Quality Nurse in Huntsville, AL

The Quality Nurse plays a critical role in shaping and executing strategies to achieve exceptional clinical outcomes within a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Working under the guidance of the Director of Nursing and in collaboration with organizational leadership, providers, and care teams, this position leads quality improvement (QI) initiatives, monitors performance metrics, and supports strategies that enhance patient care, safety, compliance, and satisfaction across the organization. Duties and Responsibilities • Provide leadership in identifying and prioritizing clinical quality, patient safety, and patient satisfaction indicators for improvement. • Design, implement, and manage quality improvement projects to ensure high standards of patient care, efficient workflows, and provider productivity. • Monitor, track, and analyze UDS (Uniform Data System), CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), and payer-based quality measures, including diabetes, hypertension, cancer screenings, immunizations, behavioral health, HIV and preventive care metrics. • Establish and maintain a standardized framework for quality measures across clinic sites and summarize results in the quarterly Quality Assessment. • Partner with the Health Information Team to analyze data and produce timely reports aligned with the QI reporting calendar, HRSA requirements, audits, and leadership needs. • Conduct routine and targeted chart audits to ensure accurate documentation, compliance with HRSA, FQHC standards, FTCA (Federal Tort Claim Act) requirements, and grant obligations. • Update the Quality Improvement (QI) Plan and Performance Improvement (PI) Workplan annually and as needed, ensuring organization-wide implementation. • Develop, review, and revise clinical outcome measures, workflows, protocols, and policies through peer review and evidence-based practices. • Collaborate with Clinical Directors, providers, and care teams to close care gaps and improve overall quality performance. • Perform patient outreach related to preventive services, chronic disease management, and follow-up care; educate patients on care gaps, assist with appointment scheduling, and address barriers to care. Close the loop on external referrals by tracking specialty appointments, diagnostic results, and follow-up documentation to ensure care gaps are resolved and quality measures are met. • Review, track, and manage care gap reports provided by Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and other payers to ensure timely follow-up and improved quality outcomes. • Prepare, distribute, and present quality improvement reports for leadership and board oversight. • Coordinate with the Ryan White Program on clinical quality initiatives and assist with 340B program compliance. • Support Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) and NCQA (National Committee for Quality Assurance) accreditation activities. • Promote the use of technology, electronic medical records, and clinical decision-support tools (eClinicalWorks, CAREWare, Azara) to enhance quality outcomes. • Track payer-related quality initiatives and ensure compliance with HRSA, BPHC, CMS, and other regulatory requirements. • Stay informed on HRSA initiatives and quality benchmarks and set organizational goals accordingly. • Participate in Alabama Primary Health Care Association (APHCA) quality and safety activities, including occasional travel to satellite clinics. • Maintain active CPR certification. • Perform all other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Comprehensive understanding of FQHC operations, HRSA compliance, and quality reporting requirements. • Strong expertise in quality improvement principles, methodologies, performance measurement, and data analytics. • Working knowledge of HRSA regulations, FTCA coverage, UDS reporting, and the 340B pharmaceutical program. • Strong knowledge of preventive care and chronic disease management metrics and outcomes. • Proficiency in nursing processes, including assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation. • Experience conducting chart audits and interpreting clinical documentation standards. • Ability to research, interpret, and apply evidence-based practices. • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with providers, leadership, patients, and multidisciplinary teams. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, eClinicalWorks, and CAREWare. • Valid driver’s license and insurance in good standing. • Physical ability to lift up to 30 pounds, sit for extended periods, and travel between clinic sites. Competence in: Microsoft Office eClinical Works CAREWare Minimum Qualifications • Current Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in the state of Alabama. • Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). • Three to five years of healthcare experience with a focus on quality improvement preferred. • Prior experience in ambulatory care, hospital, public health, or FQHC settings. • Strong analytical, data management, and reporting skills. • Proficiency with electronic medical record systems. • Advanced degree or certification in healthcare quality preferred Duties and Responsibilities • Provide leadership in identifying and prioritizing clinical quality, patient safety, and patient satisfaction indicators for improvement. • Design, implement, and manage quality improvement projects to ensure high standards of patient care, efficient workflows, and provider productivity. • Monitor, track, and analyze UDS (Uniform Data System), CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), and payer-based quality measures, including diabetes, hypertension, cancer screenings, immunizations, behavioral health, HIV and preventive care metrics. • Establish and maintain a standardized framework for quality measures across clinic sites and summarize results in the quarterly Quality Assessment. • Partner with the Health Information Team to analyze data and produce timely reports aligned with the QI reporting calendar, HRSA requirements, audits, and leadership needs. • Conduct routine and targeted chart audits to ensure accurate documentation, compliance with HRSA, FQHC standards, FTCA (Federal Tort Claim Act) requirements, and grant obligations. • Update the Quality Improvement (QI) Plan and Performance Improvement (PI) Workplan annually and as needed, ensuring organization-wide implementation. • Develop, review, and revise clinical outcome measures, workflows, protocols, and policies through peer review and evidence-based practices. • Collaborate with Clinical Directors, providers, and care teams to close care gaps and improve overall quality performance. • Perform patient outreach related to preventive services, chronic disease management, and follow-up care; educate patients on care gaps, assist with appointment scheduling, and address barriers to care. Close the loop on external referrals by tracking specialty appointments, diagnostic results, and follow-up documentation to ensure care gaps are resolved and quality measures are met. • Review, track, and manage care gap reports provided by Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and other payers to ensure timely follow-up and improved quality outcomes. • Prepare, distribute, and present quality improvement reports for leadership and board oversight. • Coordinate with the Ryan White Program on clinical quality initiatives and assist with 340B program compliance. • Support Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) and NCQA (National Committee for Quality Assurance) accreditation activities. • Promote the use of technology, electronic medical records, and clinical decision-support tools (eClinicalWorks, CAREWare, Azara) to enhance quality outcomes. • Track payer-related quality initiatives and ensure compliance with HRSA, BPHC, CMS, and other regulatory requirements. • Stay informed on HRSA initiatives and quality benchmarks and set organizational goals accordingly. • Participate in Alabama Primary Health Care Association (APHCA) quality and safety activities, including occasional travel to satellite clinics. • Maintain active CPR certification. • Perform all other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Comprehensive understanding of FQHC operations, HRSA compliance, and quality reporting requirements. • Strong expertise in quality improvement principles, methodologies, performance measurement, and data analytics. • Working knowledge of HRSA regulations, FTCA coverage, UDS reporting, and the 340B pharmaceutical program. • Strong knowledge of preventive care and chronic disease management metrics and outcomes. • Proficiency in nursing processes, including assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation. • Experience conducting chart audits and interpreting clinical documentation standards. • Ability to research, interpret, and apply evidence-based practices. • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with providers, leadership, patients, and multidisciplinary teams. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, eClinicalWorks, and CAREWare. • Valid driver’s license and insurance in good standing. • Physical ability to lift up to 30 pounds, sit for extended periods, and travel between clinic sites. Competence in: Microsoft Office eClinical Works CAREWare The Quality Nurse plays a critical role in shaping and executing strategies to achieve exceptional clinical outcomes within a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Working under the guidance of the Director of Nursing and in collaboration with organizational leadership, providers, and care teams, this position leads quality improvement (QI) initiatives, monitors performance metrics, and supports strategies that enhance patient care, safety, compliance, and satisfaction across the organization.