Program Director.