Job Summary

Responsible for planning, organizing and directing the overall operations of nursing/ patient care services (i.e., Medical/Surgical, Employee Health/Infection Control, Emergency Department, Surgical Services, Social Services/Discharge Planning, Utilization Review, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, etc.). He/ she performs this function through effective management of personnel, material and fiscal resources. Ensures compliance with patient care quality standards as it relates to the care provided to all age groups of patients ranging from neonate to geriatric. He/she interacts with other department and organizational staff to ensure a collaborative approach to meeting the missions of this organization. Position reports to the Chief Executive Officer.

Essential Functions

Administrative:

• Promote the mission, vision, and values of the organization. Develop, alongside directors, departmental strategic plans that align with the organizational strategic plan.
• Adheres to all regulatory requirements (NM Nursing Practice Act) and professional standards such as ANA, AORN, AACN, ENA and ASPAN as applicable to the specific area of nursing practice.
• Ensures that there are sufficient numbers of qualified nurses and support personnel scheduled to efficiently meet the needs of the patient care units.
• Continually evaluates the quality of nursing and clinical care provided to patients in his or her areas. Evaluation activities consist of direct observation of staff performance, levels of satisfaction from patients, families, other health care providers, PI activities and analysis of pertinent data.
• Evaluates direct report staff competencies and performance in annual performance evaluations.
• Identifies performance problems and independently carries out the counseling/progressive discipline process. Rewards exceptional performance through positive recognition.
• Recommends the modification, addition, or deletion of personnel policies to insure reasonable hours and acceptable working conditions to provide patient care coverage. Participates in policy decisions that affect nursing/ patient care services in the hospital.
• In conjunction with the chief quality officer (CQO), establish a plan for the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of performance improvement (PI) and continuous quality improvement throughout the organization. Based on PI activities, makes recommendations for changes/ enhancements in policies, procedures, and practice standards.
• Together with the CQO, maintain an active, ongoing state of accreditation compliance and continual state of readiness by adhering to all regulatory DNVGL- NIAHO and ISO 9001 standards.
• Continuously monitors use of supplies and equipment, implementing controls designed to minimize waste or damage. Ensures adequate supply levels and proper functioning of equipment throughout areas of responsibility.
• Plans and coordinates with the CFO, utilizing the respective direct reports for planning the budgeting requirements for personnel, supplies, and equipment for areas of responsibility. Responsible for cost controls to insure maximum effectiveness of funds expended from the approved departmental budgets.
• Keeps the CEO informed of actual/potential problems that require resolution at the Administrative level. Ensures that all documentation by assigned staff is timely, complete and accurate.
• Maintains continuing quality assessment and improvement analysis and evaluation of patient care delivery and communicates to senior management on the activities/issues of nursing/ patient care services.
• Plans and recommends to senior management new facilities or equipment, or modification thereto, needed to provide patient care.
• Fosters positive public relations for the patient/ clinical care areas, as well for the organization. Maintains cordial relationships with patients, their families and friends, clergy, and other interested groups in the community. Interprets the goals of nursing/patient care services areas to the community by maintaining harmonious and effective relationships with the education system, volunteer groups, agencies, and the community.
• Initiates and participates in problem-solving, policy-forming conferences for nursing/ patient care services. Maintains close coordination with all department to insure continuity and collaboration of services.
• Acts as a role model in appearance, demeanor and actions to the nursing/patient care area staff.
• Participates in the Administrative Counsel, Board of Trustee, and Medical Staff Meetings.
• Fosters staff participation in team dynamics activities and service enhancement initiatives that result in enhanced patient care. This is to include ongoing oversight and development of the Nursing Shared Governance Council.
• Assures Nursing Leadership support for staff by maintaining a Nursing Administration Call rotation at all times.
• Participates in Administrator on Call rotation with the CEO and senior administrative leaders.

Clinical:

• Directs, implements and ensures that acceptable standards of patient care are maintained in his or her area of responsibility.
• Works collaboratively with members of respective clinical services in developing unit routines and procedures to maximize care delivery, communication and interdisciplinary participation.
• Ensures that patient care assignments are designed to meet the bio-psychosocial needs of the patient and family, taking into consideration the age and developmental status and needs of the patient, the skill level of staff, need for continuity of care, and infection control considerations.
• Identifies unusual occurrences or deviations from standard practice/routines. Takes immediate action to correct situations and implements long-range prevention efforts.
• Ensures that the patient care environment is conductive to identification of ethical concerns and directs these concerns appropriately.
• Promotes open communication within the nursing/ patient care service area, with other units, support services and health care team members. Conducts staff meetings involving all direct reports, at least quarterly, for the purposes of communication of organizational/ administrative information.
• Administers nursing care to patients, as needed, to maintain clinical skills, to assess particular patient care requirements or as support to patient care staff.
• Professional practice demonstrates knowledge of standards and application of skills necessary to promote patient safety.

Professional Development:

• Collaborates with department directors to develop educational plans for the nursing/ patient care areas, which are designed to improve/enhance practice and promote professional development.
• Participates in the orientation of new personnel to the organization, ensuring an environment, which promotes learning and evaluation of competencies.
• Participates in organizational or departmental educational endeavors by serving on planning committees or presenting lectures in areas of expertise.
• Ensures that clinical students abide by facility policies, work standards, legal procedures and also instructs orientation and monitoring of the care provided under the direction of licensed staff.
• Ensures that all assigned staff meets the annual requirements for mandatory in-services/ competencies.
• Has an understanding of the HIPAA rules and regulations. Conforms to these standards and is knowledgeable of own level of access for minimum necessary requirements.
• Ensures the growth and development of strong department directors who can effectively manage their unit/area in his or her absence.
• Encourages staff to enhance knowledge of clinical research and ongoing healthcare industry trends.
• Assumes responsibility for own continuing educational and development needs. Attends meetings, conferences and other professional activities to maintain and expand clinical and leadership skills.

Non-Essential Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned

Professional Requirements

• Maintains valid, current RN licensure in the State of New Mexico.

• Maintains clinical credentials and competencies to be able to work clinically.

• Complete annual education requirements.
• Adhere to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Report to work on time and as scheduled.
• Wear identification while on duty.
• Maintain regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and local regulations.
• Represent the organization in a positive and professional manner at all times.
• Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices.
• Communicate the mission, ethics and goals of the organization.
• Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Ensures compliance with policies and procedures regarding department operations, fire, safety, and infection control.
• Effectively and consistently communicates administrative directives to personnel and encourages interactive departmental meetings and discussions.

Qualifications

• Current licensure to practice in New Mexico as a Registered Nurse (RN).

• Master’s degree in Nursing or related field required.

• Minimum of three to five years’ experience in patient care services management required.
• Prior experience as a Chief Nursing Officer preferred.
• The ability to demonstrate leadership, managerial ability, good interpersonal relationships, and the application of sound administrative principles under stressful conditions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to determine appropriate course of action in more complex situations
• Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, be attentive to detail, and maintain a positive attitude
• Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and to prioritize scheduling of work
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information
• Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to handle difficult situations involving patients, physicians, or others in a professional manner

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions

• Physically demanding, high-stress environment
• Exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, radiation, and repetitive motions
• Pushing and pulling heavy objects
• Full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients
• Manual and finger dexterity
• Hand and eye coordination
• Standing and walking for extensive periods of time
• Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Corrected vision and hearing to within normal range
• Working under stressful conditions
• Working irregular hours including after hours and on call