At Baylor, it takes all kinds of nurses to help fulfill the College’s mission of excellence in patient care, research and education. Every day this week, BCM Family will share a Q-and-A with a nurse who works at Baylor College of Medicine.

Read more about some of these special healthcare professionals, and be sure to wish them and others a Happy Nurses Week this May 6 – 12!

Q: How long have you been working at Baylor?

A: Three years

Q: Describe your role as a quality nurse – what does a quality nurse do?

A: The quality nurse designs, conducts, and coordinates quality assurance and improvement activities within our Baylor system. This role works collaboratively with medical staff, departments, and clinics to establish and manage an effective Quality Assurance Program, focusing on clinical outcomes, functional status, patient satisfaction, and regulatory compliance. The quality nurse plays a key role in maintaining the highest level of quality care and ensuring patient safety through policy development, staff education, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Q: How do you become a quality nurse?

A: To become a quality nurse you should have gained clinical experience in various fields to include critical care, infection control, case management and leadership roles in various clinical areas. Involvement in various hospital committees and quality improvement projects will provide exposure to accreditation standards. Experience in root cause analysis, performance improvement initiatives, and data analysis will hone analytical thinking and attention to detail. As a quality nurse, you need to develop strong communication and collaboration skills so you can educate staff and implement the necessary changes.

Q: What is the best thing about being a nurse at Baylor College of Medicine?

A: Baylor is known for its high standards in healthcare quality and patient safety. Nurses play a crucial role in quality improvement initiatives, patient satisfaction, and clinical outcomes. There are various opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance patient care processes. Baylor also fosters a culture of teamwork, mentorship and professional respect. There is strong nursing leadership and support for shared governance models that empower nurses to make decisions in patient care.

By Dana Benson