This position is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of all clinical standards, such as clinical guidelines and protocols, for each level of care across the continuum of health care services offered by CHRISTUS Health as part of the quality improvement processes and care management activities. In addition to the research and design function, this position will provide leadership at the facility, regional and system level for preparation of quality awards such as Magnet for nursing, the State Quality Awards and Baldrige Award for Health Care Quality. This position will provide research and analytical expertise, education and leadership for health care center administrative leaders, nursing and quality management personnel, as well as staff physicians. As an internal expert and change agent, this person passionately inspires this large multi-state health care organization to provide exemplar health care and service to meet the mission of CHRISTUS Health.
As an integral part of CHRISTUS Health's Quality and Patient Safety Improvement (QPSI), this position will provide research and evaluation for evidence based medical guidelines and protocols for all physician specialties and nursing to support clinical quality improvement and patient safety initiatives with demonstrated improved clinical outcomes.
Provides operational expertise to direct the implementation of clinical guidelines and protocols to effect the desired change in a timely manner.
Works with the various clinical councils and the QPSI team, to gain acceptance of the new clinical standards and assist the local facilities in gaining medical staff adoption and compliance with these clinical care standards.
Supports individual CHRISTUS acute care facilities in their efforts to achieve Magnet status through providing centralized research activities and clearing house for nursing research and guidelines/protocols. Provide direct support to facility and regional Chief Nurse Executives in their application for Magnet status by coordinating research needs, mock reviews and consultative services.
Support system level and regional changes to improve clinical operations and communication to a multi-level, interdisciplinary audience.
Provides research assistance in study design, statistical analysis and reporting for best practice submissions, as well as publication in professional journals.
Provides expertise in quality improvement for all health care delivery settings including acute care, long term care, skilled nursing facilities, rehab, and ambulatory care.
As part of an interdisciplinary approach, directs efforts to improve the quality of clinical and patient and physician service and satisfaction outcomes and the financial impact of the populations served by CHRISTUS Health.
Assists other QPSI and regional quality directors in the development and assessment of the CHRISTUS Health Quality Management Program and annual work plan. Participates, when needed, as staff support for the Quality Management Committee, a sub committee of the CHRISTUS Health Board of Directors.
Sponsors and promotes communication and shared learning platform between health care professionals within and outside of CHRISTUS Health.
Provides leadership, research, and expertise for integrating CHRISTUS multidisciplinary activities into quality management processes that include utilization of national benchmarks, internal goals and local targets.
Helps position CHRISTUS as a major influence for quality health care legislation and activities through active participation with national organizations and groups that address quality health care issues. Supports advocacy efforts for all regions and System.
Works collaboratively in a team environment with QPSI, System Medical Directors, Chief Nurse Executives, directors of quality and directors of case management.
Works with Organizational Development to develop clinical management curriculum.
Actively participates with QPSI and regional staff in providing JCAHO and other accrediting or licensing body reviews and education.
Provides expertise and presentations on nursing standards and other clinical issues for local and national organizations.
Manages the Chief Nurse Executive Council and actively participates with all other clinical councils such as the Quality Council, Care Management Council, Infection Control Council, Physician Advisory Council and other councils as developed.
CHRISTUS HEALTH is an international Catholic, faith-based, not-for-profit health system comprised of almost more than 600 services and facilities, including more than 60 hospitals and long-term care facilities, 350 clinics and outpatient centers, and dozens of other health ministries and ventures. CHRISTUS operates in 6 U.S. states, Colombia, Chile and 6 states in Mexico. To support our health care ministry, CHRISTUS Health employs approximately 45,000 Associates and has more than 15,000 physicians on medical staffs who provide care and support for patients. CHRISTUS Health is listed among the top ten largest Catholic health systems in the United States.