Merit Health Wesley


Hattiesburg, MS

Merit Health Wesley

#121077

Chief Quality Officer (CQO) - Healthcare Administration

2025-07-10

Job Details

  • Location
    Hattiesburg, MS

    Merit Health Wesley

  • Hours
    Full Time

Job Description

The Chief Quality Officer (CQO) leads hospital-wide quality and performance improvement initiatives to enhance patient care and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, including those from The Joint Commission (JC). The CQO serves as a key liaison between hospital leadership, medical staff, and departments, guiding strategic quality initiatives and maintaining continuous readiness for accreditation and regulatory surveys.

Essential Functions

  • Directs the development, coordination, and execution of the hospital’s Performance Improvement Plan, ensuring alignment with JC, CMS, and DOH requirements.
  • Serves as the primary liaison for quality improvement among departments, medical staff, and administration.
  • Chairs the Performance Improvement Committee and leads all JC-related activities, including survey readiness, applications, and regulatory correspondence.
  • Provides training and education on performance improvement, patient safety, and regulatory standards (JC, OSHA, CDC).
  • Leads the Joint Commission Task Force to ensure consistent compliance and survey preparedness.
  • Supports medical staff with performance improvement strategies to enhance clinical outcomes.
  • Develops and maintains documentation for all quality activities, ensuring readiness for internal and external reviews.
  • Communicates changes in quality regulations and implements new initiatives across the organization.
  • Serves as a resource and consultant for departments on quality-related concerns and best practices.
  • Reviews and disseminates current research and industry standards to support continuous quality advancement.
  • Performs additional duties as assigned and complies with all organizational policies and standards.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or a related field
  • 5–7 years of experience in nursing, quality management, or performance improvement
  • 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in a healthcare setting
  • Knowledge of hospital operations, JC standards, CMS requirements, and DOH regulations

Preferred:

  • Master’s degree in Public Health, Healthcare Quality, or a related field
  • Clinical nursing experience in an acute care setting
  • Active RN license (state or compact)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Strong understanding of quality improvement strategies and accreditation requirements
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
  • Proficiency in data analysis, performance metrics, and regulatory compliance
  • Commitment to patient safety, clinical excellence, and operational efficiency

What We Offer

  • Competitive Pay
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Extended Illness Bank (EIB)
  • Matching 401(k)
  • Opportunities for Career Advancement
  • Rewards and Recognition Programs
  • Additional Discounts and Perks*
  • *Benefits may vary by role and location.

INDLEAD

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