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:
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National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ)
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CPHQ (Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality)
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Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)
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CPPS (Certified Professional of Patient Safety)
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American Society for Quality (ASQ)
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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)
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American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians (ABQAURP)
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CHCQM (Certified Health Care Quality Management)
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American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAOACN)
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QCP (Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Certified Professional)
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Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ)
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HACP (Healthcare Accreditation Certified Professional)
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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.
