JOB SUMMARY

This job is responsible for performing professional activities associated with the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) patient safety program which is focused on reducing harm, promoting a culture of safety and driving a High Reliability Organization (HRO). An incumbent plays a lead role in the response to serious safety events, major unanticipated clinical events and high-risk near-miss events facilitating and managing the investigation, analysis, classification and corrective action planning using patient safety science principles and the tools of the Virginia Mason Production System as well as assuring standards around patient and family communication pathways and team member support pathways are followed. An incumbent takes an active role in the implementation of effective strategies and best practices designed to strengthen a culture of safety.

Work includes:

• Providing subject matter expertise in the field of patient safety;
• Evaluating and analyzing patient safety events to prioritize and/or identify potential or actual issues which require action;
• Collecting, analyzing and interpreting data to support decision-making and action planning, including culture of safety survey analysis;
• Problem-solving/troubleshooting within scope of position and appropriate escalation of issues to higher-level management;
• Managing complex parallel workstreams in response to a serious unanticipated clinical event and assuring standard response processes are carried out;
• Providing coaching to others on communication to patients and families following adverse medical events;
• Project management for assigned work related to the overall patient safety program;
• Providing formal written and verbal reports;
• Supporting regulatory responses and reporting requirements.

Education/Work Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing and three years of related work experience that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge/abilities.

Licensure/Certification

• Current RN licensure by the Washington State Nursing Commission.
• Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) or equivalent is preferred.