Trauma Quality Specialist

Tucson, Arizona – Day shift – Full time with a flexible “work your way” schedule (for example five 8-hour shifts or four 10-hour shifts).

About the role

This position plans, coordinates, implements and evaluates facility and/or system-wide quality/performance improvements, patient safety programs, and/or coordinates compliance and regulatory programs for preparedness and accreditation requirements. The Trauma Quality Specialist maintains the efficient operation of the trauma PIPS process (performance improvement and patient safety) and works in collaboration with the trauma team and program leadership to coordinate and facilitate the trauma PI program. The goal is to improve the quality of trauma care encompassing all areas and disciplines of the hospital that participate in the management of the injured patient throughout their entire stay.

All work processed by the incumbent is considered confidential and protected from discovery, pursuant to state statutes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates investigation, analysis, and responds to quality/patient safety issues, events, significant care issues or trends.
• Leads and/or facilitates root cause analysis, failure modes and effects analysis, and process improvement, working with multidisciplinary teams.
• Develops and analyzes data for administrative and clinical decision making, as well as regulatory requirements.
• Coordinates implementation of data collection processes; provides analysis, summary, research and benchmarking.
• Prepares and presents reports for appropriate facility, system, and other external agencies.
• Provides oversight to projects including data abstracting and data entry as appropriate.
• Serves as a resource and leads and/or facilitates task forces to plan, implement and coordinate facility activities to maximize service quality, effectiveness and efficiency.
• Collaborates with key stakeholders to evaluate, plan and implement process improvements and patient safety programs across the facility and/or system.
• Supports implementation of facility quality and patient safety goals, policies, procedures, and activities designed to meet the requirements of regulatory and accrediting agencies such as JCAHO, CMS, DHS, and peer review organizations.
• Acts as consultant and educator in program development and special projects as determined by their supervisor.
• Participates in implementation of evidence-based practices at the facility or system level.
• May coordinate peer review activities for physicians and other healthcare providers and provide information for departmental improvement activities, credentialing, and reappointment.
• In some roles, supervises professional staff with full authority for employment actions including selection, training, coaching, and performance reviews.
• Works heavily in Microsoft Excel and with substantial amounts of confidential data.
• Monitors and evaluates performance improvement activities including data collection, analysis, trending, and benchmarking of data outcomes at the local, regional, state, and national levels.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in nursing or other healthcare related field.
• RN license in state worked OR a clinical background with current license/certification or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency level typically attained with five years acute care clinical experience in a high patient acuity area in any combination of ED/Trauma/Surgical-Trauma ICU.
• Ability to perform complex statistical analysis and highly developed problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage programs and projects.
• Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, physicians, patients, and other business partners.
• Strong organizational and attention to detail skills.
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure with changing priorities and short deadlines.
• Comfortable working independently or in a team setting where collaboration is key.

Preferred Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) certification.
• Experience with process improvement, regulatory/accreditation programs, data management, and analysis including graphic development and presentations.

About the organization

Banner - University Medical Center Tucson is nationally recognized for providing exceptional patient care, teaching future health-care professionals, and conducting groundbreaking research. The hospital is a Level 1 Trauma Center, consistently listed among the nation's top hospitals in the prestigious Best Hospitals ranking by U.S. News & World Report, and has earned Magnet Recognition for nursing excellence. The hospital's physicians are full-time faculty of the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson. Specialty services include comprehensive heart and cancer care, advanced neuroscience techniques, and a multi-organ transplant program. Diamond Children's, located on the campus, is recognized for its specialized pediatric services including neonatal and intensive care, emergency medicine, and cancer therapies.