Chief Nursing Officer

Nursing Administration and Coordination

Responsible for the overall administration, management, coordination, integration, and delivery of quality nursing, medical, infection control services throughout the organization while also ensuring compliance with all policies, procedures, and standards. Assumes responsibility and authority for setting nursing standards and the direction of nurses within the agency. Ensures that interactions with funders, third party payors, and client families are timely, accurate, and courteous. Responsible for the development and implementation of nursing policies, procedures, forms, and other changes. Functions as a critical member of the agency's executive team and provides input and expertise on matters of agency-wide significance.

Essential Functions

• Ensures staff compliance with nursing care standards that emphasize client-centered, holistic care, ethical principles, and therapeutic communication.
• Collaborates with the Staff Development department and Nurse Educator to deliver effective initial and ongoing training to nursing staff.
• Identifies areas for improvement. Develops and implements corrective action plans and quality improvement initiatives. Monitors progress and compliance, intervening and/or revising methods as appropriate.
• Initiates remediation and disciplinary actions to correct employee behaviors or deficiencies. Partners with the Human Resources department to ensure uniform treatment and legal compliance.
• Ensures appropriate staffing levels are maintained at all times. Effectively schedules and manages the use of core, pool/prn, and temp agency nursing staff.
• Proactively recruits, interviews, and hires core and pool/prn staff to address staffing needs and ensure the provision of quality care.
• Serves as primary contact with temp agencies. Initiates and facilitates the establishment and renewal of associated contracts.
• Develops, and maintains a good working rapport with physicians, pharmacists, pharmacy staff, directors, and executive management.
• Ensures that staff are provided with consistent, relevant guidance verbally and in writing (e.g. memos, staff meetings, P&Ps, etc.) in accordance with the state Nurse Practice Act, CARF, Baker Act, Marchman Act, and other legal standards. Monitors compliance.
• Ensures the ongoing collection and reporting of records and data required by CARF, DCF, CFBHN, and AHCA. Regularly provides metrics and updates to administration and collaborates on system improvements.
• Responsible for the development and maintenance of policies, plans, procedures, and protocols relevant to the nursing discipline.
• Reviews Electronic Health Record (EHR) to ensure the accuracy and completeness of nursing entries, including the presence of scanned documents completed by hand, lab/x-ray results, medical clearance documentation and justification, and seclusion and restraint records.
• Directs and oversees the organization-wide Infection Control Program.
• Supervises nursing staff, delegating authority, responsibility, and tasks as appropriate.
• Performs reviews or special studies as indicated or requested by Quality Management.
• Participates with other leaders in the decision-making structures and processes of the organization.
• Demonstrates up-to-date knowledge of the Baker Act (F.S. 394) and Marchman Act (F.S. 397) and relevant psychiatric and mental health nursing principles and applications. Completes all required training/educational workshops to maintain licensure.
• Participates in organizational and community committees and meetings as assigned.
• Promotes a positive workplace culture.
• Communicates effectively to all staff, clients, and external stakeholders.
• Completes all reports, projects, and duties within an acceptable timeframe and meets deadlines.
• Supports the organization's mission, vision, and values.
• Maintains confidentiality and operates within ethical standards at all times.
• Provides telephonic on-call support as needed.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Requirements

• Strong decision-making under pressure and time constraints.
• Computer proficiency, including in the use of the Microsoft suite of products.
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Effective planning and priority setting.
• Excellent communication and organization skills.
• Eligibility through a Level II background screening with AHCA and DCF.

Education and Experience

• Registered nurse licensure by the State of Florida.
• 8 years administrative experience and 5 years experience as a psychiatric and mental health nurse and nursing supervision. Thorough knowledge and understanding of Performance Improvement Principles, CARF standards, regulatory, and funding requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to sit, twist, bend, and stand for long periods.
• Must be able to transport self from building to building and differing locations.
• Must be able to communicate orally and in writing.

Special Working Conditions: Exposure to all program conditions which may include physical intervention and verbal abuse by consumers. On-call after hours and within weekend rotation (Administrator-on-Call). May be required to cover nursing shifts if staffing is insufficient and no replacement can be found.