Howard County General Hospital is now “Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center” and cares for a range of patients with serious health conditions. Our hospital has a highly specialized Intensive Care Unit (ICU) dedicated to adult patients requiring intensive monitoring and care, including after surgery or due to medical conditions, including cardiac care. The Special Care Unit (SCU) is staffed 24 hours a day by highly qualified Johns Hopkins physicians who are board-certified in internal, pulmonary, and critical care medicine. An interdisciplinary team of specialized nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, dieticians, and other technical staff works in collaboration with the physicians. The physician conducts daily patient care rounds with this team to develop an individualized plan of care for each patient. Continued care is coordinated by social workers and case managers.

The nurses at JHHCMC love what they do! They love supporting the community, and we are always looking for healthcare professionals seeking a home.

Darlene Norton serves as the Nurse Manager, demonstrating a track record of effective leadership. Darlene embarked on her career at Johns Hopkins Hospital in 2011, initially joining as an RN. In a short span, she showcased her capabilities, earning promotions to Lead RN and Assistant Nurse Manager in 2019. Her journey continued when she later transferred to HCMC.

Darlene is not only a proficient leader but also a mentor who actively supports the professional growth of RNs. She oversees three vital units: ICU Special Care Unit, ICU, and Cath Lab. If you're seeking a dynamic environment and a chance to work under Darlene's leadership, consider applying to become part of the culture she has nurtured at HCMC!

Why nurses love Howard County Medical Center:

• Team Nursing that focuses on an interdisciplinary approach to care with the nurse at the forefront
• Warm and collegial environment
• Fantastic benefits: https://hcgh.mybenefitsjhhs.com/
• Free parking and more

Hear what our hospital president has to say about what we do and why we do it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj5KuB34gU8

Job Description:

The Lead Clinical Nurse coordinates the total care for a group of patients throughout their stay to achieve clinical, financial, and organizational outcomes. The Lead Clinical Nurse is instrumental in mentoring and managing the clinical staff to promote quality, safety, and excellence in care. Serves as a clinical expert and manages an evolving clinical picture, including identifying impending changes in clinical condition and responds timely and appropriately. The Lead Clinical Nurse assumes responsibility and is accountable for overall unit operations in the absence of the Nurse Manager. Able to apply the principles of evidence-based care and service excellence into practice.

Education:

1. BSN is required.
2. If hired into the Clinical Coordinator role previously, enrollment into a BSN is required within 6 months of transition to the LCN role. Steady progress, defined as 9 credits/year, is required, with degree completion within 4 years.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Proficient in terminology related to the area of clinical specialty.
2. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Required Licensure, Certification, On-going Training:

1. Current licensure as a Registered Nurse by the State of Maryland.

1. Certification in clinical area of specialty preferred; if not current, will seek certification within two (2) years of hire.

1. Certification in advanced life support specific to area of clinical specialty required (ACLS, PALS, or NRP).

Work Experience:

1. At least three years of experience in the practice specialty is required.