Quality Assurance Nurse and career pathway

[angel81]

I am a bit new to this website specially US forum therefore, not sure whether to write my query here or somewhere else.

I am working as a Quality Assurance Nurse in a reputed health care organization. I have been recently promoted as a Sr. QA Nurse here. Now, I would like to know the career ladder of a QA Nurse there in US. Like how he or she can be promoted grade wise, title wise, salary wise and seniority wise.

Is there any one who can help me out in this or guide me the correct path since I am really confused. I would be grateful.

Thanks in advance.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer for your question since we do not have any consistent career paths, salary grades, etc. used across the US. Even in large organizations, job descriptions and job titles tend to vary from one location to another.

In my experience, the "QA" nurse job description has changed significantly over the last decade. It is no longer focused solely on chart audits and retrospective review. Nowadays, there is more emphasis on measurement (statistics) and process improvement using sophisticated methodology such as LEAN or 6 Sigma. There is also a very tight collaboration between QA and Risk Management/Loss prevention. Most of our QA managers have graduate degrees, and it is not uncommon to find a PhD in these roles today.