Project Manager-Performance Improvement RN

Harris Health is a nationally recognized health system comprising three teaching hospitals and an extensive network of ambulatory care centers serving the people of Harris County, Texas, since 1966. Staffed by the faculty, fellows and residents from two nationally ranked medical schools, Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Harris Health is the first healthcare system in Houston to receive the prestigious National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) designation for its network of patient-centered medical homes.

Each year, Harris Health provides more than 1.8 million total outpatient visits through its more than 40 ambulatory care facilities. Additionally, Harris Health sees more than 177,000 emergency visits at its Level 1 and Level 3 trauma centers and 35,000 hospital admissions through its three hospitals: Ben Taub, LBJ and Quentin Mease.

Established by voter referendum to enhance the level of charity care available in the community, Harris Health System has often received national recognition for serving those in need and for its achievements in operational excellence, such as being named to the 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Most Wired Hospitals lists by the American Hospital Associations Hospitals & Health Networks magazine.

Additionally, Harris Health System is pleased that each of its three hospitals Ben Taub, Lyndon B. Johnson and Quentin Mease achieved Pathway to Excellence designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Job summary
This position is responsible for collaborating with clinical service lines in carrying out performance improvement projects/initiatives for Harris Health System to address/strengthen patient safety, utilization of clinical resources and achievement of desired clinical outcomes. The project manager leads various management-level work teams, providing support, expertise and guidance in: 1) the application of accepted clinical quality improvement methodologies/tools; 2) data collection and statistical/operational analysis; 3) outcomes measurement; 4) risk assessment; 5) best practices research; 6) documenting and implementing process improvements; and 6) evaluating desired vs. actual clinical effectiveness of performance improvement efforts.

Work requires strong clinical nursing expertise and an understanding of patient care standards/practices and applicable regulatory requirements. Considerable knowledge of project management and quality improvement concepts, methodologies and tools, and of the importance of data to performance improvement processes (e.g. establishing baseline, providing objective measurement, determining the degree of the problem, showing variation/causes of variation, identifying root causes, developing appropriate solutions, etc.) is also required. Is accountable for the success of assigned projects. Duties performed involve weighing and evaluating many factors requiring judgment, analytical ability and problem-solving in dealing with complex data and situations.

Minimum Qualifications

Degrees: Graduation from an accredited School of Nursing with a Bachelors degree in Nursing or related field required. Masters degree in Nursing or related field is preferred. Holds at least one (1) of the following in Nursing: Bachelors, Masters, or Doctoral degree.

Licenses & Certifications:
Registered Nurse; in the State of Texas
Applicable professional certification in administration or clinical specialty is to be completed within two (2) years, if not held at the time of
appointment.
Green Belt certification within two (2) years of hire

Work Experience:
Three (3) years clinical work experience including experience in outcomes management, risk assessment, data analysis/reporting and management of clinical work teams.
One (1) year Project Management Experience

Communication Skills: Above Average Verbal (Heavy Public Contract), Writing /Correspondence, Writing /Reports

Job Attributes

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Analytical, Design, Mathematics, Research, Statistical

Work Schedule: Eligible for Telecommute, Weekends; May require extended hours in addition to weekends/ holidays for special projects.

Other Requirements: Is self-directed with organizational and priority setting skills. Proficient in Business Intelligence Tools and database development.

Equipment Operated: Photocopier, Personal Computer, 10-Key Calculator, Fax Machine, Recorder, Window- Based Software Programs, etc. Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Access; typing and organizational skills. Must exhibit strong analytical skills.

Harris Health System benefits program is designed to provide you with more flexibility and choices in meeting your specific needs. Harris Health System benefits program allows you to protect your income in case of illness, death and disability, and to help you save for retirement.

It is the policy of Harris Health System to provide equal opportunity for all applicants for employment regardless political affiliation, race, color, national origin, age, sex, religious creed or disability. Applicants may request any reasonable accommodation(s) to participate in the application process.

Professional