Quality Assurance Nurse

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Basic description

Nurses in quality assurance (QA) promote quality and cost-effective outcomes for an organization by interpreting and applying the policies and procedure guidelines. They must identify and coordinate the needs of the patients with needs of the provider and orchestrate patient care among multiple caregivers through the continuum from preadmission through discharge based on age and cultural and individual patient needs. These nurses support and act as liaisons with the payers, providers, and patients and serve as the primary patient information resource for payers. QA nurses collaborate with physicians and treatment teams to develop patient-care guidelines and serve on quality-improvement teams. There are QA opportunities to work in the private sector, hospitals, and government facilities.

Educational requirements

Registered nurse preparation is required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing is preferred. Certification from Healthcare Quality Certification Board is available.

Core competencies/skills needed

■ Training or experience in utilization review, discharge planning, and case management
■ Strong interpersonal and communication skills
■ Acute care skills
■ Ability to identify problems such as underutilization or overutilization of services
■ Self-directed with positive attitude
■ Ability to promote and maintain quality care through analysis

Related Web sites and professional organizations

■ Agency for Healthcare Research Quality (www.ahrq.gov )
■ Joint Commission for Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (www.jcaho.org)
■ Healthcare Quality Certification Board (www.cphq.org)

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