At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Director of Nursing Professional Practice  reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. 

The Director of Nursing Professional Practice  leads a team of professional that are accountable for Magnet designation, interprofessional research, student and school partnerships and nursing practice activities. This position is responsible for oversight of these activities at four Northwestern Medicine community hospitals.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for meeting operational, financial and strategic goals for designated departments, divisions, programs, services and/or locations. Target quality improvement by reducing process variation, eliminating redundancy or implementing new technology. 24/7 accountability
• Accountable for the development, implementation and evaluation of staff/human resource information and processes to support clinical practice of nursing and care delivery, including utilization of current practice guidelines and standards.
• With manager input, recommend department goals to NM leaders. Communicate agreed upon goals and context to teams. Lead teams to outcomes that support the advancement of NM Strategic Plan.
• Evaluate the feasibility, coordination and implementation of new or revised systems, processes and procedures, to ensure compliance with established standards. Develop and implement, and/or work through managers to develop and implement policies and procedures, facilitate inter-departmental processes and clarify and/or correct procedural questions/issues.
• Stay informed of current and emerging issues and trends for areas of accountability. Communicate and educate staff on requirements, changes, advances, opportunities, directions and projections for the future.
• Other duties as assigned.

Business expertise

• Knowledge of Joint Commission standards and all federal, state, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to analyze data for decision making purposes and make data-driven recommendations.
• Ability to create budgets in accordance with guidelines and balanced to targets.
• Ability to effectively apply the principles of change management while leading.
• Strong computing skills, including Microsoft Office applications and Outlook.
• Attentive to detail and reviews own and others’ work for accuracy.

Problem solving

• Encourages diverse perspectives and solutions, drawing from staff, peers, physicians, patients and other stakeholders.
• Establishes and maintains constructive lines of communication between the physicians and administration. This includes assessing physicians' needs, collecting feedback on issues/problems and effectively communicating appropriately
• Demonstrates the ability to consistently establish appropriate departmental priorities.
• Serves as a role model and coach to others; builds partnerships and teams.
• Serves as an internal consultant to all levels of leadership in solving problems and planning interventions.

Interactions/interpersonal skills

• NMHC Performance Leadership Competencies (from performance management system)
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with patients, physicians, management, staff and other customers, internal and external to NM.
• Exudes confidence, professionalism, interest and optimism when leading others in the workplace; guided by the servant leadership philosophy.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality for patients and their families, as outlined in the Northwestern Memorial HealthCare Patient Confidentiality policy.

Required:

• Master’s degree in a health care related field or bachelor's degree in nursing
• Five to ten years of clinical experience
• Current clinical license in the state in which the hospital resides, if applicable

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in business, healthcare administration or related field
• Three to five years of supervisory or management experience
• Three to five years of operational experience exhibiting increasing leadership responsibilities and capabilities
• Specialty certification preferred

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.