Patient Safety Specialist RN Acute

This job is responsible for performing professional activities associated with the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) patient safety program which is focused on reducing harm, promoting a culture of safety and driving a High Reliability Organization (HRO). An incumbent plays a lead role in the response to serious safety events, major unanticipated clinical events and high-risk near-miss events facilitating and managing the investigation, analysis, classification and corrective action planning using patient safety science principles and the tools of the Virginia Mason Production System as well as assuring standards around patient and family communication pathways and team member support pathways are followed. An incumbent takes an active role in the implementation of effective strategies and best practices designed to strengthen a culture of safety.

Work includes: 1) providing subject matter expertise in the field of patient safety; 2) evaluating and analyzing patient safety events to prioritize and/or identify potential or actual issues which require action; 3) collecting, analyzing and interpreting data to support decision-making and action planning, including culture of safety survey analysis; 4) problem-solving/troubleshooting within scope of position and appropriate escalation of issues to higher-level management; 5) managing complex parallel workstreams in response to a serious unanticipated clinical event and assuring standard response processes are carried out; 6) providing coaching to others on communication to patients and families following adverse medical events; 7) project management for assigned work related to the overall patient safety program; 8) providing formal written and verbal reports; and 9) supporting regulatory responses and reporting requirements.

Work requires strong clinical nursing expertise as demonstrated by possession of RN licensure and an understanding of patient care standards/practices and applicable regulatory requirements sufficient to review nursing/provider documentation to analyze whether the Standard of Care was met. An incumbent uses initiative in carrying out the recurrent work, handling problems and deviations in accordance with established procedures, accepted practice and/or requirements. Successful job performance also requires independent critical thinking and clinical judgment sufficient to triage and prioritize safety events, concerns and trends.
Key collaborators include executives, management, risk managers, quality program managers, regulatory program managers, physicians, nurses and multiple cross-functional or cross-organizational teams where investigative skills and diplomacy, discretion and tact are required in handling highly confidential and sensitive issues. Work requires knowledge of patient safety science, systems, standards, processes, general risk management principles and regulatory/accreditation requirements sufficient to facilitate compliant operations and to exercise judgment and critical thinking in addressing patient safety.

Key Responsibilties Include:

• Conducts and/or facilitates the investigation, analysis, classification and corrective action planning for serious safety events, major unanticipated clinical events and high-risk, near-miss events.
• Regulatory and Performance Improvement.
• Provides project management support, within scope of position, on assigned projects that support overall VMFH Quality and Safety strategies and goals.

Education / Work Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing and three years of related work experience that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge/abilities.

Licensure/Certification:

• Current RN licensure by the Washington State Nursing Commission.
• Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) or equivalent is preferred.

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.

Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.

Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.

We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.