GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:
Responsible to the Chief Medical Officer. Participates in evaluating and planning of Center programs and assists with staff development in areas as specified. Is responsible for the management of the nursing service department and for the direction and supervision of all nursing service functions and activities. Is responsible for the quality of patient care and ensures that sufficient and properly prepared personnel carry out the functions of the Nursing Service. Is knowledgeable of social, economical and legal issues affecting the health care systems and seeks all opportunities for keeping the staff up-to-date in health care practices. Develops, directs the implementations and ensures compliance of standards of Nursing Practice that promote optimum health care delivery.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF POSITION DUTIES:
- Collects and analyzes data to determine staffing patterns and overall Nursing Services staffing plans. Uses this data to project staffing needs, to hire personnel, and to ensure that all nursing units are staffed according to patient’s needs. Reviews work schedules and assignments to assess the appropriate number and level of personnel need to provide quality care. Recommends and carries out changes in personnel and assignments accordingly. Evaluates staffing on a regular basis and revises as necessary.
- With the RN’s, assesses nursing care, the environment and equipment regularly to ensure high standards of cleanliness, safety and infection control.
- Plans and develops goals and objectives, identifies areas of delegation, sets priorities and target dates for completion and identifies resources needed. Implements activities necessary to meet nursing objectives, as well as self-objectives.
- Organizes plans and directs departmental functions and activities to comply with long and short-term objectives and Center philosophy and policies.
- Develops and reviews job/position descriptions with Human Resources Director. Have specific performance evaluations that relate to each job description whenever necessary.
- Plans ways to promote the growth and development of personnel through inservice programs, workshops, seminars and other continuing education opportunities. Instructs in, assists with, and conducts regular inservice meetings in the provision of continuing education for personnel.
- Implements and interprets the safety, fire and disaster policy and procedure and assures proper handling of emergency care of patients, personnel and visitors involved in accidents.
- Serves on committees: Quality Assurance, Infection Control, Utilization Review and Administrative Advisory Committee; conducts nursing staff meetings.
- Develops, reviews and revises policies and procedures and standards of nursing practice. Implements and interprets administrative and clinical nursing policies and procedures and standards of practice.
- Ensures that regular staff meetings are held for all levels of personnel by conducting monthly staff meeting.
- Meets regularly with the Director of Health Services to discuss objectives, staffing needs, budget for appropriate departmental areas, center policies and management problems.
- Interviews applicants for nursing positions, approves applicants for hiring and terminates personnel when necessary.
- Promotes harmonious relationships and favorable attitudes among the health care team.
- Initiates planned change and evaluates outcome to ensure that care is safe, efficient and therapeutic.
- With the assistance of the nursing personnel, orients, instructs and trains new personnel in nursing functions, policies and procedures.
- Investigates problems, irregularities and policy violations and takes corrective action and follow-up when necessary.
- Ensures that the clinical areas operate efficiently and effectively.
- Keeps informed and up-to-date in all aspects of nursing care and management through literature, workshops, seminars, courses and conferences with other nursing directors.
- Participates as a member of the Clinical Care Revenue Optimization Team.
- Maintains contact and communication with Executive Director, Director of Health Services, Department Heads and Medical Staff concerning all areas of direct and indirect patient care and Center matters.
- Evaluates the performance of nursing personnel according to their job descriptions.
- Evaluates and revises forms to be used in Nursing Department or that effect nursing service. Evaluates facilities and equipment used in the department.
- Evaluates effectiveness of orientation and staff envelopment programs. Evaluates and ensures that the nursing process is carried out in a continuous manner on all patients.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Comprehensive knowledge of all phases of Health Care Delivery.
- Has administrative and clinical skills.
- Is sensitive to needs and concerns of nursing personnel and clients.
- Has excellent communication and writing skills.
- Has the ability to supervise and train staff.
- Has the ability to take directions and give directions to others.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduate of an accredited school of nursing with a B.S. Degree required. Master’s Degree in Nursing or related field preferred. Current Nursing license from the Georgia State Board of Nursing. Four (4) years of supervisory and administrative experience in a health care setting. At least four (4) years of clinical experience.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination. Requires standing and walking for extensive periods of time. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range. Requires working under stressful conditions or working irregular hours. Requires exposure to communicable diseases or bodily fluids.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, ionizing radiation, medical preparations and other conditions common to a clinic environment.