Major Responsibilities:
PQC responsibilities
1)Responsible for implementing Pediatric Performance Improvement (P.I.) activities in the Emergency Department and throughout the continuum of care in the hospital.

2)Ensure and document pediatric continuing education of all Emergency Department professional staff.

3)Works with ED Shift Coordinators and ED Nursing Director to ensure compliance with documentation of the pediatric continuing education of all emergency department professional staff in accordance with standards

4)Works in conjunction with the multidisciplinary CQI committee to coordinate criteria-based review and follow-up with selected pediatric ED visits. Submission of a written CQI report to hospital and Region. Attendance at the EMS Region CQI subcommittee meetings as required.

5)Supports compliance of Facility Recognition Rules & Regulation from the Illinois Register for reference. Provision of CQI information to the Illinois Department of Public Health upon request.

6)Leads all preparations in pediatric codes or other emergency preparedness activities. Plans, oversees, and evaluates Pediatric Mock Codes on a quarterly basis. Conducts pediatric decontamination drills annually.

Nurse/Patient Relationship: Develops and maintains a therapeutic relationship throughout the healthcare continuum
1)Demonstrates adaptive communication styles based on individual patient needs

2)Provides individualized care to promote physical and psychosocial comfort

3)Assesses patient and family readiness and involves them in planning and implementing care. Seeks consultation as needed.

4)Incorporates an individualized, holistic approach in the plan of care

Assuring/Improving Quality Care: Facilitates the patient and family’s right to receive quality, cost effective care
1)Mobilizes appropriate resources in response to situations that have the potential to negatively impact patient and family outcomes

2)Adapts practice to the latest standards according to evidence-based literature.

3)Participates in quality/process improvement initiatives

4)Participates in efforts to reduce risk and improve patient safety

5)Meets regulatory and mandatory requirements on the unit

Patient/Staff Education: Demonstrates a commitment to meeting the learning needs of patients and families. Utilizes appropriate resources to meet those needs and achieve positive patient outcomes. Assists in creating an environment that promotes educational growth opportunities for nursing peers and colleagues
1)Assesses patient and family readiness to learn, and modifies approach as necessary

2)Seeks out opportunities to enhance knowledge, skill, and competence of department members

Nursing Process: Demonstrates the use of nursing process as a problem-solving model
1)Recognizes changes in clinical situations. Evaluates and implements changes to the plan of care

2)Consistently makes sound clinical decisions, demonstrating the ability to care for patients with complex problems

3)Prioritizes and organizes patient care and ensures follow through with planned care

4)Initiates referrals and discharge planning for assigned patients and actively coordinates utilizing the interdisciplinary approach

Leadership/Collaboration/Professional Development: Demonstrates respect and understanding for peers and other clinical disciplines and participates as an effective member of the patient care team to formulate an integrated approach to care. Demonstrates leadership behaviors and is committed to the development of self and others
1)Participates in unit meetings and activities that improve patient care or administrative systems Utilizes available resources to maintain current knowledge base relevant to practice

2)Demonstrates effective communication, feedback, and conflict resolution skills, promoting collaboration among healthcare team members

3)Demonstrates ability to critique own nursing practice and achieves required certifications or Bachelor’s Degree

4)Earns a minimum of 10 contact hours per year

Licensure:
Nurse, Registered (RN)

Education/Experience Required:
• Graduate from an accredited school of nursing • Bachelor's degree, BSN preferred • 2+ years ED experience • 2+ years pediatric experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
• Good communication skills • Computer skills • Good time management and organizational skills • Familiarity with patient care equipment
• Current Illinois RN license • Current CPR • Once obtained, maintain current NIHSS, PALS and/or ENPC, ACLS, TNCC and/or TNS, ECRN, and appropriate certification - for example CEN or CPEN.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and different shifts in order to accommodate staffing • Certain positions may need to take call • Ability to transport objects, patients, and equipment • Ability to respond quickly to patient needs and work at fast pace • Work environment includes probability of exposure to adverse, hazardous, or unpleasant conditions while caring for the sick • Ability to assist in evacuation of patients in the event of a fire or other disaster • Routinely works with potentially infectious specimens and patients • Ability to respond to patients in a timely manner and access all areas of the unit
If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.


This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.