Patient Safety Specialist

JOB SUMMARY (overview of job): The Patient Safety Specialist is responsible for the development and oversight of the organization’s Patient Safety program and its associated initiatives. The Patient Safety Specialist serves as the point of contact and liaison with internal and external stakeholders on patient safety issues. The Patient Safety Specialist works to minimize incidents that may impact the safety and wellbeing of patients, staff, contractors, and visitors.  

The professional in this job is responsible for:
Patient Safety:
•    Responsible for conducting and coordinating multiple performance improvement functions that foster quality improvement, patient safety, early intervention for potential risk management concerns, and accreditation requirements for the St. Peter’s Health system.
•    Works in close collaboration with the Director of Quality to develop structures, processes and policies to assure organizational compliance with accreditation standards, federal and state laws and regulations, and internal requirements relating to patient safety management.
•    Manages and optimizes safety event reporting system for optimal utilization of the tool
•    Must utilize healthcare environment knowledge and expertise to engage provider (physician and mid-levels) and nurse collaboration in clinical and process improvement initiatives. 
•    Utilize healthcare environment knowledge to facilitate and guide meaningful data analysis to positively impact patient safety and clinical quality
•    Develops effective methods for reporting of patient safety events and close calls. 
•    Identifies and develops responses to patient safety trends, based on review of data management system information and national patient safety goals. 
•    Assists departments in minimizing, avoiding, and mitigating preventable error.
•    Facilitate Root Cause Analysis and de-brief events focused on identifying system weaknesses and ensure appropriate and timely follow-up is completed.
•    Actively participates in safety culture work and helps facilitate improvements.
•    Provides consultation and training on patient safety concepts, safety event analysis, error avoidance and mitigation, and implementation of safe practices.
•    Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE: Healthcare quality/patient safety or clinical experience required. Hospital regulatory expertise (CMS, DNV GL, or other hospital regulatory body) required and Health Care Quality Improvement experience preferred, with emphasis in data collection, performance improvement initiatives, patient safety initiatives, accreditation activities, risk management, or patient relations. The incumbent must possess the ability to lead groups and facilitate meetings. Leadership and management skill is essential to be successful in this position.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree required; Certification in a patient safety discipline preferred either at hire or required within 24 months after hire.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRY/additional qualifications: Registered Nurse Required. Certified Professional in-Patient Safety (CPPS) within 24 months of hire.