GENERAL SUMMARY/BASIC PURPOSE OF JOB:

Serves as the primary nurse leader for assigned departments. Accountable for management of clinical operations, oversight of nursing practice, compliance with regulatory, quality, and professional development standards, and all business operations within their span of control. Works with the System Chief Nursing Officer and Assistant Chief Nursing Officer in establishing standards of nursing practice for hospital-wide use and takes lead accountability in assuring that they are implemented, measured, and continuously improved. Assists in the management of resources, strategic planning, and development of policies and procedures which ensure congruence with the mission, vision, and values of the organization. Provides direction and support to department caregivers toward attainment of short- and long-term goals and objectives. It is an expectation that the director will progressively demonstrate and exceed competencies in domains for health care leadership, communication and relationship management, knowledge of the health care environment, professionalism, and business/financial skills and principles. Director will also ensure competency with the American Organization for Nursing Leadership’s Nurse Executive and Nurse Manager Competencies.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to: Assistant Chief Nursing Officer
• Provides Supervision to: Caregivers within designated departments

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

• Leads operations within assigned departments consistent with the mission, vision, and values of the hospital.
• Advances nursing practice through excellence in clinical care, education and research, program development, growth of patient care services or compression of services based on market and organizational need, continuous improvement, fiscal oversight and management of capital and human resources.
• Builds consensus by inspiring and influencing positive behaviors among all caregivers to promote a shared vision, engagement, standard work, and consensus in achieving strategic service line and organizational goals.
• Strong emphasis on the continuum of Quality and Patient Experience in all aspects of their job duties.
• Utilizes evidence-based practice models to promote excellence in nursing practice for SHS.
• Acts as a coach and mentor to other nursing leaders. Takes direct accountability for the development and performance of all direct reports. Assures that effective coaching and mentoring is being provided to the Clinical Nursing Coordinators, Charge Nurses, and others serving in supervisory roles.
• Assures that appropriate support is in place for coaching, mentoring and development of nursing caregivers.
• Communicates effectively with all levels of nurses, physicians, and other health care professionals both orally and in writing.
• Formulates mutually agreed upon goals for personal and professional development that are clearly articulated and documented in annual performance appraisals for all direct reports.
• Ensures that all nurse leaders who conduct annual performance appraisals are held to the same standard.

MINIMUM EDUCATION: 

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing 
• Master's degree in Nursing, Health Care Administration, Business Administration, or related field

MINIMUM WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Five (5) years of staff nurse experience in acute care.
•  Minimum of five (5) years of progressive management experience in acute care setting, ten (10) years preferred

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Knowledge of Illinois Nurse Practice Act
• Knowledge of regulatory standards and nursing practice standards
• Knowledge of acuity staffing models ï‚· Strong clinical and business acumen; able to make critical decisions
• Caring attitude towards the staff and their emotional well-being
• Strong and transparent communicator
• Proven ability to build relationships with physicians, caregivers, and patients
• Self-starter who is dedicated to quality outcomes and improving patient experience

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Current licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse is required, issued by the IL State Board of Nursing
• Certification in a nursing specialty is preferred