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

University of California- Davis Health; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 1,305,000 - 2,693,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

On-site position

Job summary

UC Davis Health in Sacramento seeks a Quality & Safety Nurse Analyst who integrates patient advocacy with data-driven quality improvement. The role requires clinical judgment, organizational skills, and autonomous project management across Perioperative Services to drive performance and patient safety outcomes.

The position collaborates with the Quality & Performance Improvement Manager and division staff, delivering data analyses, training, and effective change management to ensure timely,

Qualifications

• Valid California RN License.
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt; if not obtained upon hire to be completed within one 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.

Responsibilities

• 50% - PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAM
• 15% - CLINICAL DEPARTMENT RESOURCE
• 15% - PATIENT CARE REVIEWS
• 5% - COMMUNICATION
• 5% - CUSTOMER SERVICE
• 5% - PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
• 5% - GENERAL

Skills

Nursing license

Quality improvement

Project management

Data analysis

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Quality data management software

Job description

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Job ID: 88995

Location: Sacramento

Full/Part Time: Full Time

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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

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• 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% - COMMUNICATION
• 5% - CUSTOMER SERVICE
• 5% - PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
• 5% - GENERAL

Department Overview

Perioperative Services at UC Davis Health encompasses multiple Operating Rooms, Preoperative and Post-Anesthesia Units, and Sterile Processing Departments, across the UC Davis Health Campus. Surgical care is provided across the entire life spectrum, includes a wide range of inpatient and ambulatory surgical specialties, including but not limited to: ACS Level 1 Trauma, Bariatric, Burn, Cardiac, Colorectal, Endocrine, ENT, Gynecology, comprehensive Neurosurgery, Oncologic, Ophthalmology, Orthopedic Trauma, comprehensive Orthopedic (Spine, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Hand Trauma), Otolaryngology, Pain, Plastics, Robotics, Thoracic, Transplant, Vascular, Urology, and Uro-Gyn. Additionally, our Children's Surgery Center provides comprehensive surgical care in the full-range of surgical specialties in an age-appropriate setting.

Department Specific Job Scope

The Quality & Safety Nurse Analyst position supports the entire Perioperative Services division as it delivers patient care through provision and management of capital, supplies, instrumentation, and technological support as well as human resources in collaboration with medical and para-medical staff to effectively manage patients undergoing elective, urgent, and emergent surgical intervention.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $116,969.76-$241,289.28
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: QLTY IMPV HC SPEC 4 HX
• UC Job Code: 004916
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): 8 hours, M-F, generally 0630-1500 subject to operational needs
• Location: Surgery & Emergency Serv PAV (HSP010)
• Union Representation: HX-Healthcare Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. Works overtime as defined by the collective bargaining agreements; floats to other areas; and works weekends, holidays and call as required. References reflect an overall meets or exceeds. May be assigned to work at any Perioperative Services location across the UC Davis Health campus to meet operational needs.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together. As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination. Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement.

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks