Director of Nursing Services

Overview

The Director, Nursing Services is accountable for the overall administration of the department in order to meet the objectives of the hospital through planning, organizing, executing and evaluating the nursing care provided for patients in the hospital.

Responsibilities

• Manage the department in an efficient manner by planning, organizing and controlling all activities of the department. 
• Formulate and implement the objectives of the department in accordance with hospital goals.
• Develop, evaluate, implement, interpret and maintain hospital plans and work standards and procedures for the clinical practice of nursing that are in compliance with hospital policies, governmental regulations and various regulatory agency requirements. Serve as a role model for nursing staff by complying with established policies and procedures. 
• Supervise the implementation of total quality management concepts which are used to determine effectiveness of nursing care delivery systems throughout the hospital. 
• Participate as a member of the key management hospital team and in hospital strategic planning activities. Interpret the role of nursing for the hospital's strategic plans.
• Manage the personnel function by interviewing, selecting, evaluating, disciplining and terminating personnel or recommending such action as necessary. Assure that employees receive orientation and required in-service training, that they maintain required licensure or certification and that pertinent nursing education programs are developed and presented to promote clinical competency and staff development. 
• Determine staffing needs and patterns and recommend appropriate staffing levels and classifications consistent with unit position authorization.
• Administer the Bargaining Agreements at the local level as it pertains to Nursing Service personnel.
• Coordinate the activities of various nursing units and establish productive working relationships with the medical staff and support services. 
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge in the field so they may recommend new services, products and equipment. Continue professional development by attending education programs designed for nursing leaders. 
• May provide direct patient care when higher levels of skill and judgement are required. Demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served. 
• Adhere to the infection control policies and procedures of the hospital.
• Formulate and prepare the departmental budget, routine and special reports and various forms and documents as required.
• Take administrative calls when delegated by the Administrator. 
• Serve on hospital committee and attend meetings, as required.
• May work off shifts, weekends and holidays, be on-call and work more than standard hours.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Graduation from an approved school of nursing and current non-limited licensure in state.

• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of five years experience in nursing supervision and/or administration.

• Formalized training and/or experience in effective management techniques.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership and ability to motivate and to work cooperatively with individuals and groups.

Physical Requirements

• Must possess physical ability to endure prolonged sitting; moderate walking; lifting and carrying.

• May require exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently; and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

• Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work.

Specific Accountabilities

• Accountable for assuring the efficient operation of all nursing units in accordance with hospital objectives.

• Accountable for establishing and achieving nursing department objectives and goals.

• Accountable for providing a climate for professional growth and development through programs of orientation, evaluation, in-service and continuing education.

• Accountable for safe, effective patient care in all nursing areas in hospital.

• Accountable for supervising the implementation of total quality management concepts in all nursing areas in the hospital.

• Accountable for developing and administering the Nursing Department budget.

• Accountable for acting as liaison between Nursing Service and other hospital departments.