Director of Nursing (DON)

Hospital Director of Nursing

JOB SUMMARY:

Directs, develops, and guides areas of responsibility in strategic planning and overall efficient operations to ensure quality department outcomes which support the organization’s mission, visions and values.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and/or Experience

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing; Bachelor’s degree required
• Three years supervisory experience preferred
• Previous Registered Nurse (RN) experience required

Certificates, Licensure, Registrations

• Currently licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) the State of Nebraska
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) within 6 months of employment
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) within 6 months of employment
• Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) within 6 months of employment

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be able to take call and respond within 30 minutes

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Directs all aspects of department operations effectively and efficiently.

• Oversees day-to-day operations, which includes problem solving issues and ensuring effective processing.
• Develops and documents department procedures to ensure consistent and accurate processing.
• Works with other departments in providing services and resources.
• Monitors workflow and department processes.
• Develops and maintains department policies.
• Sets and achieves department goals and objectives.
• Maintains the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) in GMF’s MSDS book for the department.
• Oversees the Continuous Quality Improvement, Medical Staff and Pharmacy and Therapeutics committees.

1. Develops, reviews and revises the Nursing Department organizational structure under the direction of the Administrator (CEO) to delineate authority, functional responsibilities and lines of communications.

• Reviews organizational planning objectives each fiscal year and develop department goals compatible with institutional goals.
• Participates in the planning, policy development and activities at the institutional level; ensure that nursing services policies are consistent with organizational goal and philosophy.
• Ensures that nursing practice within the department of nursing is consistent with the Nurse Practice Act for the State of Nebraska.
• Establishes, approves, supports and monitors standards for patient care and nursing practice within the department of nursing.
• Participates in the initiation, support and/or evaluation of professional nursing Quality Assurance projects and studies.
• Serves on department, multi discipline, administrative and medical committees as outlines in department and/or administrative policy.
• Collaborates with other departments and/or community agencies in the utilization of educational resources support services, environment and facilities planning and materials management.

1. Represents nursing within the local community and promote continuity of care between the institution and other health care providers.

• Maintains positive and effective working relationships with other departments, medical staff and local, state and federal health agencies to assure maximum benefits for patient care and the institution.
• Develops and maintains an active interest in local, state and national professional organizations/activities/education opportunities.

1. Utilizes the nursing process, for the performance of patient care, to assess, plan, intervene, and evaluate patient care to achieve prioritized patient outcomes according to the RN scope of practice.

• Performs complete admission assessment.
• Gives medications: oral, rectal, parental, and sub-lingual according to hospital policy, using the “Five Rights” of medication administration.
• Performs patient rounding for all patient assignments.
• Performs patient/family teaching for assessed knowledge deficits.
• Evaluates patient progress toward desired outcomes prior to discharge.
• Demonstrates personal accountability in the delivery of patient care in a competent, professional and compassionate manner.
• Performs comprehensive nursing assessments in an efficient and effective manner.
• Conducts full body system analysis.
• Identifies and recognizes abnormal symptoms/changes in patient condition, established priorities and takes appropriate action.
• Administers and performs nursing assessment in accordance with the applicable patient type which may include; Medical, Surgical, Pediatric, and or Telemetry/Cardiac patients.

1. Collaborates with Medical Staff, management and other health care providers to coordinate medical and nursing management of patient care.

• Promotes team concept through effective communication regarding patient condition, patient care plan and patient satisfaction with appropriate individuals that are involved in the patient’s care.
• Works effectively with ancillary areas as part of the team approach to patient care.
• Directs patient support team members effectively and appropriately.
• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility in the provision of patient care.
• Informs and involves the Medical Director and Administrator (CEO) regarding patient care issues in a timely and appropriately manner.
• Assists in making patient assignments, coordinating admissions, and meeting staffing needs for unit.
• Collaborates with Social Services and Utilization Management.
• Completes patient and family education throughout the patient’s stay and at discharge.

1. Performs emergency treatment as required.

• Initiates or assists in patient care in an effective and responsive manner as each situation requires.
• Triages each emergency situation appropriately and involves other resources as appropriate.
• Administers and performs emergent care in accordance with the applicable patient population type.
• Follows emergency policies, procedures and protocols in an effective manner.

1. Performs, maintains and audits documentation.

• Documents accurate and ongoing assessments of patient status that reflect nursing interventions, patient responses, patient teaching and status of outcomes at discharge.
• Completes shift end check prior to leaving duty.
• Completes audits on medical records to ensure staff compliance with documentation.

1. Communicates effectively.

• Communicates and collaborates effectively with other health team members regarding patient condition, nursing plan of care, patient satisfaction needs and recommendations for meeting identified outcomes.
• Follows approved shift report format when communicating patient information.
• Identifies and recognizes abnormal symptoms/changes in patient condition, established priorities, and takes appropriate action. Appropriately reports condition changes to health care provider.

1. Promotes and ensures patient and staff safety in all aspects of responsibilities.

• Administers medications, treatments and procedures in a timely and safe manner according to health care provider orders and nursing policy, including appropriate performance of standard precautions, using two patient identifiers, and performing patient risk assessments every shift.
• Utilizes proper body mechanics, transfer/lifting techniques to minimize fall risk to patient and injury to self.
• Implements infectious disease controls as appropriate including isolation procedures, proper use of hand washing and gloves.
• Follows proper procedures for wasting narcotics and disposal of sharps and hazardous materials.

1. Directs and performs employee relations functions effectively to promote a positive work environment, influence retention and enhance communication.

• Develops, supports, and actively seeks activities and establishes an environment that promotes recognition and retention for employees.
• Communicates effectively and provides feedback to staff which may include department meetings, individual employee meetings, rounding, etc....
• Addresses employee issues in an effective and timely manner.
• Communicates with Administrator (CEO) and HR regarding employee issues appropriately in an effort to obtain guidance and reduce potential organizational liability.
• Enforces and interprets policies and procedures with employees, as necessary.
• Administers annual performance appraisal process for staff, with feedback for positive reinforcement of strengths and opportunities for growth/improvement.

1. Recruits and develops a qualified and productive workforce.

• Maintains and creates reporting job descriptions.
• Recruits effectively for department positions by following established hiring practices and guidelines.
• Orients new employees in a thorough manner to department and organizational operations and procedures.
• Provides training to department staff in an appropriate and thorough manner.
• Offers opportunity for continuing education by sharing own knowledge, accessing internal opportunities, and considering external opportunities to support the continued development of department staff.
• Monitors and verifies the compliance of staff in regards to maintaining required licenses and certifications, as applicable.

1. Directs departmental financial operations.

• Maintains, develops, monitors and reports budgets, expenses, variances and strategic planning for department.
• Maintains timekeeping records and updates appropriately and accurately for department staff.
• Works with vendors and management, as appropriate, to negotiate best value purchases.
• Guides and participates in annual budgeting planning process for areas of responsibility.

Salary/Compensation: $100,000 - $130,000 per year