In part 2 of reviewing different nonclinical job opportunities, I will focus on providing 3 different job titles related to patient safety. I will be giving more succinct summaries than the Clinical Rehab Liaison blog. If you prefer in depth versus brief summaries, please let me know!

1) Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Coordinator (SPHM)

This role is primarily for OT, PT, and/or RN. They are the expert at the facility involving safe patient handling. They develop practices and procedures then implement them throughout the facility to reduce injuries. They collect data and investigate incidents to prevent staff and patient injuries. There are management roles that, on average, make a higher salary than many clinical positions. The job postings I have seen have been through either the VA or a hospital system.

2) Patient Safety Coordinator/Director

This is a role available to those with an Associate Degree (in some facilities) as well as OT, PT and/or RN. This has a similar job description to the SPHM but often recommends having at least 1 certification in:

A) Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)

B) Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM)

C) Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Most roles are either through consulting companies or hospitals.

Caveat: Patient Safety Assistant/Attendant is usually a different job traditionally known as a "sitter."

3) Quality and Patient Safety Associate/Coordinator/Manager/Director/VP

Job descriptions are similar to the Patient Safety Coordinator/Director description. Most applications, but not all, appear to require a nursing degree.

I hope this blog was helpful in providing insight into patient safety related nonclinical career options, as I know many want to search for jobs outside of Utilization Review. I look forward to continuing to share more paths in the upcoming blogs!

Are you a clinician who wants to join the nonclinical world? The most important thing you need to start is to have a good nonclinical resume! You can download my free e-book Nonclinical Resumes That Get Interviews!

Once you feel ready to submit applications or have struggled getting interviews with your applications, sign up for a resume review! Click here to sign up for your a 1-on-1 time that works best for you!