Quality Assurance Nurse at St Coletta of Wisconsin Inc

Description

Summary: Under general supervision of the Director of Nursing, the Quality Assurance Nurse (QAN) is responsible for improving medication safety across all residential and program areas. This role focuses on reducing medication errors through proactive auditing, staff training, policy development, and monito1ing of medication administration and storage practices. The QAN serves as a clinical resource to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and to strengthen medication-related processes. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Includes, but is not limited to, the following. Other duties may be assigned 

• Conducts regular EMAR audits to verify accuracy of medication orders, transc1iption, and documentation.

• Performs on-site medication storage inspections to ensure compliance with DHS and organizational standards.

• Tracks, analyzes, and reports medication errors and near misses; develops and monitors c01Tective action plans.

• Provides staff training, retraining, and competency evaluations on medication administration and error reduction strategies.

• Assists in the development, review, and implementation of medication-related policies and procedures.

• Collaborates with pharmacists, providers, and nursing staff to resolve discrepancies and improve medication safety.

• Supports organizational quality improvement initiatives related to medication management.

• Participates in a rotating on-call schedule as needed to provide consultation on urgent medication concerns.

Requirements

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactory(v. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Education/Experience: Associate Degree or greater from an accredited college or technical school required. Prior experience in medication auditing, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance strongly preferred. 

Language Skills: Demonstrates strong written communication skills, including the ability to compose routine emails, develop policies and procedures, document treatment protocols and assessment findings, and prepare professional correspondence. Strong verbal communication skills to confidently present information to groups of stakeholders, staff, and organizational teams. Is proficient in documenting care, interpreting healthcare orders, and communicating effectively with interdisciplinary teams. 

Mathematical Skills: Ability to perform basic arithmetic operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Competent in calculating rates, ratios, percentages, and interpreting bar graphs. Must accurately compute medication dosages. 

Reasoning Ability: Critical thinking skills to identify root causes of errors and implement effective and safe solutions. 

Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and experienced with electronic health record (EHR) systems. 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Current and unrestricted Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Wisconsin. Must maintain certifications in CPR/First Aid and Medication Administration Train-the-Trainer. 

Driving Requirements: Valid driver's license, acceptable driving record per agency standards, and access to a reliable vehicle. 

Other Skills and Abilities: Strong organizational and follow-up skills to ensure accountability in medication practices. Understanding of the unique healthcare needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear; smell; stand and walk; and use hands to finger, handle, and touch. The employee is regularly required to reach above shoulders; climb or balance, and stoup, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit. Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Required Competencies: 

• Consistent adherence to St. Coletta of Wisconsin policies and procedures.

• Demonstrates alignment with the Code of Conduct, Franciscan, and Business Values.

• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with HIP AA.

• Strong knowledge of medication safety, DHS regulations (DHS 83 & DHS 88), and the Wisconsin Nurse Practice Act.

• Skilled in adult education and capable of training staff in medication administration and error prevention.

• Ability to work independently with sound clinical judgment, while collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary teams.

• Develops and maintains positive, professional relationships with individuals served, coworkers, families, and external