DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' SERVICES

Address:

Arizona State Veterans' Home - Flagstaff
2100 North Gemini Road
Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Salary: $70,400 - $74,800 (DOE) 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: Open Until Filled 

The Quality Assurance Nurse is responsible for coordinating a structured Quality Assurance (QA) program that meets all federal and state regulatory requirements. The program is multi-disciplinary, multi-level, and facility-wide and involves all essential departments in a process of evaluating, correcting and managing systems that affect the quality of care provided within the skilled nursing facility. The QA Nurse ensures that the facility's practices meet or exceed an expected standard of quality by utilizing the principles of continuous quality improvement.  The candidate also provides education for staff at all levels to improve regulatory compliance and systems and to better meet the needs of our Veterans/Members.

They learn, implement, and monitor Arizona Management System (AMS) methods and utilize AMS concepts and tools for problem solving and continuous work/process improvements and efficiencies. They are actively involved in AMS processes such as huddle boards, problem solving, job breakdown sheets, success tracking, and standardized work. They incorporate a cultural focus on Veteran/Member-centered care in the performance of job duties.

As the Quality Assurance Nurse you will:

• Draft policies and procedures pertaining to quality assurance using guidelines such as nursing home regulations, facility practices, evidenced-based practice, complaints, audits, observation and other informational sources
• Gather and analyze data through audits, interviews and other activities to monitor compliance of all disciplines, departments and services with applicable policies and procedures, standards and regulations
• Review monthly CASPER (Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reporting) report and develop Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) based PIPs (performance improvement plans)
• Prepares, distributes, and interprets reports, statistical analyses, data summaries and other written information to facility staff pertaining to the activities of QAPI
• Assist supervisors /managers in developing and implementing corrective action plans
• Ensure that the facility meets state, federal, and VA regulations and that they are consistent with the facility’s practices
• Investigate all incidents of non-compliance and works with the Administrator in investigating allegations of abuse, neglect, and mistreatment of residents
• Coordinate facility preparations for surveys
• Monitor and report on facility’s plans for correcting deficiencies identified by surveying agencies. Ensures that facility works to meet state, Federal and VA regulations
• Chair and coordinate internal Quality Assurance Committee and the Infection Control Committee meetings
• Identify training needs and develop and implement educational programs for staff and other areas related to quality assurance and compliance education
• Maintain records to document training and compliance with regulations
• Participate in special projects assigned by Administrator. Assumes staff assignments when necessary
• Maintain current antibiotic listing by unit for daily review with IDT
• Confirm appropriate and effective use of antibiotics per diagnostic test results and coordinate with nursing administration and physicians as needed
• Maintain weekly tracking and trending of infections per individual units and determine need for staff education. Coordinate with Director of Nursing for in-services
• Conduct infection control surveillance daily rounds to confirm compliance with individual care plans for residents with infections
• Prepare monthly summary utilizing weekly tracking, trending, and facility mapping for QAPI committee
• Keep abreast of any current information and attend educational opportunities to assist in role such as provided by CMS and CDC
  
  

Knowledge of:

• Principles of management and administration
• Quality assurance and utilization review principles and methods
• Patient care standards
• Nursing processes, practices, and techniques
• OBRA and other pertinent nursing home regulations as they apply to quality assurance activities
• Basic statistical and data gathering techniques
• Basic training interventions that may be used to develop staff skills and knowledge

Skills in:

• Verbal and written communication 
• Problem solving
• Analysis

Ability to:

• Analyze and interpret information and data
• Work with all levels of organization
• Develop and coordinate training programs

• Requires current license to practice in Arizona as a Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse
• DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card required
• Infection Preventiveness Certification required
• In-state travel; valid AZ Driver's License is required

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

• The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Referral Incentives available for qualifying positions
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance
  

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here.

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).  Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Paul Sharp at psharp@azdvs.gov or (602) 781-7032 for assistance.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.