RN/LPN Quality Assurance

Purpose of Your Job Position

· The primary purpose of your job position is to plan, organize, develop, coordinate, and direct the Quality Improvement and Assurance Program in accordance with HCFA, OBRA and current applicable federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations, and as may be directed by the Administrator, to assure that the highest degree of quality resident care and safety can be maintained at all times.

Delegation of Authority

· As the Quality Assurance (QA) Coordinator you are delegated the authority, responsibility and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.

Job Functions

· Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that theses are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Administrative Functions

· Plan, organize, coordinate and direct quality assurance programs and activities for all SMNCI departments.

· Evaluate programs and effects changes as necessary to improve programs and assure compliance with regulatory requirements. Communicate revised plans and changes to facility management to maintain awareness.

· Monitor quality indicators of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 2.0, track and trend information to identify areas in need of intervention.

· Performs routine random chart review to monitor quality of care delivered and identify areas for improvement.

· Coordinate concurrent review studies performed within the quality assurance program, prepare resulting reports as required.

· Establish and maintain tracking systems for recommendations of groups involved in quality assurance.

· Monitor all incident reports, track/trends, patterns identified and intervene as indicated.

· Assists in developing and implementing appropriate plans of action to correct identified deficiencies.

· Coordinate the creation of an action plan to address the reports of contracted consultants performing internal audits and reviews, based on the medical records or condition of the residents and /or regulatory requirements.

Job Description

Quality Assurance Coordinator

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· Maintain an adequate liaison with families and residents.

· Maintain a reference library of written quality assessment and assurance material, laws, etc., necessary for complying with current standards and regulations, and that will provide assistance in maintaining quality resident care.

· Provide monthly reports regarding quality of care and findings of audits and assessments.

· Provide a report at monthly QA meetings.

· Assist in developing yearly evaluation schedules for departmental studies.

· Assist in identifying and classifying procedures in which potential exposure to blood/body fluids may occur. Update as necessary.

· Other duties and assignments as deemed necessary and appropriate or as may be directed by the Administrator.

Committee Functions

· Meet with Board of Directors QA Committee monthly to review all assessment tools designed, all data collections reports, and all activities regarding quality assurance as carried out by departments, services, or committees, which have a direct impact on resident care and safety.

· Attend monthly staff QA Committee meetings.

· Open to volunteer on various committees of the facility (i.e., Infection Control, Safety Committee, Employee Incentive, Employee Communications Committee).

· Serve as liaison among committees and/or departments to focus on quality assurance in the ongoing operation of the facility.

· Participate in the Nursing Service and Patient Care Management (PCM) meetings.

Staff Development

· Participate in the development of programs designed for in-service education, on the job training and orientation classes for newly assigned personnel.

· Participate and assist in departmental studies and projects as assigned or that may become necessary.

· Communicate identified educational needs to Staff Development Coordinator.

· Attend and participate in workshops, seminars, etc., to keep abreast of current changes in the health care field, as well as to maintain a professional status.

· Attend and participate in annual OSHA and CDC in-services training programs for hazardous chemicals, TB management, and blood born pathogens standard.

· Work with all staff to share findings and provide staff education.

· Must attend mandatory in-services annually on the following issues:

· Resident Rights, Discrimination, and Confidentiality Issues

· Elder Abuse

· Violence in the Workplace

· Accident Prevention/ Safety Issues

· Psychosocial Issues/ Dementia

· Combative Behavior

· Infection Control Program

· Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

· Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

Budget and Planning Functions

· Keep abreast of economic conditions/situations, and recommend to the Administrator to ensure the continued ability to provide quality care.

· Recommend to the Administrator the equipment needs of the nursing service department.

Job Description

Quality Assurance Coordinator

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Resident Rights

· Maintain confidentiality of all resident information.

· Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information.

· Monitor nursing care to ensure that all residents are treated fairly, with kindness, dignity, and respect.

· Ensure that all nursing care is provided in privacy and that nursing service personnel knock before entering the resident’s room

· Ensure that all nursing service personnel are knowledgeable to the residents’ responsibilities and rights including the right to refuse treatment.

· Report all allegations of resident abuse and/or misappropriation of resident property.

· Ensure that nursing staff personnel honor the resident’s refusal of treatment request. Ensure that such requests are in accordance with the facility’s policies governing advance directives.

· Ensure that the resident’s right to fair and equitable treatment, self-determination, individuality, privacy, property and civil rights, including the right to wage complaints, are well established and maintained at all times.

Working Conditions

· Works in office areas as well as throughout the facility and its premises.

· Moves intermittently during working hours.

· Is subject to frequent interruptions.

· Is involved with residents, family member, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions/circumstances.

· Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel and visitors.

· Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department supervisors and directors.

· Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.

· Is subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).

· May be involved in community/civic health matters/projects.

· Attends and participates in continuing educational programs

· Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workdays, as well as reaction from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke and other air contaminants.

· Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.

· May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Requirements:Educational Requirements

· Must possess, as a minimum, a high school diploma, or its equivalent.

· Must be currently licensed as a Licensed Practical or Registered Nurse by the State of Maryland.

Experience

· Must have a minimum of five (5) years long term care experience.

· Must have sufficient previous experience in clinical health care including direct experience in quality assurance.

Specific Requirements

· Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

· Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

Job Description

Quality Assurance Coordinator

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· Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.

· Must be knowledgeable of quality assessment and assurance procedures.

· Must demonstrate an understanding of gerontological concepts.

· Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines, that pertain to long-term care.

· Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.

· Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures, etc., that are necessary for providing quality care.

· Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing practices.

· Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.

· Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Physical and Sensory Requirements (with or without the aide of mechanical devices)

· Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.

· Must be able to cope wit the mental, emotional, and physical stress of the position.

· Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to assure that the requirement of this position can be fully met.

· Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, support agencies and outside agencies.

· Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility, which include a medical and physical examination.

· Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people with the facility.

· Must be able to accommodate the indicated weight (pounds) performing such duties:

- Lifting (100) -Pulling/Pushing (200) -Carrying (50-75)

· May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.

Must be willing to perform tasks that may involve exposure to the resident’s blood/body fluids

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program

Medical Specialty:

• Geriatrics

Physical Setting:

• Long term care

Work Location: In person

Salary : $35