ER Nursing Director

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary:  The Emergency Department Director is responsible for planning, directing, administering and coordinating activities in the Emergency Department. Primary responsibility of this position is to manage and supervise the Emergency Department and the services it provides to assure optimal standards of patient care and nursing practice. This position requires flexibility, the ability to work extended hours or on short notice in regard to the work schedule. The Emergency Department Director also oversees Trauma Program through supervision of the Trauma Program Manager and Trauma Registrar and is responsible for supporting the development, implementation and maintenance of an effective system of care for trauma patients and their families throughout the continuum of care. 

 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

In addition to the Principal Duties and Responsibilities of the Registered Nurse, the Emergency Department Director: 

1. Assists in hiring, evaluating, and interviewing employees and potential employees in a professional manner.
2. Determines unit staffing needs based upon acuity, number of patients, and competency and skill of available staff.
3. Collaborates with other nursing units to determine needs of the patients and address the needs of the units.
4. Identifies expected outcomes for planned nursing intervention and ensures vital information is passed between shifts.
5. Makes sure safety, fire and disaster programs are followed and ensure the proper handling and safe care of patients, visitors and employees involved in accidents or during disaster-type emergencies.
6. Demonstrates and promotes an awareness of patients’ rights and ensures that staff is aware of all patient rights.
7. Functions as a patient advocate.
8. Delegates skills in the management of professional and ancillary personnel. 
9. Analyzes trends and implements corrective adjustments as required to continually maintain well-balanced and appropriate trained staff for patient care and outcomes. 
10. Promotes positive interdisciplinary relationships by working cooperatively with other departments of the hospital as specified by the health system organizational plan.
11. Follows established universal precautions and isolation procedures.
12. Prepares and adheres to departmental budget.
13. Trains and educates staff on equipment usage, mock events, Board of Nursing requirements, hospital policy, and regulatory and governmental compliance requirements.
14. Evaluates performance of staff. Educates on areas of improvements while recognizing areas of excellence thus facilitating greater employee achievement by assuring that staff development is ongoing and appropriate.
15. Assists the Chief Nursing Officer and functions as an active member of the Nursing Administration Team.
16. Delegates authority and responsibility consistent with scope of the individual staff member’s skill level.
17. Ability to direct emergency procedures, as well as assisting all units with routine nursing care, admissions and dismissals when necessary.
18. Demonstrates the ability to act as an administrator when one is not present, as well as select, promote and discharge nursing personnel.

Other Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for abiding by all SMH policies and procedures to include the Code of Ethics and the principles and standards set forth for conducting the business and affairs of SMH.
2. Maintains privacy and confidentiality of all patient information and Hospital business.
3. Promotes the mission, vision and values of Stephens Memorial Hospital District.
4. Ensures compliance with regulatory agencies.
5. Encourages an atmosphere of optimism, warmth and interest.
6. Other duties as assigned by Director, CNO, or CEO

 

Educational/Experience Required:

1. Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing
2. Master’s Degree preferred
3. Maintains a current RN license with the Texas State Board of Nursing

1. Minimum of two years ER experience as a general duty staff nurse is preferred

1. Employee is responsible for obtaining and maintaining Basic Life Support (CPR-Healthcare Provider) certification within 30 days of hire.
2. Employee is responsible for obtaining and maintaining Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications within 90 days of hire.
3. Employee is responsible for obtaining and maintaining Trauma Nursing Core Curriculum (TNCC) certification within 6 months of hire.

 

Mathematical skills:

This position routinely uses addition/subtraction, fractions, ratios and algebraic equations each workday to deliver the right amount of medication to the patients or to monitor changes in their health. In particular, this position requires the ability to calculate dosages, convert between the metric and standard system, calculate IV drip rates, titrate drugs in addition to other uses outside medicine administration such as, but not limited to, calculate intake/outtake of patients, calorie expenditure calculations or determine pregnancy due dates. 

Language Skills:

The ability to retrieve, communicate, or otherwise present information in a written, auditory, or visual fashion is essential; the primary method to express or exchange ideas is through the spoken work, therefore must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently. The ability to speak Spanish is desired.

 

Reasoning Skills:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving variables in non-standardized situations.

 

Computer Skills:

Advanced knowledge of computers to include email and internet usage required. Microsoft Office product knowledge required. Electronic Health Record experience preferred.

 

Delegation of Authority:

Ability to direct and supervise licensed and non-licensed staff. 

 

Physical & Mental Requirements/Environmental Factors:

Strength Guidelines: Must regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds on a regular basis. Must lift and/or move up to 150 pounds on an occasional basis.

 

Work Environment: The position primarily is located inside a healthcare facility. Occasionally requires work outside in adverse weather conditions. This position is classified as an OSHA category 1 position: routinely exposed to a specific hazard as a regular part of the job.

 

Emotional Demands: Must be able to manage difficult or emotional patient situations including the ability to respond promptly to patient or co-worker needs and requests for service and assistance. The ability to tolerate moderate to high stress levels at intervals is essential. This position also requires the ability to speak in public situations or at meetings.