RN Trauma Quality Improvement

Position Summary

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.

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.

Accountable for meeting the federal and state regulatory and accrediting standards for performance improvement and patient safety for a Level III trauma program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These duties and responsibilities described below represent the general tasks performed daily; other tasks may be assigned.

The RN, Trauma Quality Improvement is responsible for managing and implementing the trauma PI model using the trauma PI manual:

1. Responsible for maintaining the tracking system for case reviews and performance improvement reports.

2. Evaluates the trauma care process for efficacy, quality, safety, and effectiveness of patient care guidelines through chart review.

3. Assists in establishing indicators for performance improvement activities/filters.

4. Interpret data and prepare reports for performance improvement, support of related programs, research purposes, and regulatory visits.

5. Participate in local, state, and national meetings and conferences as required by state and national regulations.

6. Identifies trauma patients that meet process improvement inclusion criteria.

7. Collaborates with the Trauma Program Manager, Trauma Medical Director, and other hospital personnel to evaluate and problem-solve variations in care identified during chart review.

8. Outcome follow-up with referring hospitals and transporting agencies.

9. Participates as an integral member of the Trauma Services team. Involved in leadership and professional development to assure skills and knowledge of trauma information.

10. Collaborates with Trauma Program Manager and other Trauma staff to determine data collection and monitor parameters.

11. Participates as an integral team member in the maintenance of and preparation for review of the Trauma Center.

12. Presents data at Trauma PIPS and Trauma peer review meetings as requested per the TPD.

13. Demonstrates constructive and effective relationships with staff, peers, and customers. Maintains positive employee relations and good employee morale. Emphasizes the team approach to work. Motivates and mentors those to strive for "excellence."

14. Creates a culture within the department that rewards cooperation, teamwork and collective problem solving.

15. The RN serves as the role model for his/her professional area of practice.

16. Assesses team member's clinical competency through observation, testing, return demonstration and evaluation of the occurrences of variances to care standards.

17. Serves as a mentor and preceptor to students and all new hires.

18. Serves as a resource for students.

19. Attend required hospital-wide orientations, meetings, and in-services.

20. Demonstrate a commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient care.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Reports to: Trauma Program Director

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

Minimum Required Education

• Must be a Registered Nurse licensed in the State of Virginia or compact state.

• Bachelor’s Degree required.

• Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) required; instructor status preferred.

Experience

• At least two years of progressive trauma quality improvement experience at a Level II or III trauma center.

• Four years’ of nursing experience in emergency department or intensive care setting caring for trauma patients.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

• Must be a Registered Nurse licensed in the State of Virginia or compact state.

• Must have current BLS, ACLS and PALS Certifications.

• Certification in a specialty field preferred.

• Trauma Outcome Process Improvement Course (TOPIC) within 6 months.

• Trauma Certified RN certification within 6 months.