That's Why We're Here - Jill Frederiksen, Quality Analyst

What is your role and department?
I work as a Quality Analyst in the quality department.

What does a typical day look like in your position?
Running reports, reviewing and validating clinical patient data, submission of data for regulatory requirements, tracking and trending data for process improvement purposes, attending informational webinars to stay up to date on new and changing regulations and metrics, collaborating with team members across various departments, presenting and explaining the story the data is telling us, and educating hospital leadership and staff on how to use data in an intentional and meaningful way.

How long have you been at Watertown Regional Medical Center? Have you always been in the same position?
I've been at both Watertown Regional Medical Center and in this position for 2.5 years.

Why did you choose your profession? Have you always wanted to do it?
I had no idea this even existed when I was younger.  Healthcare Quality Analyst was definitely not highlighted on career day!  I originally was going to be a science teacher, but life led me in another direction.  I am a licensed LPN with experience in a nursing home setting, clinic setting, and I even spent 7 years working as a middle school nurse prior to coming to WRMC.  This opportunity presented itself and I have enjoyed diving into a totally different aspect of healthcare.

How do you and your department help our patients get/stay healthier?
Quality focuses a lot on Patient Safety.  We stay current on regulations regarding patient care and look for opportunities within the organization to improve processes to give our patients the best care that we can provide.  Analysis of the clinical data provides direction on where our opportunities lie.

What motivates you to come back to work every day?
I enjoy finding ways to help our patients with their health that they don’t even realize happen behind the scenes.  Every day I learn something new, and I enjoy that my natural curiosity has a place to shine while simultaneously benefiting others.

What’s new in your department? Are there any new technologies being utilized?
The “new” in our department is almost always new regulations/requirements, develop methods of obtaining and tracking data, and how to implement the changes into our current practices.  Currently, a big focus is on Health Equity.

If you weren’t a Quality Analyst, what would you want to do/be?
If I weren’t a Quality Analyst, I would love to run an animal sanctuary or maybe own a bookstore. 

What are some of your interests outside of work?
When I am not enjoying time spent with my two teenaged children, I enjoy reading, hiking, and swimming.

What is your favorite local gem in the Watertown area? (Example: Restaurant, park, activity)
Aztalan State Park is my favorite nearby go to for a quick hike and some fresh air.