So you think you want to become a quality nurse?  The journey from a bedside nurse to a role in quality improvement is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Nurses have always been the heart of patient care, ensuring the well-being and safety of their patients¹. However, for those that want to make a bigger impact on healthcare systems and patient outcomes, a quality improvement nurse role offers that unique opportunity.

Here's a roadmap for nurses aspiring to embrace this vital role!

Understand the Role 
Quality improvement (QI) nurses play a pivotal role in our healthcare settings.  They focus on enhancing the standards of patient care and ensuring the safety of healthcare services. Their work involves a combination of data analysis, problem-solving, and strategy implementation, all aimed at improving healthcare delivery from a bigger system-level perspective².

Gain the Necessary Education 
While a registered nurse (RN) license is foundational, those aspiring to become QI nurses often pursue more education, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or even a Master's degree in nursing (MSN). Many university programs are even starting to offer MSN degrees that specialize in quality improvement and patient safety which further equips quality nurses with the skills needed for this role.  What these degree programs will do for the quality nurse is broaden their abilities to delve into the research, apply evidence-base standards to processes and initiate change management. 

Acquire the Experience 
Hands-on experience in clinical settings is invaluable. Look around! Opportunities for quality improvement are everywhere in our work settings. Nurses should seek opportunities to get involved in quality improvement projects and committees at work.  Nurses can engage with improving their own care by looking at the steps of their care processes with an inquisitive yet critical mind and apply quality tools such as flowcharts and process diagrams².  Participating in committees and councils focused on patient safety and process improvement can provide even more experience and visibility in QI activities².

Develop Essential Skills 
The path to becoming a quality nurse demands a skill set that complements nursing clinical expertise. QI nurses need strong analytical systems-thinking skills to interpret data and identify trends². They also need to be able to understand processes from the front-line perspective in order to find solutions that will be accepted and implemented.  Effective communication and leadership skills are crucial for driving change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Proficiency in project management and familiarity with healthcare regulations and accreditation standards are also key competencies. Connect with the quality nurse in your organization and collaborate on initiatives and projects to gain some mentorship. 

Seek Certification 
Certification in healthcare quality, such as the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), can significantly enhance a nurse's credentials in this field.

A quality certification validates a nurse's knowledge and skills in quality management and positions them as experts in the field³.  Moreover, certified quality nurses are recognized as leaders in their field, inspiring trust among colleagues, administrators, and patients alike. This recognition lends quality nurses credibility when leading quality initiatives. 

There are several quality and patient safety relevant certifications available:

National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ)	CPHQ (Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality)
Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)	CPPS (Certified Professional of Patient Safety)
American Society for Quality (ASQ)	CMQ/OE (Certified Manager of Quality, Organizational Excellence) CQIA (Certified Quality Improvement Association) CQPA (Certified Quality Process Analyst) CSSBB, CSSYB, CSSGB (Certified Six Sigma Black, Yellow, Green Belts) CQA (Certified Quality Auditor)
American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians (ABQAURP)	CHCQM (Certified Health Care Quality Management)
American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAOACN)	QCP (Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Certified Professional)
Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ)	HACP (Healthcare Accreditation Certified Professional)

                                   

Which certification is the right or best one?   First, research the organizations and certification.  There are more organizations than this when “quality nurse certifications” is Googled, but remember that anyone can put up a website and charge for a test and set of letters.  Critically assess their website, information, education and testing requirements.  Next, research what certifications fellow quality professionals are holding.  Consider what certifications quality job postings are asking for.  Finally, look into what certifications and/or review courses are covered by your organization. 

Network and Share
Networking is not just about building connections and making friends; it's about learning from each other and sharing your ideas, successes and even failures. Organizations like the Texas Gulf Coast Association for Healthcare Quality (TGCAHQ) allow quality nurses to meet other professionals that share their passion for quality in healthcare. Professional networking can provide valuable  access to resources, mentorship on projects, and even more learning opportunities. Continuous learning through workshops, conferences, and online courses keeps QI nurses up to date with the latest trends and practices in healthcare quality.

Embrace the Role 
Becoming a QI nurse role means embracing a broader perspective on patient care, focusing not only on individual patient outcomes but also on system improvements that benefit all patients. QI nurses are passionate about their knowledge in quality and patient safety and have a strong desire to not only model best practices but teach them to others.  This spreading of quality knowledge is one way they a shift from direct patient care for one person to a role that impacts the care delivery on a larger scale for the many². 

The journey from a nurse to a quality improvement nurse is a truly testament to a commitment to excellence in healthcare. It's a path that requires dedication, passion, and a willingness to lead change. It’s not just about changing jobs; it is shaping the future of overall patient care. By following these steps, nurses can prepare themselves for a successful career in quality improvement, contributing to the advancement of healthcare quality and patient care standards.  

TGCAHQ wants to be a part of your journey to become a quality professional!!  Explore our education and events pages to find out how we can help you get to your goals. 

Join TGCAHQ today!

 

REFERENCES

¹ Gallagher RM. The Impact of Nursing Care on Quality. National Center for Nursing Quality, American Nurses Association; 2010 Apr 20. Available from: https://www.nursingworld.org/~4afb57/globalassets/practiceandpolicy/innovation--evidence/impant-of-nursing-care.pdf

² Dolansky MA, Moore SM. Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN): The Key is Systems Thinking." OJIN. 2013 September 30. 18(3): Manuscript 1.

³ Dierkes AM, Schlak AE, French R, McHugh MD, Aiken L. Why Some Nurses Obtain Specialty Certification and Others Do Not. J Nurs Adm. 2021 May 1;51(5):249-256. doi: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000001009. PMID: 33882552; PMCID: PMC8064627.

Sharing knowledge on quality and patient safety is paramount for healthcare providers as it fosters continuous learning, innovation, and ultimately, improved outcomes for patients. By sharing best practices, lessons learned, and successful strategies, providers can collectively elevate the standard of care and address common challenges more effectively. TGCAHQ believes this collaborative approach not only enhances individual organizations' performance but also contributes to the broader advancement of healthcare quality on a regional or even national scale. 

By being part of a multistate collaborative we can amplify the impact of this knowledge-sharing endeavor, providing association members with access to a diverse network of peers, resources, and expertise. Through collaboration across state lines, members can gain valuable insights, benchmark their performance against regional trends, and leverage collective intelligence to drive meaningful change in their respective healthcare systems. In essence, participation in a multistate collaborative empowers association members to be active contributors to a larger movement towards excellence in quality and patient safety, benefiting both their own organizations and the broader healthcare community.

In addition to knowledge collaboration, our eight states are pooling their membership financial resources together and sharing their continuing education webinars. By leveraging our collective membership dues, the collaborative can offer a broader range of educational programs and resources, covering topics ranging from quality improvement methodologies to patient safety best practices. This collaborative model not only demonstrates the commitment of the participating states to support ongoing learning and growth among healthcare providers but also underscores the power of collaboration in advancing healthcare quality and patient safety across borders.

Each of the eight states have committed to providing at least 4 NAHQ accredited live webinars, totaling 32 CE earning opportunities per year.  In 2023, NAHQ tightened the recertification requirements to 56 CEs within 2 years, with at least 8 being NAHQ accredited.  Our members will now have access to more than enough opportunities to satisfy their recertification requirements.  In the spirit of our collaboration, each state association is also allowing our members access to “member discounts” for conferences and review courses.  

TGCAHQ invites you to get more value for your membership than ever before by joining with us as we collaborate together with our friends in Florida, Oregon/Washington, Arizona, Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina and the New England States.  Go to our events page to see when the next Collaborative event is schedule and register today!

In the complex landscape of healthcare, quality and patient safety are the pillars that drive positive outcomes and ensure we are achieving the Quadruple Aim. While quality improvement initiatives are often spearheaded by leadership, the role of our frontline staff as quality influencers cannot be overstated. In this article, we discuss why it is incredibly important for healthcare providers to actively engage in quality and patient safety efforts as a "quality influencer".

Enhancing Patient Outcomes: Healthcare providers are on the frontlines of patient care directly impacting the quality of care delivered. By actively participating in quality improvement initiatives, providers see up close the areas needed for implementing evidence-based practices. This makes them puts them in the best position to be quality influencers impacting a reduction in medical errors, improving medication safety and enhancing care coordination.  Quality influencers play a pivotal role in driving positive change that directly benefits our patients.

Fostering a Culture of Safety: Safety culture within organizations is shaped by everyone’s attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, including frontline providers.  Leading safety initiatives, speaking up when concerned, and adhering to best practices, providers will  cultivate a culture of safety.   Open communication, transparency, and accountability must all be valued and supported by the entire group.  Quality influencers are the champions that help foster this safety culture by encouraging a just culture mentality. They know a culture of safety creates an environment where errors are less likely to occur and patient safety is the priority.

Empowering Patients and Families: Healthcare providers involved in quality and patient safety initiatives should empower patients and their families to actively participate in their care. Patients should be educated about their options and be allowed to engage in the decision-making that fits their wishes. Quality influencers encourage patients and families to voice their concerns transparently with the care team.   This creates the best collaboration between patient and care team improving patient satisfaction.  

Driving Continuous Improvement: Quality improvement is an ongoing process that requires continuous evaluation, adaptation, and refinement. Quality influencers use their firsthand experience to critically assess clinical workflows and identify areas for improvement. They learn how to use quality processes for their improvement projects, conducting root cause analyses and implementing the latest evidence-based practices.  Quality influencers encourage their teams to embrace a culture of continuous learning and improvement that benefits both their patients and organizations.

Leading by Example: Quality influencers have the opportunity to lead by example and inspire those around them to prioritize quality and patient safety. By modelling a commitment to excellence, embracing evidence-based practices, and actively engaging in quality initiatives, quality influencers are the role models that set the bar for their teams.  

Are you a quality influencer?  Are you driving positive change and advancing the goals of quality improvement and patient safety?  Are you actively participating in quality initiatives and fostering a culture of safety?  How about empowering patients to advocate for themselves?  Are you driving continuous improvement and leading by example?  Then you are a quality influencers and you are one of our champions of excellence in healthcare.

Join TGCAHQ today and step up on the stage of Quality Influencers!!