Quality Improvement RN

We appreciate your interest in our organization and assure you that we are sincerely interested in your qualifications. A clear understanding of your background and work history will help us potentially place you in a position that meets your objectives and those of the organization. Qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, or any related medical conditions), national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, gender expression, military status, or the presence of a non-job related medical condition or disability (mental or physical).

KHS reasonably expects to pay starting compensation for the position of QI RN I in the range of $40.20 - 51.26 hourly.
About us
Kern Health Systems is dedicated to improving the health status of our members through an integrated managed health care delivery system.
About the role
Under the direction of the Quality Improvement Manager, the QI Nurse I will assist in clinical activities related to monitoring, assessing and improving performance in ambulatory and inpatient health care delivery or health care related services to Kern Health Systems (KHS) membership. The QI Nurse will assist in the implementation of the KHS QI Program Plan by doing one or more of the following activities:

• Communicate with contracted providers regarding studies and audit findings.
• Deliver provider or member education in support of quality health care.
• Conduct medical record reviews and audits, and HEDIS or HEDIS-like chart reviews.
• Perform clinical investigation of potential quality of care issues and grievances and write an effective clinical summary of the investigation for referral to a medical director.
• Develop and ensure completion of provider corrective action plans related to quality-of-care issues or regulatory or accreditation non-compliance.
• Develop and complete performance improvement projects aimed at improving member compliance with specific preventive health measures.

This position is responsible for assigned Quality Improvement functions for a Knox-Keene Licensed health maintenance organization (HMO).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in the implementation of the QI Program Plan and Program Workplan.
• Performs QI activities related to State required Quality requirements.
• Serves as knowledge expert for KHS QI activities.
• May be required to achieve State certification through the California Department of Health Services as a facility site reviewer and conduct facility site reviews for credentialing and re-credentialing of practitioners and providers. Certification is provided through KHS.
• Performs and documents HEDIS or HEDIS-like medical record reviews to assess compliance with specific measures.
• Performs clinical assessment of member grievances to determine if a potential quality of care issue exists and writes a clinical summary of the screening assessment for presentation to the medical director.
• Performs clinical investigation and assessment of potential quality of care issue referrals to determine if a quality-of-care issue exists and writes a clinical summary of the clinical investigation for presentation to the medical director.
• Works with the medical director to support timely and complete follow up of grievance reviews, potential quality of care issues, provider responses for additional information requests and corrective action plans.
• Participates in problem identification, data analysis, conclusions, recommendations, and action plans.
• Monitors and analyzes outcomes to ensure goals, objectives, outcomes, and regulatory requirements are met.
• Assists in preparation of reports for committees.
• Assists in activities to prioritize QI initiatives.
• Ensures that documentation produced and/or processed complies with State and Federal regulations.
• Assists with training and orientation for new employees.
• Performs all job functions in a safe manner.
• Provides input in support of State and Federal requirements as it pertains to the mandated managed care accountability set (MCAS) measures.
• Maintains the confidentiality of records and reports for both KHS members and contracted providers.
• Performs in-depth medical records reviews as needed and is able to write a professional, clinical summary.
• Knowledge of acute care nursing principles, methods, and commonly used procedures.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, hospital routine; and commonly used medical equipment.
• Knowledge of acute hospital organizations and inter-relationships of various clinical and diagnostic services.
• Performs other job-related duties as required

CORE COMPENTENCIES / KNOWLEDGE & SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to effectively evaluate medical records of hospital admissions regarding continuing stay necessity, appropriateness of setting, delivered care, use of ancillary services and discharge plans.
• Ability to assess and judge the clinical performance of physicians and other health professionals.
• Thorough knowledge of health care delivery systems.
• Knowledge of State and Federal managed care regulatory requirements.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply written regulations, guidelines and other materials.
• Strong analytical, assessment and problem-solving skills.
• Strong people skills, including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals at all levels both inside and outside of KHS.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to diffuse emotional situations.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively explain complex information and document according to standards.
• Intermediate skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, with basic ability to enter data into and navigate through a database.
• Ability to commit to and facilitate an atmosphere of collaboration and teamwork.
• Knowledge of provider documentation requirements and governmental regulations affecting reimbursement.
• Demonstrated ability to respect and maintain the confidentiality of all sensitive documents, records, discussions and other information generated in connection with activities conducted in, or related to, patient healthcare, KHS business or employee information.
• Self-directed, with proven ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Uses appropriate judgment and asks questions and seeks assistance appropriately.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and complete assignments on a timely basis.
• Strong attention to detail; works accurately and meets expected deadlines and target dates.
• Ability to communicate effectively with contracting physicians, other ancillary providers and internal departments.
• Compliant with KHS policies and procedures.

Employment Standards

Education and experience:

• Associate Degree in Nursing from an accredited institution or equivalent required; Bachelor of science (BSN) Preferred.
• Two (2) years of RN experience in a direct patient care setting preferred.
• One (1) year experience in Utilization Management or QI in a healthcare delivery or managed care setting desired.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Registered nurse with an active license in good standing with the State of California
• Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) preferred

We are an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis.

Salary : $40 - $51