Ambulatory Nurse Manager

Job Description Summary

Under the direction of the Nurse Director or ACNO, the Nurse Manager has 24–hour responsibility for the effective implementation of the philosophy, goals, policies and procedures of SSHS, the Ambulatory Division, and the Nursing Department and their effect on patient care in a designated department(s). The Nurse Manager has authority to make decisions in those areas of patient care, human resources and related financial management. The manager is accountable for facilitating an appropriate response to the access needs of patients in alignment with department-based resources. The Nurse Manager works in collaborative partnership with the Physician Chief and Operations Manager forming a triad leadership team for the department. This role is responsible for overseeing Primary Care, Pediatrics and their Nurse Supervisors within the ambulatory department at South Shore Medical Center.

Job Description

1 - REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Monitors/maintains departmental compliance with regulatory, accrediting and health system policy for patient services, and environmental and personnel safety.

a - Maintains and reports area compliance with regulatory agencies' standards (i.e., OSHA, JCAHO, DPH, FDA) to ACNO.

b - Monitors safe environment as evidenced by reporting and documentation of points of recognition, points of cause, countermeasures and check and adjust approaches along with the same for environment of care surveys.

c - Monitors the staff's understanding of and compliance with established emergency, infection control and/or Universal Precautions procedures.

d - Monitors area specific equipment for safe use, as evidenced by up-to-date electrical checks, use of maintenance logs and/or removal of unsafe equipment from the area.

e - Ensures that the environment of care is regulatory ready at all times, free of clutter, medications secured, universal precautions in place, etc.

f – Insures completion and follow-up of medication audits for safe medication and vaccine administration.

2 - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Maintains current license and knowledge of nursing care requirements for all patients cared for in the department. Assesses need for personal growth and development and takes the initiative in seeking opportunities to meet this need.

a - Develops written goals and achieves goals based on individual and department needs as evidenced by the performance appraisal.

b - Represents nursing through participation in professional nursing activities as evidenced by attendance at meetings of professional nursing organizations. Shares information obtained at continuing educational programs with peers and staff by verbal and/or written report.

c - Maintains current certifications/license as required by job.

d - Actively participates in leadership development programs.

3 - PROBLEM RESOLUTION
Accurately identifies real/potential problems affecting the department and implements solutions with follow-through and communication.

a - Responds to problems/complaints based on urgency.

b - Completes required documentation of problem, investigative findings, action plan/worksheets and follow up letter/reports within the established timeframe. Checks and adjusts as indicated.

c - Identifies and takes action to address potential system and safety issues.

d - Utilizes Shared Governance model in division and department to resolve real/potential problems and to implement improvements/change.

4 - SHARED MANAGEMENT
Fosters a service that is consistent with the patient care beliefs and shared management philosophy of the department and ambulatory division.

a - Provides for opportunity for shared governance council representatives to share progress of shared management model, project team, etc., as evidenced by staff meetings/agendas/minutes.

b - Supports staff involvement in project teams/committees/shared governance as evidenced by council/project/committee memberships.

c - Participates in or chairs projects or committees as volunteered or assigned.

d – Participates in department, nursing leadership, and Tier 2 and 3 meetings.

5 - STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Responsible for on-going development of staff and area/department specific patient care programs.

a - Collaborates with ambulatory educators to plan for orientation of new personnel and ongoing educational programming to meet learning needs of nurses and medical assistants.

b - Works with Ambulatory Educators and Operations Manager to monitor staff compliance with regulatory requirements responding to quality, safety, and human development opportunities.

c - Through goal-setting and the performance review process, works with staff to develop opportunities for professional advancement including the Clinical Ladder.

d - Encourages and supports staff nurse certification in a clinical specialty as applicable to the patient population.

e - Supports staff participation in peer review.

6 - COMMUNICATION
Disseminates information to staff members that directly relates to departmental, divisional, nursing and organizational changes, programs and strategic goals.

a - Plans for, directs and documents regularly scheduled staff meetings as evidenced by staff meeting minutes.

b - Participates in divisional/departmental/administrative team meetings, disseminates information to staff as evidenced by attendance documentation and staff minutes.

c - Monitors staff attendance at organizational programs and initiatives.

d - Actively communicates with staff members on all shifts and directly addresses all staff issues/problems/concerns.

7 - FISCAL MANAGEMENT
With the Operations Manager, shares responsibility for effective and efficient fiscal management of department clinical operations to ensure proper utilization of organizational and financial resources.

a - Manages hours worked, including overtime for all assigned personnel. Identifies trends and makes recommendations when appropriate.

b - Monitors and controls salary and wages budget for assigned personnel. Analysis of variance is completed as requested.

c - Monitors supply and expense budget. Analysis will reflect changes in volume and practice and associated supply/expense variances.

d – Participates in the development of annual supply and salary/wage budget for assigned department. Collaborates with departmental Chief and Operations Manager to provide justification for requested fiscal allocation.

e - Projects and recommends clinical capital equipment needs for the department and provides back-up documentation and justification.

f - Interprets budget to staff and enlists their cooperation in cost containment.

8 – QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Assures department delivers quality services in accordance with applicable policies, procedures and professional standards.

a - Manages all clinical activities so that quality services are provided in an efficient and effective manner.

b - Maintains an effective quality improvement program as evidenced by dashboard reports and quality outcome measures. Engages front line staff in the development and execution of quality improvement projects.

c – Completes Quantros problem solving sheets and follow-up in a timely manner.

d - Is proficient in the interpretation of patient experience data. Disseminates information to staff members and develops improvement plans. Checks and adjusts as indicated.

e - Is a role model for staff in responses to patient concerns/complaints.

f - Demonstrates commitment to enhancing patient experience.

9 - HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Manages human resources to assure quality services and promote positive employee relations.

a - Consistently and fairly implements human resources policies including the implementation of corrective action.

b - Maintains effective and appropriate staffing by monitoring employee turnover, overtime and absenteeism.

c – Completes employee performance appraisals within established timeframes.

d - Uses behavioral interviewing when hiring new staff. Collaborates with HR liaison, other department leaders, and staff to effectively screen and hire candidates who meet both the cultural and clinical needs of the team.

e - Is recognized as a positive role model and demonstrates staff engagement through culture audits and employee surveys.

f - Engages in positive recognition activities related to staff performance.

10 - ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT

a – Engages with providers and staff in the department to identify clinical and patient experience concerns, patient flow issues, and communicates pertinent patient and department information to the Nursing Director and Chief, as indicated.

b - Assists the Nursing Director in development, implementation and evaluation of on-going programs that assure quality and safety for patients and staff.

11 - SAFETY
 Fosters a “Culture of Safety” through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment.

a - Monitors and provides follow up with any and all staff compliance issues related to safety (i.e. "time out" with invasive procedures, patient identification, Do Not Use abbreviations, telephone orders, infection control standards, use of equipment, fall risk assessment, medication administration, health maintenance activities, triage, and other clinical protocols).

b - Addresses all actual and potential safety risks as identified through the Environment of Care survey, Chain of Command, by staff, or by other organizational bodies.

12 - COLLABORATION
Collaborates with other departments to improve and enhance patient care services.

a - Utilizes appropriate resources within the institution to provide consultation, education, technical or informational services as needed for self, staff and patients.

b - Initiates interdepartmental communication to ensure problems are resolved and special needs are met.

c - Works with other organizational departments to advocate for, develop and implement service enhancements for patient and families

13 - ACCESS MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION- In collaboration with the Chief, Operations Manager, and Nursing Director efficiently utilizes all resources and facilitates optimal access management to meet the needs/goals of the organization, division, and department.

a – Allocates nursing and MA staff resources to meet patient care needs related to triage, face to face, telehealth visits, and quality outreach activities.

b - Collaborates with other areas of the organization and serves as a clinical expert to support efficient, effective and safe patient care.

c - Identifies and addresses areas for improvement that impact the department’s ability to efficiently use supplies.

d - Collaborates with staff, Operations Manager, Chief, and educators to enhance operational and clinical systems.

14 – TECHNOLOGY AND LEARNING

a - Participates in continued learning and possesses a willingness and ability to learn and utilize new technology and procedures to advance patient care and continued improvements.

b - Embraces technological advances that support efficient and effective communications.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Responsible for supervising others:
30-35 - Approximate number of direct reports

Patient Contact
Does this position have Patient contact? Yes
Age of Patient(s) - (check all that apply)
Children birth to 13 yrs
Adolescents 13 - 18 yrs
Adults 19 - 70 years; Geriatrics 70+ years



 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education

BSN required, MSN preferred

Minimum Work Experience

Minimum of seven (7) years as a Registered Nurse
Prefer five (5) years of ambulatory related clinical experience
Minimum of two (3) years of management or leadership experience in ambulatory required
(2) years’ experience with telephone triage in the ambulatory setting

Pediatrics experience preferred

Required Licenses / Registrations

RN - Registered Nurse/Massachusetts license

Preferred Classes/Skills

BLS - Basic Life Support

Required additional Knowledge, and Abilities

Demonstrated leadership ability and potential managerial competence. Evidence of this includes, but is not limited to, effective communication skills, ability to deal well with people, ability to problem solve, ability to identify/address/resolve issues, ability to motivate others, ability to work within and lead teams, ability to plan, organize and direct the activities of self and others.

Physical Requirements

General Activity - Frequent Standing/Walking Required, Driving between clinical sites

Motion - Frequent Activity Required-pushing, pulling, lifting, bending

Motor Skills - Use of hands required, Use of feet required

Weight/Force - Light lifting required (<25lbs)

Body Fluid Exposure - Yes