Director of Nursing

Director Of NursingPosition Summary Under general supervision, plans, organizes staffs, directs and controls nursing services provided within the facility/department so that services are delivered in an efficient, expeditious, courteous and professional manner and in compliance with the Company standards of care and all federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations. The DON has the administrative authority, responsibility and accountability necessary for carrying out assigned duties and assumes the role of administrator in his/her absence. Although this job description is intended to be as complete as possible, omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is a logical assignment to the position.Major Duties and Responsibilities I. CLINICAL COMPONENT 1. Nursing Process: Develops, interprets, implements, and evaluates standards of care, policies and procedures for all patient/resident populations. Develops, revises, and implements Nursing Department standards, policies and procedures, for all patient/resident populations. Assures patient/resident rights by directing and/or providing care which considers each patient's/resident's value and belief system. Functions as a patient/resident advocate providing information and assuring confidentiality of information of records. Prepares and directing staff nurses to recognize potential problems, mobilize resources, and take appropriate action. Directs staff in responding to complex patient/resident care priorities. Acts as a role model and facilitator for Nursing Department collaboration with the interdisciplinary team. Attends team meetings. Ensures and maintains the competencies of the nursing staff. Collaborates with other members of the healthcare team to provide safe care to patients/residents. Clarifies nursing protocols and procedures with physicians and department heads. Insures the safe administration of medications per protocols in conjunction with the pharmacy. Collaborates with the Admissions Director, Case Manager and Medical Director on infection control issues, nursing care requirements, and psychsocial, behavioral, spiritual and cultural issues. 2. Quality Improvement: Acts as an advocate for providing safe delivery of patient care. Attends one session each year of the following committee meetings and/or in-services: Fire Safety, General Facility/Unit Safety Training/Meetings, Q.A. Meetings, Infection Control, Disaster, Patient/Resident Rights, Patient/Resident Abuse Law, Hazardous Communications Maintains the following: Registered Nurse License CPR Demonstrates setup, operation and trouble shooting of Nursing Department equipment; ensures that all damaged equipment is removed from operation, repaired or replaced in conjunction with Maintenance Department. Assures that procedures for Universal Precautions are followed. Ensures the maintenance of a safe therapeutic environment for patient/resident family. Assures implementation and integration of quality improvement activities and implements corrective action when needed. Monitors the quality of all aspects of the medical record through open and closed chart reviews/audits. Identifies specific aspects of care for quality improvement monitoring and participates in data collection activities as appropriate. Monitors results. Serves on, participates in, assists DNS, and attends various committees as directed in the facility/unit as appointed including: Infection Control; Pharmacy, and Quality Improvement. II. EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT 3. Education: Communicates knowledge formally and informally to meet needs of patient/resident and staff. Patient/resident/family education Acts as consultant and/or participates in the development of interdisciplinary patient/resident education teaching plans. Advises and/or assists staff in developing teaching plans for patients/residents with complex needs. Participates in facility orientation program as needed. Assists in identifying staff learning needs and in the development and implementation of educational programs for staff. Utilizes advanced nursing expertise serving as a resource consultant, role model, and facilitator for staff. Orients management staff as needed. Students Provides opportunities for student affiliations. Collaborates with nursing faculty to evaluate and facilitate student affiliations. Acts as a preceptor for students as appropriate. 4. Professional Growth: Encourages and participates in educational programs and research that contribute to the improvement of nursing practice. Nursing Education Program a) Takes responsibility for own educational needs to enhance areas of practice. b) Takes responsibility for sharing appropriate information with staff. c) Communicates awareness of current issues in nursing and clinical practice. d) Cultivates a network of contacts within the healthcare community to represent nursing and promote continuity of care between the facility/unit and other healthcare providers. III. MANAGEMENT COMPONENT 5. Responsibilities to the Nursing Department: Fulfills professional responsibility to the facility/unit by adherence to philosophy and policy guidelines. Responsible and accountable for coordinating patient/resident care. Provides a milieu where quality nursing care can be delivered by: Maintaining appropriate staffing levels; selects and appoints all license and non-licensed nursing staff. Integrating nursing care with other health care providers. Provides for ongoing counseling of employees in regard to job performance and adherence to personnel policies. Maintains written job descriptions for nursing personnel and assures completion of performance evaluations in coordination with Human Resources. Mediates and arbitrates staff conflicts in accordance with facility policy. Monitors staff compliance with mandatory in-service in conjunction with Human Resources Evaluates or participates in the evaluation of clinical competency of personnel and makes recommendations to improve quality of care. Authorizes overtime within facility guidelines. Directs nursing personnel in emergency situations. Evaluates the provision of support services and makes recommendations to improve the quality of care. Assures the dining room experience exceeds regulation, from a resident/nursing perspective. Evaluates nursing practice and care delivery system and makes recommendations for change. Informs facility/unit administrator of significant events and risk management issues. Informs other departments about pertinent patient/resident care data or special patient/resident problems as appropriate. Conducts staff meetings as appropriate. Intervenes in employee and/or visitor incidents and implements facility/unit policies and procedures as indicated. Assures completion of staff schedules within required time frame. Functions within attendance requirements. Establishes on-call schedule; works weekend/holiday as needed. Follows facility/unit sick time policy. Assumes responsibility for narcotics and controlled drugs. Assists in planning the nursing service budget and implements same. Prepares monthly/annual reports for administrator and/or Board of Directors as requested. Is on call for the nursing department and manages on call schedule.Specific Requirements Qualifications: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing with a BSN preferred. Holds current registered nurse license in state that facility/unit is located. Five (5) years in management/leadership position in addition to long term care experience is preferred. Acute/Rehabilitation experience preferred. Basic Life Support desired, but not required. Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills required. Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as a Registered Nurse in this state. Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language. Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action. Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, patients/residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public. Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations and guidelines that pertain to long-term. Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with professional and nonprofessional personnel. Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures, etc., that are necessary for providing quality care. Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult patients/residents. Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing nursing practices. Must be able to relate information concerning a patient's/resident's condition. Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.