Nurse Manager

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for directing, supervising and coordinating patient care activities and nursing services of a nursing unit on a 24 hour basis. Monitor and assures proper patient care delivery in accordance with quality standards. Oversees and assigns patient care duties to nursing unit professional and support staff in order to maximize utilization of their time and abilities.

Principal Duties:

1.   Provides departmental leadership for the operation of selected patient care departments within the Division to ensure the delivery of quality patient care.

a.   Supports and interprets the missions, vision, values, philosophy, objectives and standards of the hospital and nursing department.  Directs and coordinates implementation of patienct care activities and nursing programs that promote attainment of same.

b.   In collaboration with nursing leadership, designs appropriate model(s) of care/practice for own administrative unit(s).  Assures the assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation and documentation of patient care to achieve cost effective outcomes.

c.   Develops and sustains an environment that supports excellence in clinical practice and patient care; forecasts trends; functions as change agent; analyzes current status and improves existing systems.

d.   Coordinates with other departments to prepare and maintain a safe and therapeutic environment in patient care areas.  Monitors safety practices, ensuring environmental and equipment safety and adherence to infection control standards.

e.   Incorporates and/or assists staff to incorporate current research findings into clinical practice, care delivery and management systems.

f.   Participates in the overall planning process for nursing service.  Operationalizes and implement strategic initiatives.

g.   Ensures that all departmental standards are reviewed and updated as defined in policy.  Administers Hospital and Division policies.

h.   Ensures department is in continual compliance with all applicable JCAHO, regulatory and professional practice standards.  Develops and implements in a timely manner appropriate actions to correct identified deficiencies.

i.    Establishes quality assessment/improvement activities which ensure continuous implementation of safe, efficient, effective patient care and which identifies problems and progress toward resolution and improvements.  Ensures the investigation, corrective action and documentation of patient care incidents, accidents and related issues.

2.   Manages human resources.  Ensures systems are in place to provide for developmental needs of staff.

a.   Gives input into structuring of assigned clinical departments; organizes own clinical departments; determines positions and job specifications.

b.   Plans for staffing and scheduling of personnel.  Establishes staffing patterns which reflect the quality and quantity of personnel necessary to deliver nursing care services.  Prepares and assures work schedules provide adequate coverage at all time.  Re-distributes resources to meet needs.  Takes appropriate action to meet unusual resource needs.

c.   Maintains approved FTEs within approved budget and productivity levels/salary dollars.  Effectively manages staff overtime and non-productive time.

d.   Maintains all required payroll records, and assures time is appropriately recorded and submitted in a timely manner.

e.   Interviews, selects and/or provides final approval of departmental personnel.

f.    Ensures competent staff exists in assigned departments.  Reviews performance standards and conducts performance evaluations for appropriate personnel at least annually.  Establishes appropriate goals and objectives; initiates reward/discipline; provides counseling and training or takes other actions to ensure continuous acceptable performance as needed.  Ensures compliance of unit staff with maintenance of standards for competency validation.  Terminates staff when appropriate.

g.   Effectively motivates staff through recognition of individual efforts and celebration of achievements. Acts as a resource/role model.

h.   Organizes programs of orientation, training and continuing education for all levels of personnel within assigned departments.  Utilizes Hospital Education as a resource.  Maintains current, accurate records.

3.   Manages departmental fiscal responsibilities.

a.   Participates in budgetary planning and execution for the Division.  Prepares annual operating and capital budgets consistent with approved departmental goals and objectives, patient care requirements and scope of service.  Provides requisite resources for personnel, equipment and supplies.

b.   Operates within the approved budgets by utilizing the principles of cost containment without sacrificing quality; monitors the use of supplies; maintains inventory at appropriate levels, with consideration given for programmatic changes and unforeseen  patient care requirements.

c.   Completes capital request analysis on all major equipment purchases, including clinical justification, projected utilization, and preliminary financial benefit analysis.

d.   Maintains accountability for all department equipment.  Requests maintenance as needed and follows-up on repairs.

e.   Reviews monthly budget and variance reports, providing appropriate explanation for budget variances within established time frames.  Implements alternative solution and/or options for resource allocation to operate within budget.

f.    Assures that complete patient billing and charge information is submitted within established time frames, including necessary corrections.

4.   Demonstrates effective communications/human relations skills reflecting a team-oriented approach.

a.   Acts as communication liaison between the senior leadership and staff.  Provides feedback from department/staff to senior leadership.  Keeps senior leadership informed of unusual incidents, problems, and matters of concern.

b.   Promotes and maintains collaborative relationships within the clinical department as well as the Medical Staff, Administrative Staff and other members of the health care team.  Supports partnerships, teamwork and cooperation.  Maintains staff morale at desired levels.

c.   Sets an example for all staff through conduct, appearance and communications.  Demonstrates effective written and verbal communications skills regarding issues, problems, etc.  Demonstrates effective listening skills in interactions with patients, families, physicians and staff, including periods of stress and confusion.

d.   Appropriately addresses all patient,  physician, visitor or employee complaints within two (2) working days; addresses grievances within prescribed time frames.  Resolves problems/issues in a fair and equitable manner as evidenced by the need for minimal involvement and intervention by the Vice President.

e.   Meets no less than monthly with staff to share information, plan, evaluate performance improvement findings and identify/resolve problems.

f.    Makes administrative and clinical rounds in assigned departments to observe activities of sound clinical judgment, principle of work simplification and economical use of supplies and equipment.

g.   Prepares and submits all reports and special studies with complete and meaningful information within established time frames.

5.   Demonstrates accountability for self.

a.   Keeps abreast of national, state and local trends through involvement in at least one professional organization.

b.   Demonstrates awareness of self-learning needs and seeks ways to meet these in order to maintain competency and respond to new clinical and leadership demands. Completes continuing education on an annual basis to include seminars, workshops or training programs.

c.   Serves in a leadership role on Hospital and Division committees and councils; actively participates and regularly attends; represents the Division and its functions; completes follow-up activities in a consistent manner and shares information as appropriate.

d.   Provides for administrative, management and leadership experiences for students.  Facilitates the Hospital’s relationship with educational institutions to enhance recruitment.

e.   Assists with the direction and implementation of marketing activities, including professional and community health awareness programs and public relations activities.

Customer Service:

1.   Greets customers in courteous, friendly, respectful and professional manner at all times, including maintaining eye contact when appropriate.

2.   Follows communication protocols to both internal and external customers, including introducing him/herself with job title and experience, asking open ended questions, such as “How may I be of help to you?” using the customer’s name as soon as it is learned.

3.   Responds promptly and appropriately to customer questions/concerns/complaints and attempts immediate resolution.

4.   Keeps customer’s information confidential, including public places such as elevators or the cafeteria.

5.   Provides assistance and offers help immediately, including finding someone else to meet the request, if unable to do so him/herself. Introduce other staff to customers when a hand-off occurs and explain that the person will provide excellent service.

6.   Demonstrates commitment to excellent service recovery when a customer’s expectations have not been met.

Commitment to Co-Workers:

1.   Offers assistance to colleagues and other departments when needed.

2.   Takes responsibility for solving problems regardless of origin; completes assignments, and respects deadlines.

3.   Resolves conflict directly with colleagues and seeks assistance from others if the issue cannot be resolved. Refrains from criticism in public.

4.   Mindful and respectful of others’ time and schedules. Attends meetings on time and communicates any absences.

5.   Provides co-workers with a status report for continuity of workflow when planning to be out of the office, off the unit, or away from the department

Communication Etiquette:

1.   Respectful, courteous and professional in all forms of communication and follows facility’s service communication protocol in all interactions.

2.   Refrains from use of personal cell phone in patient care areas and keeps usage to a minimum at all other times while on duty.

3.   Does not text or use e-mail during meetings (except for exigent or emergency situations).

4.   Limits use of business cell phone during meetings (remain on vibrate and/or calls go to voicemail).

5.   Makes every effort to answer telephone calls within three rings, introducing him/herself, department and title (if appropriate).  Asks permission before placing the caller on hold or using the speakerphone.  If caller is transferred, gives the caller the extension number of the person he or she is being transferred to.  Offers further assistance to the caller upon completing the conversation.

6.   Maintains an appropriate voicemail message and when away from the office has an out-of-office email message that is brief, current, and includes name and department and offers the caller options if possible.

7.   Returns email and voicemail messages promptly but no later than within one business day (24 hours).

8.   Always mindful of voice and language in public.

Self Management:

1.   Reports to work appropriately groomed and in compliance with the Hospital’s dress code.  Wears identification badge at all times at chest level and facing outwards so identification is clearly visible.

2.   Complete all assignments within deadlines or negotiates alternative actions and time frames in order to achieve desired outcomes.

3.   Completes mandatory, annual education and competency requirements.

4.   Follows UM CAP safety, infection control and employee health standards.

5.   Demonstrates responsibility for personal growth, development and professional knowledge and competency.

6.   Adhere to all UM CAP and department policies and procedures, including Code of Conduct and professional behavior standards.  Does not exceed Hospital guidelines in reference to attendance, punctuality, and use of sick and unplanned absences.  Provides notification of absences, lateness and vacation requests according to department guidelines.  Respects length of time for lunch and break times.

7.   Reviews, signs, and adheres to UM CAP and/or departmental confidentiality statement.

For Supervisory Positions Only:

This position supervises jobs that are:

• Service
• Admin. Support
• Technical
• Professional
• Supervisory

Supervisory responsibilities typically include:

• Evaluating Job Performance
• Disciplining/terminating
• Scheduling – Work/Time Off
• Recommending Salary Actions
• Interviewing/Hiring
• Coaching/Mentoring
• Directing/Assigning/Reviewing Work
• Training/Developing
• Promoting

Qualifications

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Licensure/Certification/Registration

Required:   Current license in good standing as a Registered Nurse in Maryland or a compact state.

Preferred:   Certification in a specialty area is preferred.

Life Support Certification:

Basic Life Support – Health Care Provider (BLS-HCP)        

Education/Knowledge

Attained Level: Professional, except if assigned to a Level 3 NICU an Advanced Professional is required.

Preferred:   Master of Science in Nursing, except if assigned to a Level 3 NICU

Completed Course Work/Program:  Bachelors of Science in Nursing except if assigned to a Level 3 NICU for which Master of Science in Nursing is required.

If assigned to the Robotics Surgery group, requires completion of Davinci Robotics training course.

Applicable Experience

Experience (years):          Required:  3 - 5 years                     

Experience (describe required & preferred):

• Progressive experience in nursing management.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards, health care environment and trends, demonstration of leadership and empowerment principles and budgeting and fiscal control.

Technical/Clinical Skills

Microsoft Office Suite Skill Level

• Word: Basic                                                  
• Excel: Basic

Basic knowledge and working experience with Medical Terminology

Communication Skills & Abilities

Select highest applicable level:  Conflicting Issues; Mediate; Strong Writing Skills

Bilingual:       Preferred            Language:  Spanish

Problem Solving/Analytical Skills & Abilities:

Management