Quality Improvement Nurse Advisor

This is a remote position.

Job Summary

The Quality Improvement Nurse Advisor coordinates, develops, implements, and evaluates Network quality improvement activity (QIA) projects for dialysis facilities for the ESRD Division and corresponding regions. The QI Advisor provides technical expertise in the development and implementation of quality improvement, quality assurance, medical review, and patient advocacy programs. Supports other functional areas of the organization as directed and performs other duties as assigned. This position reports to an ESRD Network Executive Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Responsible for coordinating select quality improvement activities (QIAs) as directed by the CMS Contract.
2. Develops quality improvement project plans
3. Educates facilities in the principles of continuous quality improvement
4. Provides technical assistance to facilities on data collection, reporting, and initiative implementation specific to their assigned QIA project
5. Develops, executes, and evaluates the effectiveness of intervention activities through data driven decision making and rapid cycle improvement tactics
6. Maintains project specific records
7. Collaborates with the Medical Review Board (MRB), Community Coalitions, and Patient Peers
8. Prepares final reports to the MRB, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and Executive Directors as needed.
9. Maintains proficiency with the CMS ESRD Network Statement of Work (SOW)
10. Engages with stakeholders, communities, peer mentors, patients to execute SOW requirements.
11. Analyzes data and maintains records as directed by the CMS contract.
12. Collaborates with Patient Services Manager (PSM), Marcom POC, and other ESRD team members in the development and publication of patient educational resources by providing guidance, content, and editing
13. Assists in the planning and implementation of educational meetings as necessary
14. Participates with internal and external stakeholders in coalition activities and additional workgroups as directed by the Executive Director or CMS
15. Assesses, collects, compiles, inputs and tracks contract, project, and task specific activities via Smartsheet, Survey Monkey, SharePoint or another designated tool.
16. Provides detailed monthly project reports and summary data results for the select QIAs in the Monthly COR Report, CMS metric dashboard, and the Network’s internal quality improvement plan/internal quality control (IQC) program
17. Creates summary report as directed by the Network’s SOW
18. Submits QIA specific Deliverables on time to the Executive Director for submission to CMS in accordance with the Network’s SOW and Schedule of Deliverables (SOD)
19. Presents summary information to the Medical Review Board (MRB) on QIA outcomes, feedback, and facility needs. Provides content for the agendas, PowerPoint presentations, minutes, and other documentation, as requested, related to Medical Review Board activities.
20. Participates in State Survey Agency/CMS bimonthly calls to provide updates on assigned QIAs and request SA feedback. Contributes to the preparation of agendas, PowerPoint presentations, and meeting minutes.
21. Perform Clinical Quality of Care case reviews and PCU entry, as applicable.
22. Assists the Executive Director with summary report entries in Annual Report, additional reporting as requested.
23. Up to 60% travel is required.
24. Assists facilities during emergency situations as necessary.
25. Participates in Kidney Community Emergency Response efforts including annual emergency tabletop exercise, submission of ESSR, and Technical Assistance reporting as needed.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

1. Quality improvement knowledge through healthcare application, implementation and evaluation required.
2. Nephrology/dialysis or ESRD Network experience preferred.
3. Ability and desire to collaborate with team members but comfortable self-managing when needed.
4. Skilled in managing multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, with close attention to detail and accuracy.
5. Experience in coordinating health programming, and/or quality improvement initiatives
6. Demonstrates a high-level of interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal.
7. Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products: spreadsheet, word processing, email, Internet browser and database software; and contact management systems.

Education, Experience, & Licensing Requirements

Education

1. Bachelors’ degree or equivalent experience required.

Experience

1. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) preferred, or 5 years Quality Improvement healthcare experience preferred.
2. Must have LPN, RN or Clinician license.
3. Dialysis experience required.
4. Experience managing projects and developing health education also preferred.
5. Preferred: Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN), Public Health (MPH), Social Sciences or equivalent

Travel Requirements

1. Employee will work remotely from a home-based office. Approximately 25% travel required.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

1. Employee will constantly communicate with others regarding employment related information or instruction and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
2. This role requires constant use of standard office equipment such as computers and telephones to receive and share information.
3. Employee must be able to read and interpret information displayed on a computer screen.
4. Employee must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
5. This role occasionally requires the employee to lift light objects up to 25 pounds.