Risk Manager ... Impacting the Quality of Care for Patients

Risk Manager can be a very fulfilling nursing career. I know it was for me. Even though I am no longer in that role, the mind-set and assessment skills permeate my nursing judgments and actions.

Through risk assessment and risk control, you can have a direct impact on patient care. If you like detailed assessment, investigation of issues and finding solutions,then you may find it the nursing career for you.

Liability Crisis

In the 1970’s, a legal liability crisis heightened the need for thorough risk assessment and risk control activities…leading to more focus on quality of care.

Federal and state regulatory agencies soon added regulations mandating programs, with strict guidelines for team structure. The facility CEO is responsible for the overall program. But, the actual program is to be managed by a registered nurse.

Organized Assessment

Risk management is an organized effort to identify, assess and reduce, where appropriate, risks to patients, visitors, staff and organizational assets. It is geared to reduce the possibility of preventable accidents and injuries, thus minimizing the impact to the facility… both financially and in reputation.

Nurse Management Process

Approach the problem solving process like any other nursing activity. Using the nursing process for:

• Identifying exposures to accidental loss that may interfere with an organization’s objectives
• Examining feasible alternative risk management techniques for dealing with the exposures
• Selecting the best risk management technique
• Implementing the chosen risk management technique
• Monitoring the results to detect effectiveness

All assessment is geared toward eliminating or limiting the impact of risk on cash flow, community image and employee and medical staff moral. It is a balancing act between cost of care, customer access, satisfaction and quality of care.

Risk Manager Skills

You will need to have excellent communication skills, as you foster an atmosphere of reporting problems and involving interdisciplinary staff in risk management.

Knowledge of medical-legal aspects of patient care in your related setting is a must. This can be obtained on-the-job or through official training. There are several good certificate programs online. Legal Nurse Consultant programs include Risk Manager training, as well.

Work Setting

Health care Risk Managers can find work in several settings. Consider the following:

• Health care facility
• Nursing Home or Rehabilitation facilities
• Pharmaceutical or Medical Supply companies
• Insurance companies
• Independent Nurse Consultant practice

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Check Risk Manger as a Legal Nurse Consultant

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Check out Independent Nurse Consultant