Patient Safety Officer (RN)

Appalachian Regional Healthcare System; Boone (NC); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare system in North Carolina seeks a Patient Safety Officer R.N. to spearhead patient safety initiatives and enhance quality care. The role involves leading performance improvement efforts, collaborating across teams, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and fostering a culture of safety within the organization.

Benefits

Health, Dental, Vision and HSA

403(b) retirement plan with employer match

Tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in clinical healthcare.
• Experience in Quality Management/Patient Safety/Risk Management preferred.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

Responsibilities

• Lead patient safety initiatives and ensure a culture of safety.
• Collect, analyze, and report patient safety data.
• Identify potential risks and develop safety protocols.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership in change management

Communication skills

Process improvement

Education

Current NC RN License

BSN preferred

Job description

UNC Health Appalachian · Quality Management

Newly Created Position

Full-time , Days , 40

Job Summary

( This position does not require weekendor holiday work)

The starting hourly rate for this position is $36.38/hour. Compensation is commensurate upon education, experience, certification, and internal equity. Hiring compensation range starts from $36.38/hour to $50.02

Who We Are:We are a regional healthcare system witha patient-centeredenvironment that fosters innovation, continuousimprovement and a commitment to deliveringthe highestquality care. UNC Health Appalachian was recognized by Healthgradesin the top 2% of hospitals nationwide for exceptional cardiology care via its "America's Best Hospitals" awards. We arenestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, home of breathtaking views, outdoor adventures,top-rated schools and a caring team of clinicalprofessionalsand support staff that pride themselves on delivering outcomes-based care to the people of the High Country. Join our Team!

• 501(c)(3) organization:Eligibility for student loan forgiveness based on qualifying federal guidelines.
• Health, Dental, Vision and HSA
• Supplemental insuranceto include short and long-term disability insurance, accidental insurance, life insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, critical illness insurance, identity theft protection, legal insurance, etc.
• Student loan refinancing benefitandcollege savings fundas well astuition reimbursementfor qualifying employees.
• 403(b) retirement planwith employer match.
• Paid time off- front-loaded for the first year for qualifying part-time and full-time employees (amount based on status and FTE at the time of hire) - paid time off accrual begins following the first year of employment. Cash out option also available for qualifying employees by meeting specified criteria.
• Paid parentalleave- qualifying employees are eligible to use two (2) weeks of paid parental leave anytime during the first six (6) months following the birth or adoption of a child - to be taken consecutively.
• Employee Wellness program-Love Your Life- award-winning voluntary wellness program available for UNC Health Appalachianemployees. Employees enrolled on the organization'shealth plan can enroll with our health screening (biometrics and labs) and earn program incentives. Employees who are not enrolled on the organization'shealth plan can participate in online wellness activities for a chance to earn quarterly prize drawings.
• Employee to Employee (E2E) program- Caring for our own. Employee program that is solely funded by voluntary employee donations. The money is used to financially assist co-workers that are experiencing unexpected financial hardship.
• Employeeperksto include discounted rates for Dollywood, Biltmore, Tweetsie Railroad, etc. (subject to change).
• Take avirtual tourof our new Schaefer Family Patient Care Tower by clicking here .

Position Summary

The Patient Safety Officer R.N. is responsible for leading patient safety initiatives and ensuring a culture of safety throughout the organization by collecting, analyzing, and reporting patient safety data to internal stakeholders and external agencies. Facilitates day to day continuous patient safety improvement for UNC Health Appalachian facilities. Coordinates hospital improvement efforts through the application of performance improvement principles (Lean, PDSA, High Reliability) that support the health system in achieving top performance and maximizing outcomes for quality, patient safety, patient experience, and performance excellence. As an agent of change, the officer will serve as a catalyst to create a culture that continuously strives for operational excellence and embraces the principles of process improvement. T he role includes identifying potential risks, developing safety protocols, investigating incidents, and promoting evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes. The Patient Safety Officer works collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams to reduce harm and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

The Patient Safety Officer demonstrates the UNC Health Appalachian Mission, Vision, and Values in action and approaches work in a way that reflects action, efficiency, and personal accountability. The Patient Safety Officer demonstrates professional conduct, effective communication, and effective delegation of tasks. Performs duties under general supervision. Always assists coworkers, patients, families, and visitors regardless of the assignment, so long as the assistance is in-line with their scope of practice and license.

Position Qualifications

Current NC RN License; BSN preferred

Experience

A minimum of 5 years’ experience in clinical health care.

Experience in Quality Management /Patient Safety/ Risk Management preferred.

Experience with Lean, 6 Sigma or similar assessment/process improvement techniques preferred.

Required Registration/License/Certification

Licensed in the state of North Carolina as a Registered Nurse.

Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) or similar credential preferred.

Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association is required at the time of hire

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Proven ability to facilitate continuous patient safety improvements and coordinate safety-related initiatives

Experience in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies with skills in process redesign and embedding equity in safety initiatives.

Strong analytical skills for developing data-driven solutions using clinical information systems and statistical process control.

Understanding of the acute care and/or ambulatory environment with the ability to provide technical and strategic consultation for the health system.

Extensive knowledge of hospital compliance with patient safety regulations and ability to oversee audits and reporting.

Demonstrates strong planning, execution, and follow-up skills.

Exceptional leadership in change management and effective communication across all organizational levels.

Demonstrates knowledge of computer system software components, (e.g., MS Office, Windows operating system, file structures, network components and various databases).

Physical Demands

Lifts, positions, pushes, pulls, and/or transfers up to and greater than 30 pounds

Manual dexterity and mobility

Prolonged, extensive or considerable sitting/standing/walking

Bending, squatting, twisting, and turning

Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less

Working Conditions

Infrequently exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases

Infrequently exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment, odorous chemicals and specimens, and unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc.

May be subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) and emergencies

Continuous sitting, standing and walking long periods = to or greater than > 8 hours per shift

Speaking, reading, and writing, expanded > 8 hours per day

Exposed to vibration and cramped spaces

Infrequently lifts, carries, pushes, and/or pulls > 30 lbs.

Infrequently bends, squats, kneels, twists, turns, and reaches

Frequently per minute: hand, finger, and wrist repetition and moderate dexterity

Exposed to soft voices > 3 feet away

Frequently exposed to close eye work

Infrequently may be exposed to ionizing/nonionizing radiation exposure, including x-ray and microwave

About UNC Health Appalachian
It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.”

About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen.For accommodations or additional information, [e-mail] .