Registered Nurse (RN) - Quality Assurance
Texas Health & Human Services Commission
El Paso, TX

Quality Assurance Nurse

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence. The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers The state of Texas offers many benefits to employees. HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments. We also offer excellent health benefits, a lifetime monthly retirement annuityas well as 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you! Free CEUs and updated resources through Lippincott access for all nurses. The Quality Assurance Nurse (Nurse III) performs duties within the scope of practice attributed to the skills of a registered nurse and reports to the Quality Assurance Director. Coordinates and organizes quality assurance and quality improvement activities related to nursing and clinical care. Ensures quality data is collected in order to create an accurate clinical picture of services provided to individuals served. Evaluates SSLC nursing services and other areas of care through the analysis of performance data. Provides recommendations for improvement to facility leadership. Assists with the provision of education to nursing staff and others as it relates to identified deficiencies. As assigned, serves on or facilitates workgroups related to quality improvement of clinical services. As assigned, participates in mortality reviews and tracks recommendations to completion. Creates and reviews reports. Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends. Essential Job Functions: Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility. Obtains and analyzes data by utilizing assigned monitoring and audit tools, in order to assess the quality of services provided to individuals served. Completes inter-rater audits for clinical departments. Prepares and provides reports and data analysis and provides recommendations for improvement. Communicates, teaches, follows up, and assists in implementation of quality improvement initiatives. Communicates effectively to provide education to employees at all levels of the organization, individuals who reside at the facility, and external monitoring groups. Actively participates in and/or facilitates workgroups and committees as assigned. Participates in mortality reviews and tracks recommendations to completion as assigned. Practices professional & prudent nursing in compliance with the Nurse Practice Act and agency/facility policies & procedures. Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Knowledge Skills Abilities: * Considerable knowledge of nursing techniques, standards, and procedures; of health care laws and regulations; of medical diagnoses and procedures; of accepted medical treatment patterns; of community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures; of program regulations and procedures; and of utilization review and control measures. * Skill in the care and treatment of patients. * Knowledge of state and federal laws, nursing care standards, Intermediate Care Facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF-IID) rules, regulations, and policy and procedures related to State Supported Living Centers or ability to quickly gain that knowledge. * Skills in the use of software and electronic health record systems; skills in preparing and maintaining records. * Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present ideas clearly and concisely in both written and oral communications. * Ability to provide patient care; to organize, coordinate, and evaluate nursing activities and delivery of health services; and to recognize patterns of medically necessary treatment. * Ability to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others. * Ability to train all levels of staff. * Ability to make decisions and recommendations to SSLC leadership including on-call administrators. * Knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment, i.e., CPR., and ability to assess and care for residents and/or staff members in emergency situations. Must have strength and flexibility to safely perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Registration or Licensure Requirements: Licensed to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact. Must maintain current CPR certification. Initial Selection Criteria: At least one (1) year experience as a practicing registered nurse is required. At least two (2) years of experience as a practicing registered nurse in a health agency, hospital, or health-care facility preferred. Bachelor's Degree is preferred. Two years of nursing supervisory/administrative experience is preferred. Quality assurance monitoring experience is preferred. Experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) is preferred. Additional Information: Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities. Males between the ages of 18 - 25 must be registered with the Selective Service. All State Supported Living Center employees are subject to random drug testing. Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. MOS Code: Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 68C, 66N/P/W, 290X, 46FX, 46NX, 46SX. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview. Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS