To mitigate unintentional patient harm and to reduce liability costs and exposure by reducing clinical risks the Patient Safety Specialist performs a variety of functions under the major Quality Management Scopes of Work which include but are not limited to:

Patient Safety Data and Report Management:  Review highly confidential data to identify events that require investigation, and assist in the coding and management of the data to support evaluation of safety program outcomes

Patient Safety Event Investigation:  Conduct event investigations, in concert with department managers/directors, front line and medical staff.

Support Corrective Actions Resulting from Event Investigation:  Assist in the development and execution of complex clinical risk reduction initiatives, in particular those related to nursing or other clinical practice.

Support a Culture of High Reliability:  Provide education on relevant patient safety topics.

1. Facilitates the timely investigation of select safety events and near miss events through the implementation of cause analysis and use of other investigative tools.
2. Completes chart reviews, confidential interviews, timelines and review of evidence based literature to support causal analysis.
3. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with associates and physicians in order to influence and advance safe practices and behaviors by the front line.
4. Serves as a patient safety resource to various committees or teams related to care delivery.
5. Reviews reported patient safety events and recommends those that require investigation.
6. Assists in preparing reports in the form of tracking, trending, graphs or analyses regarding safety program outcomes.
7. Serves as a resource to managers on effective corrective action design to minimize event recurrence.
8. Participates in the audits of effectiveness of key corrective actions and assists in tracking corrective actions to ensure timely implementation.

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

1.  Licensed Registered Nurse with current licensure for the state of Alabama
2. Three years’ experience in an acute care facility.
3. Clinical background that would facilitate assessment of patient care data for coordination of quality projects.
4. Familiarity with Joint Commission and CMS standards and terminology preferred.
5. Basic knowledge of computers and office productivity software.
6. Basic knowledge of data analysis.
7. Ability to communicate effectively.
8. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
9. Demonstrates independent skills, use of electronic emails, be a team player in relationship to working with others in groups and teams.
10. Able to prioritize, organize and accomplish work.
11. Keeping updated on technology and applying knowledge as applicable.
12. Expected to have the ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations.
13. Must be able to read, write legibly, speak and comprehend English.