Summary

This role involves reviewing health care data in correctional facilities to spot issues in patient safety and care quality, then working with teams to create and implement fixes.

It supports nursing leaders and helps standardize practices while focusing on patient needs.

A good fit would be an experienced nurse who enjoys analyzing information, collaborating with others, and driving improvements in healthcare settings.

Key Requirements

Active Registered Nurse license in Washington State
Experience in quality improvement or patient safety in clinical settings
Strong skills in data analysis, tracking trends, and auditing health records
Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including medical, nursing, and administrative staff
Knowledge of continuous quality improvement programs (CQIP) and best practices
Proficiency in identifying safety events, near misses, and adverse events
Excellent communication skills for reporting to senior management and educating teams

Full Job Description

Registered Nurse 3 – Quality Improvement Nurse

Department of Corrections, Tumwater, WA

Full-Time Permanent

Monthly Salary Range: $8,649 to $14,171

The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the role of the Registered Nurse 3 – Quality Improvement Nurse.

Your primary assignment will be WCC; Washington Corrections Center in Shelton, WA and WCCW; Washington Corrections Center for Women (Gig Harbor, WA).

The position supports the vision, mission, and values of DOC and assists in meeting the Health Services quality improvement strategies.

The Quality Improvement Nurse reviews, assesses, and analyses data and records related to quality of care and patient safety at assigned facilities.

The position provides specialized nursing experience to clinical leadership and the Quality Department at headquarters level and strategizes and acts as a clinical resource to teams at the facility level to advance and promote improvements in provider performance and patient care delivery.

The QI Nurse will evaluate all aspects of the systems of care, identify problems, and help develop solutions. They communicate findings and recommendations to multi-disciplinary facility teams, as well as report status and activities to senior management with the goal of improving care quality.

The QI Nurse analyzes details and examines the organization from a systematic perspective to support standardized practices across DOC while allowing for patient-centered adaptations where needed.

Application assessment will be ongoing, and the hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time during the recruitment process. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible.

"This recruitment could be used to fill multiple permanent or non-permanent positions."

Requirements

Works collaboratively with medical, nursing, dental, mental health, and administrative leadership across clinical departments to carry out quality improvement activities under the Continuous Quality Improvement Program (CQIP).

Performs clinical quality management with particular focus on patient safety and patient-centered aspects of the care delivered.

Tracks and trends data on safety events at assigned facilities through near miss/adverse events and quality-related reports.
Track and trends data on safety events at assigned facilities as identified by trigger tools to include but is not limited to recurrent hospitalization, recurrent emergency room visits, adverse drug events or overdose.
Engages in and promotes periodic nursing leadership rounding for quality.
Collaborates with facility teams to establish processes, committee structure, and scheduling of Patient Safety Committee and monthly CQIP Committee meetings.

Actively participates in patient safety or risk event response at assigned facilities to ensure incidents of potential concern are reviewed and appropriate action is taken to prevent future adverse events.

Escalates cases for review as necessary and participates in Patient Safety Committee at the headquarters level when appropriate or requested.

Analyzes and uses quality-related data, audit and case review information, patient and staff feedback to facilitate team-based quality improvement planning and implementation at assigned facilities.

Activities are planned in collaboration with and reported on to the Chief Quality Officer (CQO) and the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO).

Educates and supports facility teams on quality improvement best practices, tools, and strategies to determine root causes and reasoned corrective measures.
Advises and supports teams to incorporate practice change initiatives and complete PDSA improvement cycles.
Assists Facility Medical Director, Health Services Manager, and RN4 to develop/initiate corrective action plans as indicated. The findings and action plans will be shared with the DOC CNO and the DOC CQO as necessary.
Carefully documents activities findings and recommendations and reports them to their direct supervisor and the facility leadership team. Meets routinely with the DOC CQO, other members of the QI Nursing team, and the CNO to review findings and recommendation of practice improvements.
Reviews policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure current evidence-based practices are in place for patients. Make recommendations for changes when necessary and then re-evaluate the system to determine if the changes are effective.
The QI Nurse will be responsible to lead a minimum of one annual PI project as approved by the CNO. Re-evaluate performance improvement projects to determine if the changes are effective.

QI RN3 facilitates improvements in medication management, handling, and doing in collaboration with facility teams and pharmacy staff.

Monitors Medication Incident Reports (MIR) at assigned facilities and works with facility clinical staff on follow-up analyses and corrective actions as appropriate to avoid repetition.
Analyzes missing medication events and collaborates with local teams and pharmacy staff to implement improvements to reduce these occurrences.
Reviews errors related to medication lapses and losses at transitions of care including movement within facilities, between prison, and to/from community care or reentry, and facilitates PDSA improvement cycles towards eliminating this category of pharmaceutical waste and patient risk.

QI RN3 monitors for and responds to system adverse events as part of the Quality Team.

Receives and reviews DOH reports as assigned and works with faculty teams to identify and remedy related patient safety risks.
Works with facility teams to ensure completion of DOH reports to notify of events as required by law, and complete associated root cause analyses (RCA), with report to HQ Quality Team.
Rotates with QI RN3 peers to screen all Incident Management Reporting System (IMRS) emails for healthcare-related trigger events and ensure appropriate follow-up for analysis and corrective actions.

QI RN3 collaborates with internal operational audit team and external auditors to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.

Ensures that health care is delivered according to applicable Federal and State laws, and in accordance with established DOC policies and Health Services protocols, guidelines, and procedures and DOH requirements as appropriate.

Performs regular medical chart and care delivery audits, interviews with patients and staff to assess compliance with standard clinical practices, and DOC HS policies and procedures.

Collaborates with Facility Medical Director and RN leadership to develop/initiate corrective action plans as indicated.

Report regularly and at least quarterly on findings and activities, to share with the DOC CNO, DOC CQO, and facility and headquarters leadership.

Assists with coordination and planning of facility audits, feedback sessions, and follow up of action items identified via audits.

Other duties as assigned

May be utilized to provide necessary coverage/relief in all areas of Health Services.
Assist with other projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

An initial and continuous unblemished/unrestricted licensure in the state of Washington as a Registered Nurse and at leave five (5) years of recent clinical experience working as a Registered Nurse.

AND

Two (2) years of professional quality assurance experience, which includes the following:
Demonstrated commitment to patient safety, health care quality, and effective care.
Demonstrated ability to critically evaluate documentation, identify best practices, and make recommendations for improved healthcare services.
Demonstrated experience with Root Cause Analysis Tools (i.e. Failure Mode & Effects Analysis [FMEA], Pareto Chart, 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, and Scatter Diagram.)
Demonstrated use of clinical problem-solving, clinical decision-making, and critical thinking.
Demonstrated experience with evidence-based practices, conceptual framework for quality measurement, and quality improvement activities.
Demonstrated experience with the development, implementation, or oversight of quality improvement activities.
Certification by the American Heart Association in Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers.
Proficiency using computer-based programs to schedule, monitor, and track information, perform data entry and word processing, and communicate via email, as well as other programs that may be needed to complete assigned work.
Ability to work independently and with limited supervision.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, teaching/presentation and writing skills to motivate staff compliance with quality care standards.
Knowledge of risk, safety, and quality management to ensure a quality, satisfying patient care experience.
Knowledge of NCCH standards, CMS, and DOH expectations, and RCW/WAC requirements for DOC health care services.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with sensitive medical information and foster a safe, ethical work environment.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective relationships with patients, families, staff, and external stakeholders.
Proficient in reading and auditing medical charts, using critical thinking in interpreting multidisciplinary chart notes.
Knowledgeable with team-oriented decision making regarding clinical risk management in a Just Culture framework.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

Graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent.
Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP) by the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare (NCCHC)
Certification or other similar quality accreditation body.

Additional Information

Mission: The mission of DOC is to improve public safety by positively changing lives.

Our Vision: Working together for safer communities.

Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

Our Core Values:

Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.

Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety.

We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.

People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community – understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application.

A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies.

If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.

**Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.

A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.

We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws.

A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.

Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire.

When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.

This position may be represented by a bargaining unit.

Requires respirator medical evaluation questionnaire, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the WA Industrial Safety & Act standards. Refer to WAC 296-842 to learn more.
Must be able to work in spaces, climb stairs, walk long distances, and frequently lift up to 30 pounds. Under rare circumstances this position may be required to lift or carry up to 50 pounds and push up to 100 pounds.

Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application.

You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.

Candidates who are offered a job with the Department of Corrections must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
Salary is based on experience and is determined at the time a final offer of employment is made. The salary range listed in the job posting includes Steps A-U. Step U is a longevity step and is typically gained six years after being assigned to Step T in your permanent salary range.

DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9.

The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form.

https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

We are committed to hiring individuals who possess core diversity competencies:

Foster a positive attitude and openness toward the ever changing social and cultural makeup of the workplace.

Work effectively with people of different perspectives, abilities, disabilities, races, religions, ages, lifestyle preferences and social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Respectfully acknowledge people's differences and recognize these differences as important and valuable.
Promote inclusiveness.
Be culturally sensitive and appropriate.
Respect and value diverse backgrounds and traditions.

What We Offer:

As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority.

Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation.

Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
8 hours of paid sick leave per month
12 paid holidays a year
Generous retirement plan
Flex Spending Accounts
Dependent Care Assistance
Deferred Compensation and so much more!

Many DOC jobs are covered by the Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS).

If someone moves from a Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) eligible position to a PSERS eligible position, they actually retire under two different systems/plans.

For more information, please contact the Department of Retirement System at: 1-800-547-6657.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email kathey.waggoner@doc1.wa.gov or call us at 509-907-7808 For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

✓ Fresh Listing

Registered Nurse 3 - Quality Improvement Nurse - BQ06 - HQ

SES Pay Grade

Job Description

Summary

Key Requirements

Full Job Description

Requirements

Qualifications

Additional Information

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