Clinical Quality Specialist, RN - Apex

WakeMed Health & Hospitals; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

WakeMed is seeking a clinically driven Clinical Quality Specialist, RN to support quality, safety, and practice excellence across ambulatory services in the Apex region with potential coverage in Cary. The role collaborates with service line leaders, nursing leadership, and interdisciplinary teams to optimize workflows and advance evidence-based nursing practice.

The ideal candidate will bring a NC RN license, BSN, 3–5 years of nursing experience, and demonstrated leadership.

Qualifications

• Current NC RN license required.
• BSN required; MSN preferred.
• 3–5 years progressive clinical nursing experience.
• Leadership experience in formal or informal roles.
• Experience with quality improvement, patient safety, or performance improvement.

Responsibilities

• Partner with leaders to support quality, safety, and performance improvement in ambulatory clinics.
• Lead quality assessments, audits, and continuous improvement projects.
• Analyze clinical workflows to improve efficiency, patient experience.
• Provide clinical education and guidance to nursing staff on standards and regulatory requirements.
• Support implementation of evidence-based practices across specialties.
• Monitor compliance with policies and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with nursing leadership and compliance to ensure NC BON requirements are met.
• Use Epic and quality data to evaluate metrics and identify trends.
• Participate in committees and interdisciplinary initiatives focused on clinical excellence and patient safety.
• Advocate for nursing best practices and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Education

BSN

MSN preferred

Tools

Epic EMR

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

WakeMed is seeking a highly collaborative and clinically driven Clinical Quality Specialist, RN to support quality, safety, and clinical practice excellence across our ambulatory services in the Apex region with possible coverage in Cary. Serving as a key member of the clinical leadership team, this role partners closely with service line leaders, nursing leadership, compliance, providers, and interdisciplinary teams to optimize clinical workflows, advance quality initiatives, and support evidence-based nursing practice. The Clinical Quality Specialist works across multiple specialties and clinic locations to promote regulatory compliance, clinical education, performance improvement, and consistent standards of care. The ideal candidate brings strong clinical judgment, demonstrated leadership experience, exceptional communication and influencing skills, and the ability to solve complex problems while driving positive outcomes for patients, caregivers, and the organization.

What You'll Do

• Partner with operational and clinical leaders to support quality, safety, and performance improvement initiatives across ambulatory clinics and service lines.
• Lead and facilitate quality assessment activities, audits, and continuous improvement projects to enhance patient outcomes and operational effectiveness.
• Analyze clinical workflows and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, patient experience, and quality of care delivery.
• Provide clinical education, coaching, and guidance to nursing and clinical staff on standards of care, policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Support implementation and sustainability of evidence-based practices and quality initiatives across multiple specialties.
• Monitor compliance with WakeMed policies, approved protocols, standing orders, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with nursing leadership and compliance teams to ensure adherence to North Carolina Board of Nursing requirements and other accrediting agencies.
• Utilize Epic and quality data to evaluate performance metrics, identify trends, and support data-driven decision making.
• Participate in committees, interdisciplinary projects, and organizational initiatives focused on clinical excellence and patient safety.
• Advocate for nursing best practices while supporting a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a clinical resource for staff and leaders regarding quality standards, regulatory compliance, and ambulatory nursing practice.

What We're Looking For

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in North Carolina.
• Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive clinical nursing experience.
• Leadership experience through formal or informal roles such as lead nurse, charge nurse, project leader, committee participation, clinical champion, preceptor, or other leadership responsibilities.
• Strong clinical knowledge and sound nursing judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and engage stakeholders across multiple levels of the organization.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Experience supporting quality improvement, patient safety, compliance, or performance improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency with Epic electronic medical records.
• Strong technical skills in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while collaborating effectively across diverse teams and specialties.

The WakeWay to Excellence

• We put patients and families at the center of everything we do.
• We foster a culture of teamwork, respect, and collaboration to achieve the best outcomes.
• We embrace accountability, quality, and continuous improvement in our work.
• We support professional growth and encourage lifelong learning and development.
• We are committed to delivering compassionate care while advancing the health and well-being of the communities we serve.

Department Description

Team & Culture

• Join a supportive and highly collaborative ambulatory leadership team focused on delivering exceptional patient care.
• Enjoy meaningful work-life balance in a role that allows you to impact patient outcomes without the demands of direct bedside care.
• Partner with providers, nurses, clinical staff, operational leaders, and compliance teams to drive improvements across multiple clinics and specialties.
• Make a direct impact on the quality, safety, and consistency of care delivered to patients throughout the ambulatory setting.
• Help shape and elevate nursing practice by serving as a clinical advocate and trusted resource for nursing teams.
• Contribute to a culture that values professional growth, innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Play an influential role in advancing patient-centered care throughout WakeMed's outpatient network.

About WakeMed

Serving the community since 1961, WakeMed Health & Hospitals is the leading provider of health services in Wake County. With a mission to improve the health and well-being of our community, we are committed to providing outstanding and compassionate care. For more information, visit www.wakemed.org.
EOE

Licensure

Registered Nurse Required

Education

Bachelor's Degree Nursing Required

Experience

Supervisory Preferred