Overview

In 2020 united in a fierce commitment to deliver the highest quality care and exceptional patient experience Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health came together as natural partners to build a new health system centered around the patient: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our combined system builds upon the scale and expertise of our nearly 300 sites of care including 11 hospitals and nearly 5000 physicians and providers. Together we are empowered to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of our communities.

Responsibilities

This job is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating evidence-based clinical quality management/improvement plans/programs/initiatives for the assigned Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) facility or regional program (e.g. Leapfrog) designed to achieve measurable improvements in patient perception/safety, utilization of clinical resources and sustained achievement of desired clinical outcomes. Work focuses on all aspects of quality process improvement and is conducted in accordance with professional standards, organizational objectives and applicable regulatory/accreditation requirements. An incumbent collaborates with physicians, management/staff and clinical service lines in carrying out performance improvement projects/initiatives relating specifically to quality management/reporting, and monitors quality indicators/results to identify/address weaknesses and recurring variances from established standards.

Work also includes overseeing various multi-disciplinary teams, providing support, expertise and guidance in: 1) the application of accepted clinical quality improvement methodologies/tools; 2) data collection and statistical/operational analysis; 3) risk assessment and outcomes measurement; 4) evidence-based best practices research; 5) documenting and implementing process improvements; and 6) evaluating desired vs. actual clinical effectiveness of performance improvement efforts.

Work requires considerable knowledge of quality objectives/indicators and related quality improvement concepts, methodologies and tools. Considerable understanding of the importance of data to performance improvement processes (e.g. establishing baseline, providing objective measurement, determining the degree of the problem, showing variation/causes of variation, identifying root causes, developing appropriate solutions, etc) is also required. Duties performed involve weighing and evaluating many factors requiring judgment, analytical ability and problem-solving in dealing with complex data and situations.

Qualifications

Education/Work Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, nursing or other healthcare-related field, and five years of progressively responsible related work experience that would demonstrate attainment of the requisite job knowledge.
• A minimum of three years in a lead or management role is strongly preferred.
• Master’s degree in a healthcare discipline is strongly preferred.

Licensure/Certification:

• Current licensure as a Registered Nurse by the Washington State Board of Nursing.