Description

The Assistant Director of Nursing has administrative and clinical responsibility for the smooth functioning of all aspects of the health center’s nursing practice and related activities at all clinical sites. Assists in the direction of the development, implementation and evaluation of the nursing regimen for the Health Center, involving health maintenance, patient education, and diagnosis and treatment of responses to actual and potential health problems. Through Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Performance Improvement (PI) methodologies, as well as nursing methods and techniques such as case finding, health teaching, health counseling, triage and the provision of supportive care, assists in restoring the well-being of the clients and achieving high levels of patient satisfaction. In collaboration with the Clinical Site Director and other operational staff, ensures optimal functioning of all clinical practices, effective nursing administration and smooth and efficient patient flow.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Assist the Director of Nursing with the overall supervision of the clinical staff in the Medical, Pediatric and Ob/Gyn areas, including Nursing Supervisors, and Patient Care Associates. Provide nurse coverage for units and sites to ensure optimal functioning of the Health Center.

2. Work directly with clinical staff to ensure optimal patient flow in all clinical areas; ensure regular meetings, huddles and punctual start to all clinical sessions at the beginning of each day; work with PCAs to ensure efficiency in clinical practice, including chart preparation, stocking room and establishment and execution of other daily tasks. Ensure regular in-service education.

3. Accountable for helping to promote the expectation of high-quality customer service for all members of the nursing staff: greet and welcome patients, clients and visitors to the clinical areas with respect, courtesy and professional warmth; be available to answer questions and give general information to patients on the routine operations of the Health Center; proactively anticipate and attend to needs of patients; proactively support staff under direct supervision. Review patient complaints submitted by the Nursing staff and assist staff in resolving patient grievances in a timely manner.

4. Regularly consult with the Lead Clinicians and Clinical Site Director regarding the performance of the clinical staff in the Medical, Pediatric and Ob/Gyn areas, to assure compliance with the policies, procedures and objectives of the health center and regulatory agencies.

5. Assists, develops, coordinates, monitors, and adjusts the staffing assignments of the Health Center clinical areas as outlined above to meet patients’/clients’ needs effectively and optimize productivity and performance. Assists in providing nursing coverage at BCDC clinical sites as needed.

6. Monitors staff attendance, punctuality, performance and training needs to assure the proper level of support for staff development and the optimal functioning of each clinical area. Submits an evaluation after completion of the trial period of employment for new employees (3 months) and then annually. Makes recommendations for promotion, transfers or for initiation of disciplinary action procedures when indicated. Assists in setting goals and identifying appropriate training for improving performance.

7. Assists Unit Nurse Supervisors in reviewing the performance and competency skills of PCAs under their supervision. Develops and implements training curriculum to provide regular in-service education to nursing staff. Responsible for ensuring accurate documentation of nursing actions, reflecting the care given to patients and observations made about patients, when indicated.

8. In collaboration with Director of Nursing, responsible for ensuring continued maintenance of Joint Commission standards in all clinical areas. Oversees Unit Nurse Supervisors in maintaining an orderly and safe environment in clinical areas and adherence to Infection Control guidelines.

9. Work in conjunction with a Laboratory Consultant to oversee daily quality control procedures in the laboratory and other clinical areas and ensures their regular execution and documentation. Oversees and ensures maintenance of clinical logs by Unit Nurse Supervisors; conducts chart reviews and prepares reports to ensure compliance with nursing policies and procedures regularly and on an as-needed basis.

10. Oversees clinical inventory control (e.g., medication, vaccinations, and clinical supplies) and maintains adequate levels of supplies, equipment and instruments in patient care areas; makes arrangements for repairs as necessary. Reviews supply requests with Director of Nursing on a periodic basis. Oversees the administration of routine screening tests as needed, specific to each unit.

11. In collaboration with the Unit Nurse Supervisors and PCA’s at other sites , coordinates and monitors patient referrals, both internal and external to the Health Center, to maximize patient compliance with scheduled appointments and optimize cross-referrals consistent with the delivery of high quality primary care.

12. Assists with monthly Nursing meeting. Attends and provides nursing input at regularly scheduled Managers, CQI/PI Committee, Joint Commission and Infection Control meetings. Communicates and implements policies and procedures developed at these meetings as appropriate, and in collaboration with the Director of Nursing.

13. Responsible for maintenance of the Nursing Manual; contributes to revision of policies and procedures for clinical areas as needed.

14. Collaborates with Patient Services Coordinator to ensure optimal performance of Patient Service Representatives in all units.

15. Collaborates with Director of Nursing in coordinating and scheduling regular Dr. Blue drills and in evaluating Nursing staff performance and maintenance of required skills.

16. Work in collaboration with the Infectious Disease Specialist to organize and prepare the monthly Infection Control meeting. In the absence of the Infectious Disease Specialist, chair the Infection Control meeting.

17. Ensure that clinical staff adheres to professional dress codes and code of conduct.

18. Review monthly panic labs logs at all sites.

19. Provides surveillance reports for Infection Control Committee and maintains an orderly and safe environment which adheres to infection control guidelines.

20. Monitor equipment for quality control and weekly/monthly maintenance.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s Degree. 

2. Graduate of an accredited nursing school.

3. New York State licensed Registered Nurse.

4. Previous related nursing experience. Minimum of three years Pediatric, OB/GYN, or Adult Medicine experience.

5. Previous administrative experience; community health preferred.

6. Demonstrates satisfactory interpersonal relationships and evidence of good professional conduct.

7. Bilingual a plus.