Clinical Performance Nurse

I. POSITION SUMMARY:

The Clinical Performance Nurse (CPN) is a member of the hospitalist team who is responsible for delivery of Sound Core Processes designed to improve quality and efficiency in the care of hospitalized patients. The CPN works closely with the Chief Physicians and Medical Directors to engage and educate the physician team, optimize performance on defined key metrics, and ensure collaboration with the care team. This position does not involve providing direct patient care.

This position is also responsible for overseeing and facilitating clinical performance activities, potentially across multiple service lines. Activities include identifying cohorts of patients eligible for specific initiatives, participating in daily workflows, advocating for patient goals in the care plan, and ensuring communication throughout the care team as the patient moves through their hospital stay. Success in the role will be defined by measurably improved patient outcomes and experience of care, as well as improved utilization of resources.

The Clinical Performance Nurse reports to the Regional Manager of Clinical Performance (RMCP). The RMCP supports the Clinical Performance Nurse in the implementation of Sound’s Core Processes, daily operations and manages performance to ensure outcomes.

II. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

Clinical Performance
1) Participate in the development of site specific workflows to achieve program goals and performance targets, that are aligned with hospital priorities
2) Partner with the Chief or Medical Director to implement Sound core processes and lead process optimization
3) Provide timely status of implementation, barrier resolution, and action plans
4) Understand, clearly articulate, and promote the adoption of hospital and Sound clinical performance objectives with the physician team
5) Engage and education provider team(s) related to clinical performance initiatives, goals, and measurement
6) Facilitate coordination between the hospitalist team and hospital departments (e.g., nursing, quality, case management, clinical documentation, pharmacy) to ensure the delivery of workflows related to:
a. Quality measure performance
b. Throughput, discharge facilitation, and transitions of care
c. Readmission prevention
d. Patient experience
e. Timely physician response to documentation queries
f. Custom initiatives as defined by the hospital and/or regional team

7) Collaborate with the onsite team to establish and communicate patients’ care goals
8) Provide patient and family education to ensure understanding of the disease process, next site of care (NSOC)options, and community resources
9) Establish a process for the completion of Home Health Care assessments to determine patients’ eligibility when applicable
10) Facilitate follow up and goals of care planning for patients identified to be in the end of life stage of their disease process
11) Ensure a process for scheduling community provider follow up post discharge for patients determined to be high risk for readmission
12) Participate in proactive evaluation of program metrics and initiate additional investigation of drivers when targets are not achieved
13) Collaborate with the Chief and other site leaders to share performance data with the physician team to drive continuous improvement
14) Continually evaluate processes, tools, and workflows to identify opportunities for improvement
15) Attend required meetings on time and as scheduled:
a. Regular meetings with Regional Manager, site team and/or the regional team
b. Clinical Performance Reviews and Joint Operating Committee meetings as requested
c. Hospitalist team meetings
d. Sound sponsored RN educational sessions and workgroups
e. Other meetings or hospital committees as defined by the RMCP and/or Chief or Medical Director

Practice Support
1) Participate in hospital committees and special projects as appropriate
2) Orient new physicians to Sound’s core processes and quality initiatives
3) Collaborate with Chief or Medical Director to contribute to team meeting agendas
4) Serve as a point of contact for hospital staff (e.g., issues related to clinical processes and triage for other potential issues related to hospitalist team)
5) Coordinate educational forums as needed

Schedule: M-F; 9-hour day w/lunch; 7:00am –4:00pm depending on site

III. SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, TRAINING, OR SPECIAL LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS NEEDED TO PERFORM THIS POSITION:

• Current RN licensure in good standing, in the state applicable to the position
• Strong clinical knowledge and experience in the Acute Care Hospital setting (Critical Care, Emergency Department, and/or Case Management experience is helpful)
• Knowledge of process improvement methodology
• Ability to assess patient’s clinical status and readiness for discharge
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and prioritize workload in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including strong presentation skills
• Client service oriented with the ability to interact and communicate with individuals at all levels (e.g., patients, physicians, hospital staff, hospital administration and other colleagues)
• Strong interpersonal skills to handle sensitive situations and confidential information. Position continually requires demonstrated poise, tact, diplomacy, and good judgment
• Proficiency with technology, including electronic medical systems and Microsoft Office Suite

IV. EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

Education

Minimum: RN Preferred: BSN

Experience

Minimum: 3-5 years nursing experience, with at least 2 years in an inpatient acute care or hospital setting
Proficient with electronic medical systems

Preferred: 5 or more years inpatient nursing experience and 1-2 experience in a nursing leadership role, Case Management, Quality, Transitional Care, and/or post-acute services
Proficient with electronic medical systems

V. LIST SPECIAL JOB OR ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Hospital environment
• Travel: Extremely limited (once or twice per year)

VI. OTHER PHYSICAL AND/OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS ABOUT THIS POSITION:

• Standing on feet for up to eight hours (w/breaks)
• Sitting at desk for up to eight hours (w/breaks)
• Working on computer for up to eight hours (w/breaks)
• Moving/lifting anything (up to 10 lbs)

VII. PERFORMANCE METRICS

• Delivery of defined Clinical Performance outcomes
• Demonstration of Sound Core Values: Quality, Integrity, Service, Teamwork and Innovation