PURPOSE AND SCOPE: Serves as a quality improvement champion and role model by promoting and supporting the use of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) principles, methods, and tools to improve processes and patient outcomes at the facility and area levels. Must have effective communications with the clinic interdisciplinary team (IDT) and must produce effective quality assessment and performance improvement activities which positively influence the assigned dialysis clinics clinical quality outcomes. The scope of the clinical quality oversight of the position covers assigned treatment modalities (e.g. in-center, in-center and Home Modalities, or home hemodialysis and home peritoneal dialysis), and is responsible for the monitoring data/information; prioritizing areas for improvement; determining potential root causes; developing, implementing, evaluating, and revising plans that result in improvements in clinical quality outcomes in dialysis facilities within a geography.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Facilitates the implementation and integration of the FKC Quality programs and initiatives into the facilities' standard operating procedures through teamwork and collaboration with the facility clinical, interdisciplinary and operations teams.
- Serves as a subject matter expert for clinical quality matters when collaborating with other RNs and members of the Clinic IDT. Identifies clinical quality improvement opportunities in the assigned area to achieve CMS Conditions for Coverage and FMS quality program requirements.
- Manages the execution of Quality and other clinical initiatives, interventions and standardized education materials with Clinic teams within the assigned area(s).
- Provides general direction, nursing and clinical guidance related to appropriate theoretical perspectives and feedback based upon professional standards and FMCNA guidelines to support facility RNs within the assigned area in achieving the desired outcomes in the following: quality, patient satisfaction, teamwork, unit culture, and employee satisfaction.
- Collaborates with appropriate stakeholders including but not limited to the Clinical Quality leadership, Education, Clinical Services, Nutritional Services, Social Work Services Regulatory and Compliance to take the appropriate steps to facilitate achievement of quality goals and ongoing patient safety improvement.
- Mentors and trains staff to collect, trend, and analyze data on a day-to-day basis to monitor the effectiveness of their clinical and operational processes to impact patient centered care resulting in improved patient outcomes and satisfaction and decreased morbidity and mortality.
- Utilizes evidence based and best demonstrated practices to address barriers to quality improvement. This includes promoting the adoption and utilization of Medical Advisory Board Recommended Algorithms and Standing Orders, clinical pathways and clinical policies and procedures to improve care coordination and care delivery.
- Leverages available tools, resources and informatics technology to focus on targeted patient populations.
- Applies current knowledge of FMS clinical and administrative policies and procedures, available internal resources, working knowledge of CMS Conditions of Coverage for ESRD facilities, Value Based Payer Programs, knowledge of quality improvement concepts, principles and practices to perform tasks and duties.
- Utilizes quality improvement techniques to promote collaboration between facilities and areas to share processes and strategies for success. Mentors and assists facilities in identifying effective practices applicable to their needs, in testing for desired results, and the adoption and implementation of these practices.
- Under the direction of Clinical Quality leadership, provides guidance, interpretation and subject matter expertise to clinical and operations teams regarding quality related clinical policies and procedures, clinical standards, quality improvement tools and electronic applications.
- Performs desk review of facility Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) documentation and attends QAPI meetings at a frequency determined by Clinical Quality leadership.
- Collaborates with facility management staff to evaluate the effectiveness of the facility QAPI Program and CQI activities utilizing the following processes.
- Reviews completion of facility QAPI activities including but not limited to adherence to the QAPI calendar, completion of QAPI minutes, attendance, tools and electronic applications.
- Attends and participates in regional, area, facility and team meetings as appropriate which may include quality team building and staff development and other meetings as appropriate.
- Collaborates with appropriate management staff as needed to achieve effective inter-disciplinary, intra-disciplinary and clinic relationships.
- Identifies risk areas and opportunities for improvement.
- Assists with root cause analysis and action plan development and evaluation as needed.
- Provides written or verbal recommendations to facility and area management.
- Utilizes adult education principles in the execution of education programs and processes that facilitate the implementation and incorporation of the company's quality standards and the practice of Continuous Quality Improvement in facility standard procedures.
- Accountable for outstanding customer service to all external and internal customers, including patients, staff, physicians, field management and staff, and payers, including disease management entities.
- Develops and maintains exceptional working relationships through effective and timely communication with all customers.
- Under the direction of Clinical Quality leadership, assists with various projects as assigned.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
- The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Day-to-day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with facility staff and physicians.
- The work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.
- The position requires travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community, approx. 60%.
- Travel to Regional, Division and Corporate meetings may be required.
SUPERVISION: None
EDUCATION AND REQUIRED CREDENTIALS:
- Registered Nurse required.
- Certification in Nephrology Nursing or quality preferred.
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
- 3+ years dialysis experience required.
- 3+ years management experience in a clinical leadership role.
- Strong organizational, critical thinking and customer service skills.
- Demonstrated leadership competencies and adaptability to changes in priorities.
- Ability to work collaboratively with other members of the team, gain support and input while participating in quality improvement activities.
- Strong verbal and written communications skills.
- Ability to analyze and propose alternate solutions, assist in resolving sensitive to complex issues.
EO/AA Employer: Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
Fresenius Medical Care North America maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
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