helpful literature for new position

The book I recommend most often is Quality and Performance Improvement in Healthcare which is published by AHIMA. It is a very practical book on how to actually do QI. Another interesting book is Health Care Quality and Outcomes Management, which is in an enormous 2" thick binder and published by Aspen. Someone is selling used (although still in the shrinkwrap - practically new) copies on amazon for $25. This is geared towards hospitals, whereas the AHIMA book covers all types of healthcare facilities. I can make more recommendations if you can give me more detailed information about exactly what your job entails and what kind of information you want.

I think the AHIMA book is at just the right level for someone starting out. Another good book I forgot to mention is Chip Caldwell's Handbook of Managing Change in Health Care, although it may be overkill at this point in time. There is only one measly chapter about change, the rest of the book is about quality improvement techniques. I've got some handouts and things from conferences I can send you if you PM or email.

Managing Quality

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By J.M. Katz and E.Green - Mosby

This is a great reference book that will tell you how to develop and maintain a good program. Two nurses, who really understand what needed to be done, wrote it. I have the second edition that was printed in 1997. They may have a new edition out.

Thank you very much everyone, you are really helpful guys. I just started my new job as QI nurse and have been searching throughout Web a lot. This site is awesome!!!