BS in Nursing (BSN), or other similar cert. combined with Hospital experience, prefer Bachelor's degree, supplemented with 3-5 years of previous hospital and quality improvement job-related exp. Ideal candidate also has either CPHQ or Lean Six Sigma.

The Clinical Quality Improvement Specialist serves a dual role involving direct, in-person coordination with hospital facilities to enhance National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) automated hospital reporting and pediatric readiness capabilities within hospital networks and facilities in Indiana. This position promotes best practices and quality improvement processes for transitioning to automated reporting platforms and implementing pediatric preparedness programs. The specialist will coordinate the development of statewide guidelines, educational modules, and quality improvement tools using evidence-based practices and federal/national recommendations. They will act as a resource and technical advisor to healthcare entities to address hospital facility needs effectively.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Registered Nurse (RN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or similar certification with hospital experience preferred.

• Bachelor's degree supplemented with 3-5 years of hospital and quality improvement experience.

• Ideal candidates possess CPHQ or Lean Six Sigma certifications.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. System Development and Management:

   • Develop and launch a state/jurisdiction capacity system, including near-time bed capacity counts for acute care hospitals.

   • Manage user accounts and security for web-based dashboards to coordinate daily, surge, and crisis needs.

   • Coordinate emergency department data for the NHSN Hospital Capacity Data Store, ensuring accurate and timely submissions.

2. Training and Onboarding:

   • Create communications and training materials for stakeholders and hospital users.

   • Provide training and onboarding services to participating hospitals and stakeholders.

3. Data Coordination and Governance:

   • Collect and standardize hospital data for dashboard development and implementation.

   • Facilitate technical staff engagement to create automated, secure data feeds.

   • Develop shared governance models for data discussions and decision-making.

   • Test and validate data feeds; track milestones for progress reporting.

4. Project Participation and Scalability:

   • Obtain hospital participation agreements and permissions for NHSN data sharing.

   • Provide guidance for scaling the NHSN Connectivity Initiative to other states/jurisdictions.

5. Pediatric Emergency Care Improvement:

   • Use federal/national guidelines to promote clinical and service improvements in pediatric emergency care.

   • Conduct gap analyses and disseminate pediatric care standards and resources.

   • Facilitate bi-monthly State Pediatric Emergency Care Workgroup meetings, developing tools, modules, and resources.

   • Participate in hospital site visits, assess compliance, and provide feedback on pediatric emergency care readiness.

6. Quality Improvement and Self-Development:

   • Develop annual quality improvement plans and resources related to pediatric emergency care.

   • Engage in self-development in pediatric emergency management, quality improvement processes, and healthcare trends.

   • Utilize data to identify trends, make recommendations, and communicate limitations effectively.

7. Other Duties:

   • Perform additional duties as required.

Skills and Competencies:

• Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Teams, Power BI, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, basic keyboarding, web-based meeting systems, and REDCap.

• Computation Ability: Strong problem-solving skills to interpret instructions and adapt to limited standardization.

• Key Competencies:

  • Accuracy and consistency

  • Timely task completion

  • Independent functioning and time management

  • Confidentiality and professional interaction

  • Workflow organization and multitasking

  • Data analysis and report compilation

  • Effective negotiation and direction setting

  • Adaptability in a fast-paced environment

Travel Requirements:

• In-state travel is required (~85% of the workweek).

• Occasional out-of-state overnight travel may be necessary.

Qualifications:

• Strong adaptability and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to maintain accuracy, confidentiality, and workflow efficiency.

• Effective teamwork and independent project management.

• Skilled in compiling reports, analyzing data, and making informed recommendations.

• Proven ability to negotiate, persuade, and implement project goals.