BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB

A Registered Professional Nurse who assists in planning, organizing, directing and coordinating the nursing operation of the unit. Responsible for the overall quality of nursing care provided through supervision, guidance and assistance to the staff on assigned shift.

REPORTS TO

• Nurse Manager

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Supervisory Responsibilities: YES

Minimum Education: Bachelors Degree Required in a healthcare related field

Degree: Graduate of an approved nursing program

License/Certification Required: TN or Compact RN Licensure Required

Minimum Work Experience: 5 years nursing experience, 1 year pediatric nursing preferred, Management experience preferred

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong leadership, delegation, and effective management skills.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists the Nurse Manager in development, implementation and evaluation of on going departmental/unit/area programs and services which assure quality nursing, and patient care programs consistent with the Hospital mission: Performs/participates in assessment for patient care programs as assigned. Participates in program development proposal as requested by Nurse Manager. Implements unit level program with defined parameters. Evaluates program to identify effectiveness. Submits reports regarding the above within specified time frame.
• Provides leadership, supervision, and guidance to the department/unit/area in cooperation with Nurse Manager: Establishes, maintains, interprets, and evaluates Departmental/Unit/Area policies and procedures. Plans, coordinates, and evaluates Departmental/Unit/Area goals and activities within hospital organizational structure. Initiates the development, implementation, and evaluation of Departmental/Unit/Area programs and services within framework of long and short-range goals and their effectiveness.
• Assists the Nurse Manager to monitor/maintain unit compliance with regulatory, accrediting and Hospital policy for patient services, and environmental and personnel safety: Reports unit compliance with regulatory agencies' standards (i.e., OSHA, JCAHO, DPH, FDA) to Nurse Manager. Monitors safe environment as evidenced by documentation of follow-up action plan on incident reports. Assures staff attendance at safety programs as evidenced by attendance reports. Monitors unit specific equipment for safe use, as evidenced by up-to-date electrical checks, use of maintenance log and/or removal of unsafe equipment from the unit. Monitors staff’s understanding of established emergency, infection control and/or Universal Precautions procedures as evidenced by CQI reports, incident follow-ups, staff meeting minutes and direct observation by Nurse Manager / designee.
• Collaborates with Nurse Manager to oversee unit CQI program which monitors and evaluates critical aspects of care: On an annual basis identifies critical aspects/elements of care to be monitored as part of CQI yearly process. Submits quarterly and monthly reports as scheduled to Divisional Director. Dissemination of unit's CQI results is evidenced in staff meeting minutes.
• Maintains current license and knowledge of nursing care requirements for all patients on the unit. Assesses need for personal growth and development and takes the initiative in seeking opportunities to meet this need. Develops written goals based on individual and unit needs as evidenced by the performance appraisal.
• Accurately identifies real/potential problems affecting the service and implements solutions with follow through and communication: Responds to reported problems/complaints based on urgency. Completes the investigative process as defined by procedure. Fully documents the complaint, the investigative findings, and the follow up letters, reports. If corrective action is identified, plan implemented within the time frame specified and evaluated for effectiveness. IDs potential for problems within existing system by direct observation or analysis of data.
• Foster collaboration with the Nurse Manager to a service which is consistent with the patient care beliefs and shared management philosophy of the department: Provides for opportunity to discuss and update staff on progress of shared management model, project team, etc., as evidenced by staff meeting minutes. Supports staff involvement in project teams/committees as evidenced by discussion in minutes. Projects are completed with consideration for quality, practice and educational components. Participates in or chairs projects or committees as volunteered or assigned.
• Shares responsibility with the Nurse Manager for effective communication horizontally and vertically within the organization: Meets with the Nurse Manager on an on-going basis to discuss plans, progress, problems, needs of clinical unit. Identifies high risk patients/areas of concern and communicates to nursing administration/nurse manager on the next shift as evidenced by shift report (oral or written). Facilitates two-way communication between nursing administration and nursing staff as evidenced by the flow of information. Plans for, directs and documents regularly scheduled staff meetings (minimum 1/month) as evidenced by staff meeting minutes. Participates in divisional/departmental/administrative team meetings, disseminates information to staff as evidenced by attendance documentation and staff minutes. Utilizes established communication mechanisms to provide information to administrative clinical coordinators covering the unit off -shifts.
• Collaborates with the Nurse Manager to ensure department’s operational excellence; assures department delivers quality services in accordance with applicable policies, procedures and professional standards: Manages all activities so that quality services are provided in an efficient and effective manner, as observed by manager. Services provided meet all applicable regulatory requirements. Maintains an effective quality improvement program as evidenced by reports. Quality improvement program meets JCAHO and other regulatory agency requirement standards as evidenced by review. Maintains departmental productivity measurements; reports status monthly. Directs department activities in a manner consistent with organization-wide programs and procedures. Establishes department policies and procedures that reflect the organization’s standards.
• Works to improve and/or maintain the quality of services provided. Seeks, listens and responds to feedback promptly and willingly, serving as a role model for staff. Actively stays current with relative best practices making recommendations for improvements as identified.
• Effectively communicates departmental, organization and industry information to staff: Attends organization’s informational meetings, as evidenced by attendance sheets. Gathers, interprets, and delivers information to staff in a timely fashion. Assures staff understands information as evidenced by staff compliance with, and participation in, hospital programs, seminars, training and related activities. Communication with staff is effective, resolving conflicts which may hamper relations and productivity, as observed by manager. Uses hospital communications resources to inform internal and external audiences of departmental news/achievements/policies.
• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible and courteous environment: Maintains professional composure and confidence during stressful situations. Maintains open communication using appropriate chain of command regarding issues. Maintains confidentiality of all hospital and patient information at all times as observed by peers and management. Continuously displays a positive attitude within the department and across departmental lines to contribute to the overall customer service program in place.
• Provides for the safety of all hospital personnel: Reports environmental/safety hazards to administration as evidenced by report. Supports attendance of all staff at safety programs as evidenced by attendance rosters.
• Provides information and professional support to staff: Establishes a rapport with all managers, makes recommendations regarding the need for specific in-service education. Participates as a member of the nursing leadership team as evidenced by attendance in minutes.
• Trains and orients staff to new policies and administrative directives on a monthly or as needed basis. Assigns qualified employees to special projects and directs them as needed on a project by project basis. Possesses a continuous learning attitude for their own professional development, seeking out classes, projects and other resources to assist them in growing.
• Manages human resources to assure quality services and promote positive employee relations: Consistently and fairly implements human resources policies. Maintains effective and appropriate staffing by monitoring employee turnover, overtime and absenteeism. Employee performance appraisals are completed thoroughly and submitted on time. Follows human resources policies to implement progressive discipline, when necessary. Collaborates with human resources on the recruitment and selection of qualified employment candidates, following all policies, guidelines and applicable laws, in conjunction with the Nurse Manager. Develops performance goals/objectives with each staff member to promote maximum productivity, proficiency and professional growth, as evidenced by written goals on performance appraisals. Is recognized as a positive role model.
• Participates in the development of nursing staff: Provides input for performance evaluation of nursing personnel as requested by Nurse Manager. In association with Nurse Manager, will counsel staff on a one-to-one basis as evidenced by written report. Assures staff receives training and orientation.
• Willingly assumes all other duties and responsibilities as necessary.
• Utilizes hospital resources and time respectfully and accountably: In collaboration with the Nurse Manager, is responsible for effective and efficient fiscal management of department operations to ensure proper utilization of organizational and financial resources. Effectively utilizes resources within established budget; notifies Nurse Manager of all variances anticipated, or occurred, to maintain department services. Recommends way to reduce expenditures and/or enhance revenues without compromising quality of services.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Light lifting, pushing and pulling is required for 10-20 lbs occasionally and frequent moving of objects of less than 10 lbs is required. Frequent sitting with some walking, standing, squatting, bending and reaching is required. Keyboard/computer use and/or repetitive motions may be required. 

Come work where you can make a difference everyday.