Neonatal Program Manager (NICU) Full Time, Days

BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Neonatal Program Manager is responsible for establishing and coordinating a multidisciplinary approach to neonatal quality and performance improvement across the continuum of care.  In collaboration with the Medical Director of the NICU, , the Director of Quality & Patient Safety, and the Director of Neonatal Intensive Care & Transport Services, this manager is expected to provide program development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation in accordance with national standards necessary for achieving and maintaining Level IV NICU status as granted by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).  Collaborates with physicians and hospital staff to ensure optimal patient care using evidence-based practice, clinical best practice models, culture of safety, appropriate staffing and technologies and continuous process improvement measures.  Demonstrates a commitment to patient safety and quality and Dolly Children’s core values.  Leads the administrative, strategic and clinical direction of the Neonatal Patient Safety & Quality Improvement Program (NPSQIP) through development, implementation and ongoing evaluation.

REPORTS TO

• Nursing Director, Critical Care

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree/BSN required; Masters preferred

Degree: Nursing or healthcare related field

License/Certification Required: RN in state of Tennessee required; CPHQ and RNC-NIC preferred.  BLS, NRP and STABLE required

Minimum Work Experience: 3-5 years of NICU clinical experience and 1-year minimum supervisory, management or education experience required. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Proven on the job leadership skills working with multidisciplinary patient care providers in a hospital setting.
• Leader who can set clear goals for their team, coaches to improve performance, and inspires and drives positive outcomes.  A leader who can communicate information in a timely manner, innovative and encourages new approaches, and employs strategies to overcome resistance to change.
• Teamwork and collaboration to accomplish common goals, constructively raise concerns, and identify solutions using problem solving approaches.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, surgical procedures, ICD 10 coding, and regulatory standards (Joint Commission, CMS, NANN, AMA, ACS, etc.).
• Ability to work independently on assigned projects and to recommend improvements to the process to medical and hospital staff.
• Excellent organizational, written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to prioritize multiple work projects and tasks.  Confidentiality is an imperative character trait for this position.
• Moderate keyboarding speed.  Must be able to work effectively with common office computer software (such as Microsoft Office), the electronic medical records system, spreadsheets, graphical programs, and NPSQIP databases.  Statistical knowledge and previous statistical analysis preferred.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead efforts to obtain and maintain Level IV NICU Verification status with AAP, meeting all regulatory compliance and standards, as applicable.  The incumbent will coordinate all responses to the verification application and site visit, documenting and facilitating issue resolution and corrective action plans.
• Collaborates with medical, hospital staff, NICU CNS and nurse leaders, across the continuum of neonatal intensive care, including planning and implementing clinical protocols, clinical pathways and practice management guidelines, monitoring care and serving as an expert resource for clinical practice both within the facility and at other outside system entities.  In partnership with NICU CNS, oversees the development and review of care protocols, policies and procedures that promote organized and effective neonatal intensive care.
• Collaborate with neonatal & CRPC outreach staff to facilitate development and implementation of inter-facility and regional staff development educational programs.
• Facilitates and participates in case review, standardizing practice guidelines, and participates in community education for appropriate inter-facility transfers to a higher level of care.
• Oversee the implementation of clinical program initiatives, including (but not limited to): core measures, surveillance, clinical data abstraction, and patient safety efforts.  Works collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to strategize, develop, and achieve goals.
• Works with the medical staff committees such as Infection Prevention and Quality Improvement Committee, to coordinate neonatal quality efforts.
• Formulates, drives, and leads projects using process improvement methodologies (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma, PDSA), project management strategies, facilitation, and change management to achieve improvements in operational and/or clinical outcomes.
• Provides ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of the neonatal enterprise.  Monitors clinical processes, outcomes, and system issues related to quality or neonatal care through the development of quality filters, audits, case review and root-cause analysis.  Identifies trends and sentinel events and helps to outline corrective actions as applicable.  Is involved in patient engagement efforts and monitors patient perception of the quality of care delivered.  Participates in hospital root-cause analyses and assists in action plan follow-up as needed.
• In conjunction with the Medical Director of NICU- plans, coordinates and conducts quality and safety meetings specific to the NICU.  Sees that agendas, attendance, records/minutes and follow up are prompt, detailed, and accurate.
• Provides oversight and direct supervision of the collection, coding, validation, analysis, and distribution of data in conjunction with hospital quality staff.  Designs processes to facilitate performance improvement activities, trend reports and research while protecting confidentiality.
• Supports clinical program, facility and corporate goals and initiatives.  Attends and actively participates in system level meetings representing the facility.  Presents/reports of progress to directors, administrators and leadership boards as assigned.
• Assists in annual strategic planning, operational, personnel and capital budgetary planning for the neonatal intensive care program.  Adheres to staffing and operational budgets as applicable.  Completes and submits budget reports as required by facility.
• Facilitates communication and collaboration to stabilize the complex network of many disciplines and departments that work in concerts to provide high quality neonatal intensive care.  Represents the program on various hospital and community committees to enhance and foster optimally neonatal care management.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills through verbal, written and presentation material as required for committees, management groups, administration, etc.
• Utilizes hospital resources and time respectfully and accountably.
• Willingly accept any other assignment that may be requested.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS-Note: Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling is required up to 50 lbs. occasionally, 20-30 lbs. frequently, and 10lbs constantly move objects up to 150 lbs. Sudden emergency situations have the potential for exposure to lifting or moving up to 150 lbs. Frequent bending, walking, reaching, and standing are required. Keyboard/computer use and/or repetitive motions may be required.

Come work where you can make a difference everyday.