DIRECTOR OF ACUTE CARE SERVICES

Director Of Acute Care Services

The Director of Acute Care Services manages and coordinates the planning, development, implementation, evaluation, and supervision of the nursing regimen and other activities involved in the provision of quality patient care on the Medical/Surgical and Intensive Care Units, as well as Respiratory Therapy. The Director of Acute Care Services provides leadership for these areas by directing and working collaboratively with the Clinical Leads of Medical/Surgical and ICU units, nursing staff, ancillary staff, physicians, and other personnel. The Director maintains standards for professional nursing practice in the clinical setting at all times. Provides both clinical and administrative leadership to staff at all times.

Major Tasks, Duties And Responsibilities

Assessment:

1. Assesses the quality of the process and delivery of care, on an ongoing basis through observation and communication with staff, patients, families and physicians. Assures patient-centered care is delivered in a safe, cost-effective, evidence-based manner. Assures excellence in patient care delivery.
2. Assures nursing care is assigned to staff members based on qualifications, experience and the needs of the patient.
3. Communicates and interprets changes in policy, procedure and methods to staff and provides feedback from staff to Nursing Administration through staff meetings, group conferences, or individual conferences.
4. Acts as a liaison with other departments to promote cooperative relationships in promoting a seamless continuum of care. Confers with all members of the health team to plan for the patient's total care; acts as a resource person for patient care related issues.
5. Makes patient rounds independently or with other health care providers.
6. Interviews, recommends hire, and assists in the orientation of new staff members. Oversees the orientation process and assures required documentation is complete.
7. Provides an atmosphere that is conducive to the learning of concepts and skills and the achievement of goals.

Planning:

1. Maintains and promotes practice within the established mission and philosophy and the policies and standards of the Department of Nursing.
2. Supports and/or influences institutional and nursing policies as they effect patient care.
3. Sets specific standards and objectives for the Medical/Surgical and Intensive Care units to provide total nursing care to patients 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
4. Collaborates with Nursing Instructors in planning and supervising the clinical experience of nursing students on the unit.
5. Assists in the development and control of operating and capital equipment budgets for specific units.
6. Develops and/or supervises the analysis of patient information and interpretation of data to provide an appropriate plan and intervention specific for age related needs and provision of care.
7. Coordinates the ICU Multidisciplinary Committee meeting. Prepares agenda and provides needed data and information for review.

Implementation:

1. Acts as liaison between patient, family physician and patient care team.
2. Coordinates professional services for continuity of patient care including post discharge needs.
3. Promotes patient and family health education and rehabilitation.
4. Assists in the provision of continuing education for staff members.
5. Utilizes good communication skills to inspire, motivate and otherwise influence employees to develop constructive work habits, resolve problems, and develop harmonious working relationships.
6. Maintains competency and assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development as demonstrated by attendance at continuing education, inservice programs and/or college credit courses. Always meets mandatory inservices requirements, including nursing competencies.
7. Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide and/or supervise care appropriate to ages of all patients served.
8. Conducts regular staff meetings to share information, provide education and promote communication with staff members.

Evaluation:

1. Directs and monitors preparation and maintenance of the patient clinical record.
2. Directs and monitors the development and use of an individualized plan of care for each patient which is consistent with the medical plan of care and reflective of patient status.
3. Utilizes principles of counseling and evaluation in reviewing staff performance for merit increases, promotions, transfers, disciplinary action, and separation of service.
4. Encourages staff input in unit management and initiation of new ideas.
5. Maintains vigilance concerning fire, and safety regulations and takes corrective action as needed. Assures staff knowledge and compliance to infection control principles and universal precautions.
6. Actively participates in quality improvement activities at unit, department, and hospital levels.

Education: Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing. New York State Licensure and current registration as a registered nurse required. BSN degree. BLS, ACLS and PALS certification required. Experience: Five years acute clinical experience and three years of demonstrated hospital supervisory or administrative experience. Contacts: Frequent contact with patients, staff members, physicians, visitors, and personnel of other departments. Physical Demands: Stands and walks most of day. Occasionally lifts patients. Working Conditions: Normal. Some exposure to disagreeable odors, cuts, burns, infections, communicable diseases, strains and injuries from patients and equipment.