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What Does a Quality Improvement Nurse Do?

Quality improvement nurses are part of a growing movement to improve health care and reduce health care neglect and litigation. Under the umbrella of quality improvement health care specialists, quality improvement nurses carry many responsibilities. These include:

• Analyzing the organization's clinical data and trends in health care
• Identifying causes for patient care trends
• Keeping up with federal, state, and local health care regulations
• Educating nurses to comply with these laws
• Coordinating with administration to create organizational policies and procedures

Education & Training Required to Become a Quality Improvement Nurse

To become a quality improvement nurse, you must be a registered nurse (RN). Becoming a registered nurse requires the completion of a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN), an associate's degree in nursing (ADN), or a hospital-administered diploma program. You must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Most employers require quality improvement nurses to have formal administration training. Many also require a master's degree, such as in nursing (with an administrative focus), health services administration, public health, or public administration.

Typical Characteristics of a Quality Improvement Nurse

Quality improvement nurses share characteristics of other nurses: compassion and organizational skills. But quality improvement nurses must also have strong leadership skills and be comfortable playing an administrative role with their nursing colleagues. Other traits vital to quality improvement nursing are strong communication skills, good judgment, and an excellent ability to negotiate. Quality improvement nurses carry a dual responsibility to their nursing colleagues and the organization as a whole.

High Demand for Quality Improvement Nurses

The ever-aging population is creating a dire need for nurses: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that 581,500 more RN jobs will be created between 2008 and 2018. More RNs means more nurse administrators, including quality improvement nurses. Rapidly changing health care legislation and the desire to better manage health care could also contribute to more quality improvement nurses.

Overall, for health care managers, the BLS predicts a 16 percent increase between 2008 and 2018. Quality improvement nursing degree programs are available through online degree programs, and can help you have the best job opportunities. Quality improvement nurses often make salaries in the higher range for RNs. According to the BLS, in 2008 the median annual salary for an RN was $62,450 with the top 10 percent earning more than $92,240.