What are the responsibilities and job description for the Patient Safety Specialist (RN) position at UT Health San Antonio?
Job Description
The Patient Safety Specialist (RN) supports the organization’s patient safety and high-reliability initiatives by identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks across inpatient and outpatient care settings. Partners with clinical and operational teams to support event reporting, investigate safety events, and implement evidence-based practices that reduce harm and improve patient outcomes. Serves as an operational resource for patient safety activities, including event management, data analysis, and education, while promoting a culture of safety, transparency, and continuous learning.
Responsibilities
Two (2) years of experience in a healthcare setting (inpatient or outpatient). Experience in patient safety, quality, or risk management preferred
The Patient Safety Specialist (RN) supports the organization’s patient safety and high-reliability initiatives by identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks across inpatient and outpatient care settings. Partners with clinical and operational teams to support event reporting, investigate safety events, and implement evidence-based practices that reduce harm and improve patient outcomes. Serves as an operational resource for patient safety activities, including event management, data analysis, and education, while promoting a culture of safety, transparency, and continuous learning.
Responsibilities
- Review, triage, and analyze patient safety events, near misses, and unsafe conditions using standardized processes.
- Support root cause analyses (RCA), apparent cause analyses (ACA), and other event investigations.
- Identify contributing factors and assist in developing corrective and preventive action plans.
- Track action items and monitor effectiveness of interventions to ensure sustained improvement.
- Monitor patient safety data, dashboards, and key indicators to identify trends and emerging risks.
- Prepare reports, summaries, and presentations for leadership, committees, and frontline staff.
- Support regulatory and accreditation reporting requirements (e.g., Joint Commission, CMS).
- Promote a culture of safety and just culture through staff engagement and event reporting education.
- Provide education and coaching to staff on patient safety principles and reporting processes.
- Collaborate with Quality, Risk Management, Infection Prevention, and clinical teams on safety initiatives.
- Participate in multidisciplinary committees and performance improvement projects .
- Support ongoing development of patient safety programs, tools, and standard work processes.
- Knowledge of patient safety principles, event reporting systems, and just culture concepts.
- Familiarity with performance improvement methodologies (e.g., PDSA, Lean).
- Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret data and identify trends.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills across multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to manage sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
- Systems thinking and problem-solving capability.
- Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to work independently with appropriate escalation.
- Bachelor's of Nursing Required
- RN required
Two (2) years of experience in a healthcare setting (inpatient or outpatient). Experience in patient safety, quality, or risk management preferred