RISK MANAGEMENT/PATIENT SAFETY COORDINATOR

NAVAJO HEALTH FOUNDATION - SAGE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, INC.•Ganado, AZ

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Risk Management & Patient Safety Coordinator is responsible for coordinating, implementing, and evaluating Sage Memorial Hospital's Risk Management and Patient Safety programs. The incumbent works collaboratively with clinical staff, providers, leadership, and regulatory agencies to identify, assess, and mitigate risks that may affect patient care, employee safety, organizational operations, and regulatory compliance. A clinical background and Registered Nurse (RN) license are strongly preferred; however equivalent experience in healthcare quality, patient safety, risk management, public health, healthcare administration, or related healthcare fields will be considered. The Coordinator facilitates incident investigations, adverse event reviews, root cause analyses (RCA), failure mode and effects analyses (FMEA), and risk assessments to improve outcomes and prevent the recurrence of events. The position promotes a culture of safety, Just Culture principles, and continuous quality improvement through education, data analysis, regulatory readiness, and performance improvement activities. The Coordinator serves as a resource for patient safety, risk reduction, accreditation compliance, regulatory requirements, and evidence-based practices while supporting the organization's mission to provide safe, high-quality healthcare services.

Requirements

Must be able to successfully pass all Employee Health Program requirements and background investigation in accordance with hospital policy and applicable regulations.
Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Risk Management, Quality Management, Health Science, or related healthcare field required.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience in healthcare quality, patient safety, risk management, accreditation, regulatory compliance, performance improvement, clinical operations, case management, or a related healthcare field required.
Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify trends, develop corrective action plans, and effectively communicate findings to clinical and leadership teams.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills required.

Nice To Haves

Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license strongly preferred but not required.
Master’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, Quality, Risk Management, or related field preferred.
Clinical experience as a Registered Nurse or other licensed healthcare professional is strongly preferred.
Experience in Risk Management, Patient Safety, Quality Improvement, Accreditation, Regulatory Compliance, Case Management, or Performance Improvement preferred.
Experience conducting incident investigations, root cause analyses (RCA), and/or failure mode and effects analyses (FMEA) preferred.
Working knowledge of Joint Commission standards, CMS Conditions of Participation, OSHA regulations, HIPAA requirements, FTCA requirements and applicable tribal healthcare regulations preferred.
Ability to obtain Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) certification within two (2) years of hire preferred.
Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) and/or Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) preferred.
Other clinical licensure (e.g., NP, PA, Pharmacist, Respiratory Therapist, or other licensed healthcare professionals) may be considered.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification preferred.
Additional education or certification in healthcare compliance, accreditation, patient safety, risk management, or quality improvement is preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain strict confidentiality of patient, employee, and organizational information in accordance with HIPAA, hospital policies, and applicable regulations.
Demonstrate professional healthcare practice standards and ethical conduct in all aspects of risk management and patient safety activities.
Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
Coordinate the organization's Risk Management Program and related activities.
Investigate adverse events, patient complaints, grievances, near misses, and other incidents with potential clinical, regulatory, or legal implications.
Conduct clinical and operational reviews and analyze event reports to identify actual or potential risks to patients, staff, visitors, and the organization.
Facilitate Root Cause Analyses (RCA), Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (FMEA), and other risk assessment methodologies.
Develop, implement, and monitor corrective action plans designed to reduce risk and improve patient outcomes.
Collaborate with clinical leadership, medical staff, and department managers to identify risk reduction strategies and monitor effectiveness.
Assist with the investigation and documentation of potential claims, liability events, and regulatory concerns.
Coordinate and support the hospital's Patient Safety Program and related initiatives.
Promote a Just Culture environment that encourages reporting of safety concerns, close calls, and adverse events without fear of retaliation.
Monitor, track, trend, and analyze patient safety indicators, including falls, medication errors, pressure injuries, hospital-acquired conditions, and other adverse events.
Conduct patient safety rounds and collaborate with leadership to address identified concerns.
Coordinate investigations and follow-up activities related to sentinel events and serious safety events.
Support implementation of evidence-based patient safety practices and organizational safety goals.
Participate in hospital-wide quality improvement and performance improvement initiatives.
Collect, analyze, and report risk management and patient safety data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Prepare reports, dashboards, and presentations for leadership, committees, and the Board of Directors regarding risk and patient safety performance.
Support the administration and analysis of patient safety culture surveys and assist with action plan development.
Assist departments in maintaining compliance with Joint Commission, CMS, OSHA, HIPAA, FTCA (Federal Tort Claims Act), tribal healthcare requirements, and other applicable regulations.
Participate in accreditation readiness activities, regulatory surveys, and corrective action monitoring.
Review and assist in developing policies, procedures, and educational materials related to risk management and patient safety.
Maintain current knowledge of applicable healthcare laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and best practices.
Provide education and training to staff on patient safety principles, risk reduction strategies, event reporting, Just Culture, and regulatory requirements.
Serve as a resource to leadership, clinical staff, providers, and departments regarding patient safety and risk management concerns.
Participate in interdisciplinary committees and workgroups related to quality, safety, compliance, and risk management.
Support the mission, vision, values, and strategic goals of Sage Memorial Hospital.
Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational quality, patient safety, compliance, and risk management objectives.