Quality Assurance Nurse

Description:

Lighthouse Hospice is driven to provide a professional hospice workplace where the employee is respected and valued. We recognize that creating a culture of trust, kindness and appreciation is required to retain the best talent, dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the people we serve. Our team members all have one special thing in common. We deeply care for each other as much as we care for our patients and families. Each member of our team has been carefully chosen, not only for their exceptional skill set but also for their gifts of compassion and respect for others. We found that hiring people for this reason, combined with creating an environment where each individual can showcase their strengths, enables our team to achieve their highest potential. If you are searching for a great place to work, a place where you can make a real difference, where you can learn and grow with some of the best talent in the area, then we would love to speak with you!

Job Title: Quality Assurance Nurse

Job Summary: The Quality Assurance Nurse is responsible for overseeing the quality and compliance of patient care services provided by the hospice team. This role includes monitoring patient outcomes, auditing clinical documentation, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, and identifying opportunities for improvement. The QA Nurse works closely with the interdisciplinary team to maintain high-quality care and continuous improvement in hospice services.

Job Qualifications:
Education: Graduate from an accredited Diploma, Associate, or Baccalaureate School of Nursing.
Experience: Previous experience in healthcare and/or quality improvement is preferred. Experience with electronic health records (EHR) and quality assurance tracking systems. Experience with QAPI is preferred.
Licensure: Current state license as a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) and/or in accordance with the Board of Nurse Examiners rules for Nurse Licensure Compact. Current driver’s license. Valid and current CPR certification.
Skills: Strong knowledge of hospice regulations and compliance standards (Medicare, Medicaid, state regulations, and accreditation bodies). Excellent clinical judgment and the ability to identify quality improvement opportunities. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact with interdisciplinary teams, leadership, and patients/families. Critical thinking skills and ability to analyze data to inform quality improvement decisions. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Transportation: Reliable transportation and valid auto liability insurance.

Environmental and Working Conditions:

Works in a routine office environment. Noise level may be moderately high, the ability to work a flexible schedule and extended hours. The ability to travel locally and some exposure to inclement weather. Possible exposure to toxic materials, toner, etc. Requires the ability to handle stressful situations in a calm manner.

Essential Functions:

· Conducts ongoing, comprehensive assessments of the quality and appropriateness of hospice care, including services provided through external arrangements.

· Conduct regular audits of patient care and clinical documentation to ensure compliance with hospice policies, Medicare/Medicaid regulations, and accreditation standards.

· Review clinical practices and patient outcomes to identify areas where care can be improved. Collaborate with clinical leadership to implement and track improvement plans.

· Provide ongoing training and education to clinical staff on best practices, compliance standards, and quality improvement initiatives.

· Work closely with nurses, physicians, social workers, chaplains, and other staff to ensure the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care.

· Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide reports on clinical outcomes, compliance rates, and quality initiatives.

· Oversee the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program, ensuring effective monitoring, identification of quality issues, and the implementation of improvement strategies. Lead QAPI meetings and initiatives to track progress and ensure continuous enhancement of patient care.

· Investigate and analyze incidents or adverse events, identifying the root causes and recommending corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

· Collect and analyze patient and family feedback to assess the effectiveness of care provided and to identify areas for improvement.

· Manage and participate in quality improvement (QI) projects aimed at enhancing patient care, reducing errors, and improving overall hospice operations.

· Ensure that all clinical documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with regulatory and organizational standards.

· Assist with preparing for state and federal surveys, audits, and accreditation visits by ensuring that all necessary documentation and processes are in place.

· Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging staff participation in QI initiatives and maintaining open communication about performance and quality goals.

· Collects, aggregates, and analyzes data to identify trends and collaborates with management to implement corrective actions.

· Monitors all care providers to ensure effective coordination and continuity of care.

· Prepares the annual Quality Improvement report as part of the hospice’s annual evaluation process.

· Maintains in-depth knowledge of, and ensures compliance with, all applicable local, state, and federal regulations governing hospice operations.

· Supports program direction by delegating responsibilities to administrative and supervisory staff as needed.

· Performs additional duties as assigned by the Clinical Director.

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Employee Referral Program, Paid Holidays, PTO Accrual, and 401(K).

$65,000/yr-$80,000/yr based on license/experience

Requirements:

Physical and Mental Effort:

Requires prolonged periods of sitting and attention to detail. Must be able to handle stressful situations with professionalism, maintaining a calm and courteous demeanor at all times. Ability to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines and address the needs of the Hospice organization.