Nursing Director

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary:  Responsible for direction of patient care in the Surgery Department.  Manages staff members.  Consults with staff, physicians, and Nurse Executive on nursing issues and interpretation of hospital policies to ensure patient needs are met.  Maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in CQI activities.  Formulates budget for the department.

Directs actions toward supervision of nursing care given to neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients within the Surgery Department, according to nursing principles.

Verifies availability of all supplies required for correct operation of the department.  Obtains supplies, per PAR levels.

Supervises patient care in Surgery and equipment to ensure cleanliness, sterility and operational ability of all items.

Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain.  Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques.  Educates the patient and family regarding pain management.

Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.

Directs all safety measures to prevent accidents, harm or injury in any way to patient, staff or equipment.

Assists surgeon with procedures through provision of qualified staff; formulates schedule which provides staff available for all procedures.

Assigns personnel; delegates specific duties and tasks.

Provides and controls supplies and equipment needed for successful operation of the Surgery Department.  Directs and delegates control of inventories to ensure proper amounts are available.

Verifies that narcotics and controlled substances are counted and locked, per policy.

Follows the five medication rights and reduces the potential for medication errors.

Supervises care and cleanliness of equipment and supplies to ensure good working condition.

Evaluates needs for new or different items in regard to present and new trends or needs of the department.

Observes use and handling of supplies to decrease mishandling and breakage.

Continuously supervises to ensure quality of nursing care.

Reviews performance improvement monitoring; analyzes and evaluates Surgery to improve nursing care.

Develops, revises and implements Surgical Services policies and procedures.

Participates in the planning of the Surgery budget.

Provides monthly in services.

Provides orientation for new staff members.

Plans, controls, directs and coordinates administrative duties to ensure the functioning of the department and staff.

Completes evaluations and submits two weeks prior to review.  Orientees are given checklists, oriented and evaluated at the end of 90 days.

Schedules and assigns staff to increase efficiency and coordination of department.  Staffs according to standards.

Reports changes of any type to Surgery staff and reports changes to departments affected by the changes, i.e., Imaging, Pathology.

Attends assigned committee meetings, i.e., Surgery Subcommittee, Nursing Performance Improvement Committee and Nursing Management Committee.

Communicates job expectations; posts results of performance improvement monitoring.

Demonstrates knowledge of nursing theory and management; demonstrates knowledge of disaster and emergency policies and procedures.  Keeps informed of new developments in nursing and endoscopic procedures.  Demonstrates knowledge of good interpersonal relationships.

Conducts monthly staff meetings.  Allows staff to participate in problem-solving.

Utilizes initiative; strives to maintain steady level of productivity; self-motivated.  Completes projects by due date.

Completes other duties as assigned by the Chief Nursing Officer, within the Board of Registered Nurses scope of nursing practice.

Regulatory Requirements:

·                 Current Registered Nurse licensure in the State of Arizona

·                 Current BCLS certification.

·                 Current ACLS certification or Basic EKG or Arrhythmia-Identification certification.

·                 At least 2 years of experience.

Language Skills:

·                 Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing

Skills:

·                 Basic computer knowledge