POSITION SUMMARY

The Education and Quality Coordinator develops and implements educational and training programs for Arkansas Hospice, focusing primarily on the nursing staff, in an assigned area to ensure excellence in clinical practice and documentation (paper and electronic). May serve as the Organizations Infection Control Officer as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing (RN) required; (BSN) or (MSN) preferred.
Experience: A minimum of five years clinical nursing experience; two years in a hospice or home health environment preferred. Demonstrated expertise in use of an electronic documentation system. Teaching, both one-on-one and to groups, or public speaking/presentation skills required.
Licensure: Current licensure as an Registered Nurse (RN) in Arkansas.
Additional Requirements: Valid Arkansas driver’s license, automobile insurance, personal vehicle required.

THIS SECTION DESCRIBES WHAT KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES AN EMPLOYEE IN THIS POSITION SHOULD CURRENTLY POSSESS. THIS LIST MAY NOT BE COMPLETE FOR ALL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION.

1. Knowledge of palliative care with emphasis on symptom control associated with terminal illness.
2. Knowledge of the team approach as it relates to the Interdisciplinary Team process.
3. Knowledge of the holistic approach toward patient care and the nursing process as it applies to hospice patients and families.
4. Knowledge and acceptance of hospice philosophy and principles of care.
5. Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.
6. Ability to recognize both positive and negative aspects of death and grief.
7. Ability to effectively supervise the work of assigned staff.
8. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with co-workers and other customers.
9. Ability to follow basic safety policies and procedures.
10. Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information.
11. Ability to work as a team player.
12. Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience and dedication.
13. Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures.
14. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
    This position is designated as a safety sensitive position because it performs the above listed functions while regularly working with confidential and/or proprietary Arkansas Hospice and patient information, including but not limited to patient medical records, current or former employee information, Arkansas Hospice records, and other information that the employee regularly uses to perform job functions.

• Helps ensure that the feedback received from audits are addressed and education is provided to direct service staff, focusing primarily on nursing staff.
• Collaborates with Chief Clinical Officer or designee(s) on a regular basis to ensure direct service staff receives the proper information and training to perform their duties.
• Works closely with those in management positions to maintain an orientation program for new nursing staff both in the classroom setting and in the field. Conducts both classroom and field training.
• Conducts new employee orientation for all new direct service staff one week of each month. Provides feedback directly to staff member and direct supervisor. Advises supervisor on educational and/or nursing practice needs beyond the orientation period. Assists supervisor in additional training as needed/requested.
• Coordinates training and follow up education as identified by audits, supervisors or other situations that call for more assistance. Provides feedback directly to staff member and direct supervisor. Assists supervisor in additional training as needed/requested.
• Coordinates ongoing training, focusing on nursing practice and documentation, both in the classroom and in the field.
• Assists with annual nursing and CNA skills fairs.
• Collaborates with other departments to ensure organization-wide educational needs are met.
• Collaborates with Safety Officer to provide clinical safety training.
• Assists the infection control committee in infection control education and assists with monitoring and record-keeping as assigned.
• Helps ensures accurate and timely maintenance of clinical education, training, and orientation records.
• Serves as a resource for Arkansas Hospice concerning organizational clinical policies and procedures, regulatory requirements, and nursing protocols.
• Assists with the development and implementation of the departmental Quality Improvement initiatives.
• Participates in assigned organizational and departmental committees.
• Maintains strict confidentiality at all times.
• Utilizes and models excellent customer service skills at all times; seeks opportunities to assist patients, families and co-workers; demonstrates teamwork and cooperation.
• Accepts direction and follows instructions from supervisor; seeks additional information as needed; works with minimal supervision.
• Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Continually meets organizational standards for attendance and punctuality; notifies supervisor in a timely manner when employee will be absent or late for work.

• Attends all required meetings and in-services; seeks opportunities for additional professional development activities as appropriate.

  If employee is the assigned Infection Control Nurse

• Provides education to both clinical and non-clinical staff related to infection control.

• Monitors infection control trends within the State and through the Center for Disease Control.
• Assists with TB skin tests and Flu Vaccinations.
• Tracks both employee and patient infection data and reports to the Compliance Quality and Infection Control (CQIC) committee.
• Serves on the CQIC committee
• Facilitates the Infection Control Committee.
• Assists in controlling and educating when any infection control issues occur.