POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Chief Medical Officer, the Director of Nursing (DNS) is administratively and clinically responsible for the program management of the Center’s professional nursing services, which delivers all the required and age-appropriate healthcare services. Nursing care is delivered based on the Nursing Process (assessment, problem identification, planning, implementing, and evaluation) and in accordance with the Treatment Team’s plan of care. Nursing Services at TCCOH strives to assist the child/youth/family to work towards an optimal level of wellness based on Best Practices and Evidence Based Practices (EBP). This position translates mission, vision, values and strategic planning into actionable plans. This DNS builds a shared vision with TCCOH nursing staff and acts as a positive catalyst of organizational change and growth. He/She ensures that all members of the nursing department work cooperatively and collaboratively with all the Center’s Treatment, Residential, Milieu, Outpatient and School based staff. The DNS shall interact with numerous outside stakeholders (Regulators – DCF, DDS, DPH, Accrediting Body-TJC, Primary Care Providers and Consultants) acting as an ambassador and effective communicator representing The Children’s Center of Hamden. In addition, the DNS will function as the Medical APRN and will manage health problems and coordinate health care for individuals served at The Children’s Center of Hamden in accordance with the requirements by licensing bodies and The Joint Commission within their scope of practice as indicated by the State of Connecticut.

Accountable and responsible for the following results:

Director of Nursing

• Demonstrates skill to lead, supervise and advocate for nursing staff under his/her supervision, including the Nursing Supervisor.
• Hires, trains, schedules, supervises and evaluates performance of RNs, LPNs, and Medical Assistants.
• Ability to supervise and educate staff to ensure the delivery of health services in a safe, effective manner.
• Ensures the DCF Medication Certified Staff are monitored in the performance of medication administration (as needed).
• Ensures appropriate scheduling of Nursing Staff in the various team environments.
• Supervises the Nursing staff in conducting nursing assessment and follow-up nursing plans of care.
• Models appropriate team communication and participation (i.e. Huddles and shift to shift report)
• Creates a positive work environment for nursing staff and fosters collaboration and cooperation with treatment teams.
• Provides health education to meet staff and client needs.
• Chairs the Infection Control Committee, or delegates to Nursing Supervisor or RN as appropriate. Collaborates with DCF and DPH to stay in compliance with Infection Control Policies and Procedures.
• Develops and implements appropriate medical/nursing care for young people.
• Manages department budget: expenses and attention to revenue.
• Implements Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Utilization Review (UR) studies/audits within the department.
• Adheres to The Children’s Center of Hamden’s Boundary Code of Ethics and Employee Handbook.
• Ensures that all department staff complete mandatory trainings including CPR, Boundary Training, Fire Safety Training, Cultural Competence. OSHA (Bloodborne Pathogens, Infection Control, Workplace Violence), PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act). Monitors and ensures that all training for employees in their department is up to date.
• Is on-call for emergencies, and actively participates in Continuity of Operations during emergencies.
• Ensures 24/7 RN coverage and provides back-up coverage as needed to fill gaps.

APRN

• Functions independently to perform age-appropriate medical histories, evaluations, medication consultations and possibly physicals for individuals served by the programs.
• Analyzes symptoms of illness and injuries as needed and determines needs based on that analysis/diagnosis.
• Orders medical consults with specialist as indicated and provides medical follow-up as recommended. Ensures that treatment and analysis accounts for the growth and development of individuals. Identifies changes in individual’s signs and symptoms and intervenes in emergent situations.
• Orders and interprets diagnostic and therapeutic tests relative to individual’s age specific needs.
• Prescribes appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment modalities.
• Monitors effectiveness of interventions.
• Documents services as required.
• Facilitates transitions between health care settings as needed including the provision of orders for non-psychotropic medications when needed and follow-up care when advised post hospitalization.
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary team members related to medical care and other treatment interventions.
• Facilitates staff, individual and family decision making by providing education when required.
• Remains aware of and reports safety concerns. Develops plans to mitigate safety issues as a member of the treatment team.
• Is aware of and administers culturally competent medical care.
• Remains aware and in compliance of HIPAA regulations and The Children’s Center of Hamden’s policies and procedures as they relate to the security and privacy of protected health information.

Salary

Salary compensation will be based off experience.

Benefits

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and success of our employees. Our benefits include:

• Health Insurance: We provide a range of health insurance options, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, to ensure our employees and their families have access to quality healthcare. We also offer 100%. Employer paid Short Term and Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance and LD&D.

• Retirement Savings: We offer a competitive retirement savings plan, including employer contributions, to help our employees plan for their future and achieve their long-term financial goals.

• Paid Time Off: We believe in the importance of work-life balance, which is why we offer generous paid time off, including vacation days, sick days, personal and 13 paid holidays.

• Professional Development: We invest in the growth and development of our employees through ongoing training and professional development opportunities, to help them reach their full potential and advance in their careers.

• Wellness Programs: We promote a culture of wellness and support our employees' physical and mental well-being through our On-Agency wellness center and other resources to help them thrive both inside and outside of the workplace.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): We provide access to confidential counseling and support services through our Employee Assistance Program to assist our employees with personal or work-related challenges they may face.

Minimum Qualifications & Licensure Requirements

• Master's degree in nursing.
• Minimum 2-5 years’ experience in supervisory role, preferably with pediatric population.
• APRN preferred, RN required.
• Licensed to practice professional nursing in the state of Connecticut.
• Previous knowledge and experience with Infection Control Practices, desirable.