Performance Improvement Nurse

UNC Health Southeastern; Lumberton (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

UNC Health Southeastern in Lumberton, NC, is seeking a Nurse Quality Improvement Lead to support performance improvement efforts by coordinating data analysis and education across the system. The role requires an Associate's degree in nursing and a minimum of 5 years of clinical experience, with strong skills in RCA, data visualization, and cross-functional leadership.

You will lead teams, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive patient outcomes through collaborative improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• Associates degree in nursing with at least 5 years of clinical experience.
• Proficiency in data interpretation and performance metrics.
• Strong leadership and interdepartmental collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate data collection and analysis for quality initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional teams to implement process improvements.
• Educate staff on quality measures and regulatory standards.
• Manage root cause analyses and action plans.

Skills

Root Cause Analysis

Data analysis

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Associates degree in nursing

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Graphics software

Job description

Lumberton , NC

Nursing

Full time-Benefits , 8 hr days with every weekend 12hr shift , 8a-4:30p

Pay Grade: 503

Posted 09/11/2026

POSITION SUMMARY:

Supports quality management and performance improvement efforts for UNC Health southeastern by participating in, and coordinating activities related to, the acquisition, aggregation and analysis of process measurement data. Monitors the organization’s performance indicators and improvement projects and provides support as needed for quality improvement. Provides education, consultation, and assistance to others throughout the system regarding process improvement tools and methodology. Serves as an organizational expert in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and assists individuals, departments, and/or committees in the investigation and analysis of events. Ensures timely and appropriate completion of adverse event plans of actions to align with regulatory standards. Oversees the organizational restraint process and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. Leads and/or supports clinical and non-clinical investigative and improvement teams to ensure effective change. Stays abreast of national quality measures and provides education to providers, medical students, residents, clinical students and other staff, as needed to ensure compliance with measures. The incumbent is expected to possess astute clinical knowledge and make efficient use of the tools and resources available internally and externally to ensure optimal patient outcomes throughout southeastern Health System.

EDUCATION, CREDENTIALS, TRAINING and EXPERIENCE:

Required: Must have an Associates degree in nursing. Must possess a thorough knowledge of clinical practice and guidelines gained through substantial clinical experience (5 years minimum clinical experience). Must be capable of reading, understanding, interpreting, analyzing and displaying data. Must be proficient in the use of keyboard and basic computer applications. Advanced proficiency in the use of Microsoft word, Excel, Powerpoint, and graphics software is required. Competency in the use of database software preferred, or must be competent by the end of probationary period. Working knowledge of statistical methods for analysis, and of hospital operations, gained through previous process improvement experience in an acute hospital setting. Proven competence in the analysis, interpretation, explanation and presentation of performance data and trends; or must prove competence by the end of the probationary period. Must have a working knowledge or experience in conducting Root Cause Analysis and action planning. Must be knowledgeable of medical terminology, anatomy and medical interventions. Must be able to access data and information using the electronic medical record. Must have experience in leading cross-functional teams utilizing process improvement methodologies.

Additional Specialized Knowledge/Skills Required: ≥ 5 years of nursing clinical experience. Must demonstrate solid time management and organizational skills. Must be assertive, self-motivated and able to perform duties with minimal supervision. Must possess excellent skills in leadership, guest relations, interpersonal relations, communication and negotiation to impact results, gain support and manage complex relationships. Must be able to work collaboratively with the medical staff, residents, students and staff at all levels within the organization in quality improvement initiatives. Must be able to proficiently and effectively handle multiple priorities, projects and deliverables. Must be able to influence, facilitate, coach and mentor others effectively to drive positive change. Must be able to hold individuals accountable to deadlines and actions.

Preferred: Specialized training/experience in Quality Improvement methods and analysis. National Certification as a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) or other national quality certification. Working knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements as they relate to the Performance Improvement standards and Adverse Events, root cause analysis and action planning processes. Previous Preferred Quality and/or Performance Improvement experience. ICD-10 coding knowledge/experience.