Quality Improvement Specialist RN (QLTY IMPV HC SPEC 4 HX)-Perioperative Services Admin

UC Davis Health; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Davis Health is seeking a Quality & Safety Nurse Analyst to integrate patient advocacy with data collection, analysis, and quality improvement efforts in Perioperative Services. You will lead performance improvement activities, ensure timely delivery, and collaborate with division leadership to implement changes that improve patient outcomes and safety.

The role requires autonomous project management, strong clinical judgment, and expertise in QA methodologies.

Qualifications

• Valid California RN License required.
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt; must obtain within 1 year if not on hire.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 4 years perioperative nursing experience and advanced QA knowledge.
• Knowledge of QI standards, chart review, abstraction, and regulatory requirements.
• Expertise with data collection, analysis, reporting, and performance indicators.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, integrate, and coordinate perioperative quality and safety projects.
• Develop methods and ensure appropriate design for division-wide improvements.
• Design training and deliver information related to projects.
• Coach staff in analytical tools and change management to implement recommendations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Project management

Clinical judgement

Data analysis

Change management

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Valid California RN License

Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality

Master's degree in related field

Tools

Quality data management software

Electronic health records (EHR) systems

Job description

Job Summary

The Quality & Safety Nurse Analyst integrates the role of patient advocate in the provision of care with the technical aspects of data collection, intensive patient care review, and the quality improvement process. This position requires a high level of clinical judgement, creativity, organization, and priority setting. The Quality & Safety Nurse Analyst works closely with the Quality & Performance Improvement Manager directing the development of selected performance improvement activities to ensure optimal patient outcomes and early identification of patient safety systems issues. The Q&S Nurse Analyst provides support for division and system wide performance improvement through collaboration with personnel and operations. The Q&S Nurse Analyst combines expert clinical knowledge of perioperative delivery systems with current quality improvement tools and techniques to demonstrate excellence in clinical and performance outcomes at UCDHS. Responsibilities include analysis, integration, support, and coordination of all Perioperative Services performance, quality, and safety improvement projects.

The position requires autonomous project management with maximum accountability and minimum supervision. Duties include analysis, creation, and distribution of data and reports. Serves as analyst for developing methods and ensures the appropriate methodology, design, and deployment of division-wide Quality Improvement projects. Design and develop training and delivery of information related to projects. Support administration, management, and staff with the implementation of effective methodologies to improve internal and external processes. Coach staff with the use of analytical tools associated with projects and the application of recommendations. Guide the division in managing changes related to the implementation and use of change management methodologies. Apply program management techniques to ensure on-time delivery of high-quality project outcomes. Manage projects and ensure compliance. Works in close collaboration with the director and assistant director of the division, managers, and staff – including managers and staff in other departments.

Apply By Date: 9/29/2026 at 11:59pm PST

Qualifications

• Valid California RN License
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt; if not obtained upon hire to be completed within one (1) year of hire date
• Bachelor's degree in related field
• Four (4) years of experience working in Perioperative Nursing environment
• Advanced level experience in the areas of perioperative nursing or healthcare quality improvement and patient safety
• In-depth knowledge of QI standards, clinical chart review and abstraction, and regulatory requirements.
• In-depth knowledge of QI models, tools, and techniques, including collection, abstraction, validation, analysis, reporting of data, and use of performance and benchmark indicators.
• Advanced organizational and project management skills, with the ability to lead a team, prioritize tasks, and see projects through from inception to completion on schedule.
• Advanced knowledge of the clinical computer environment and of the specialized applications for quality data management.
• Knowledge of medications, indications, dosage ranges, side effects, and potential toxicity.
• Knowledge of legal implications for clinical practice.
• Demonstrates good judgement and independent decision-making in handling situations not covered by written or verbal instructions.
• Recognize those problems which exceed one’s knowledge or position and seek assistance or refer such matters to appropriate individuals.
• Ability to deal with highly confidential patient information including system security matters.
• Ability to integrate the understanding of UCDHS’ goals and objectives, commitments, and projections within a service-oriented healthcare environment.
• Ability to prioritize/reorganize work in response to STAT/Emergency requests.
• Is sensitive to the situation of others regarding timely completion of their work and offer assistance whenever possible. Offer assistance to all job classifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
• Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality
• Master’s degree in related field
• One (1) year of experience working in Quality and Safety role
• Two (2) years of experience leading Process Improvement and Root Cause Analysis events
• Experience with Lean and Six Sigma methodology

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAM
• 15% - CLINICAL DEPARTMENT RESOURCE
• 15% - PATIENT CARE REVIEWS
• 5% -