Unit Director - Med Surg/Tele

JOB TITLE: UNIT DIRECTOR

MAIN FUNCTION:

Coordinates activities between defined areas, and provides clinical and administrative leadership and expertise. Facilitates an atmosphere of interactive management and the development of collegial relationships among nursing personnel and others. Has major responsibility for the implementation of the vision, mission, plans, and standards of the organization and nursing services within their defined areas of responsibility. Reports to Vice President/CNO, Assistant Vice President of Nursing, Vice President/Operations, Residential Health Care Administrator.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Standards of Care

Standard I. Assessment

The Unit Director develops, maintains, and evaluates patient/client and staff data collection systems and processes to support the practice of nursing and delivery of patient care.

• Evaluates assessment practice to assure timely, reliable, valid and comprehensive data collection.

• Facilitates integration of unified assessment processes developed in collaboration with other health care disciplines and across the continuum of care.

Standard II. Diagnosis

The Unit Director develops, maintains, and evaluates an environment that supports the professional nurse in analysis of assessment data and in decisions to determine relevant diagnoses.

• Assists and supports staff in developing and maintaining competency in the diagnostic process.

• Facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration in data analysis and decision-making process.

Standard III. Identification of Outcomes

The Unit Director develops, maintains and evaluates information processes that promote desired, client-centered outcomes.

• Promotes the integration of clinical, human resource, and financial data to support decision-making.

• Facilitates nurse participation in the monitoring and evaluation of nursing care in accordance with established professional, regulatory, and organization standards of practice.

Standard IV. Planning

The Unit Director develops, maintains, and evaluates organization planning systems to facilitate the delivery of nursing care.

• Fosters interdisciplinary planning and collaboration that focus on the individuals and population served by:

• conducts daily manager rounds

• observation of caregiver interactions and practice

• interactions with patients/families on a regular basis

• facilitates daily multi-disciplinary rounds and ensures that hourly rounding is carried out by staff.

• Promotes and supports staff in developing and maintaining competency in the planning and practice of patient care.

Standard V. Implementation

The Unit Director develops, maintains, and evaluates organizational systems that support implementation of the plan.

• Assures interventions are implemented by the appropriate personnel (appropriate delegation).

• Collaborates in the improvement of systems to assure appropriate and efficient documentation.

• Reviews nursing documentation on a regular basis.

Standard VI. Evaluation

The Unit Director evaluates the plan and its progress in relation to the attainment of outcomes.

• Assures appropriate orientation, education, credentialing, and continuing professional development for unit-based staff.

• Utilizes data generated from outcome research to develop innovative changes in patient care delivery.

Standards of Professional Performance

Standard I. Quality of Care and Administrative Practice

The Unit Director systematically evaluates the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice and nursing services administration for his/her scope of responsibility.

• Identifies key quality indicators for monitoring and evaluation including outcome of nursing care.

• Sets goals for self and unit and works to achieve them.

• Completes reports in a timely manner.

• Problem solves and assists staff in developing appropriate problem solving skills.

Standard II. Performance Appraisal

The Unit Director evaluates his/her own performance based on professional practice standards, relevant statutes and regulations, and organizational criteria.

• Engages in self-performance appraisal on a regular basis identifying areas of strength as well as areas for professional/practice development.

• Completes employee evaluations within the month of review date.

Standard III. Education

The Unit Director acquires and maintains current knowledge in administrative and clinical practice.

• Seeks additional knowledge and skills appropriate for the practice setting.

• Seeks experience to expand and maintain skill and knowledge base.

Standard IV. Collegiality

The Unit Director fosters a professional environment.

• Shares knowledge and skills with colleague and others, and acts as a role model/mentor. Is seen as a leader by staff.

• Contributes to an environment of mutual respect, understanding, and effective communication.

Standard V. Ethics

The Unit Director's decisions and actions are based on ethical principles.

• Supports the system to address ethical issues within nursing and the organization.

• Maintains privacy, confidentiality, and security of patients, clients, staff, and organizational data.

Standard VI. Collaboration

The Unit Director collaborates with nursing staff on all levels, interdisciplinary teams, executive officers, and other stakeholders.

• Facilitates collaboration within organized nursing service and the organization.

• Recognizes importance of positive relationship between Unit Director and staff.

Standard VII. Research

The Unit Director supports research and integrates it into the delivery of nursing care and nursing administration.

• Fosters the identification of areas suitable for nursing research.

• Promotes research-based practice.

Standard VIII. Resource Utilization

The Unit Director evaluates and administers the resources of organized nursing services.

• Assumes responsibility for staffing and scheduling of personnel.

• Assignments reflect appropriate utilization of personnel.

• Participates in planning and monitoring the budget for defined area(s).

EDUCATION:

BSN required, or completed within a negotiated time frame. MSN desirable. Current NYS nursing licensure. Certification in nursing specialty or nursing administration desirable. Education /experience in the principle of administration and supervision desirable. Meet Arnot Health employment criteria. Excellent communication and writing ability.

EXPERIENCE:

Prior proven experience and expertise in clinical area relevant to patient population (minimum 5 years clinical experience).