At our hospital, patient safety is more than a priority; it’s a promise. One way we uphold that promise is through our use of the Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI)® program, the gold standard for CPR training developed by the American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical.
While many hospitals still rely on biannual certification courses, we’ve raised the bar. Here, our nurses and staff practice lifesaving CPR skills every quarter using realistic manikins and real-time feedback. This continuous, hands-on training helps ensure our teams stay sharp and ready to respond when it matters most.
According to Allison Ouzts, Director of Clinical Education and Nursing Professional Development, “RQI is the gold standard at our hospital. This level of preparation sets us apart and directly benefits our patients.”
Why It Matters to You
When seconds count, you want a care team that’s not just certified in CPR but exceptionally prepared to save a life. That’s what our team’s RQI training delivers: faster response times and greater confidence when emergencies arise. It’s one more way we’re helping ensure you and your loved ones receive the safest, highest-quality care.
Recognizing Our RQI Champions 
This commitment wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our nursing educators. Amy Garcia and Kellie Atkinson, Clinical Nurse Educators, have been named top Super Users by the national RQI program.
“Amy and Kellie are more than instructors; they’re champions for safety. They help staff navigate the RQI platform, offer hands-on coaching, and ease nerves for those practicing on manikins for the first time. Their presence in the RQI room is a constant source of encouragement and expertise,” said Ouzts
Thanks to Amy and Kellie’s leadership, staff feel more confident, more capable and more prepared to act when every second counts.
A Culture of Readiness
"RQI is more than just a certification,” said Ouzts. “It’s a commitment to staying in practice and ready to provide life-saving care. The time our teams spend in RQI is an investment not only in themselves—but in every patient in our care."
We’re proud to be one of the few hospitals in San Antonio using this advanced training method. And we’re proud of leaders like Amy and Kellie who share their expertise to build life-saving skills in others.
Because when it comes to saving lives, we’re committed to leading with the highest standards, the best training and a team that’s always ready to respond.