Director of Nursing

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision and approval of the CNO, the Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for the coordination and direction of the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) and monitors the Nursing Assistant Training Program (NATP). The DON objective is to assess, plan, implement and evaluate Long Term Care in the SNF facility to ensure the best possible individualized care of patients.

This position description is intended to identify some of the duties and responsibilities of this position. modoc medical center reserves the right to modify, supplement, delete or augment the duties and responsibilities specified in this position description, at MODOC MEDICAL CENTER’S sole and absolute discretion.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

General Competencies:

1. Always demonstrates a professional behavior, both when on duty and as a representative of the hospital outside of normal work hours.
2. Always demonstrates a positive working relationship with patients, visitors and facility staff. Respectfully to managers and supervisors.
3. Demonstrates organizational ability and time management.
4. Produces deliverable products on time, within budget with minimal direction.
5. Demonstrates the ability to compile and organize data using Microsoft Office Applications. Ability to make appropriate recommendations or conclusions, given the data obtained.
6. Maintains an organized set of records, delivers records immediately upon request, for the functions that are performed within the scope of this job.
7. Communicates appropriately, respectfully, and clearly to directors, managers, and coworkers. Accepts direction as provided without questioning authority, within the chain of command.
8. Performs all assigned tasks accurately.
9. Takes direction from others to include those employees of other departments with which he/she works on a temporary basis in accordance with the chain of command.
10. Demonstrates ability to effectively use office machines in the performance of job functions.
11. Answers phone calls, assists public, and forwards appropriately if necessary in a professional and friendly manner.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.

Specific Competencies:

1. Uses sound principals of supervision and leadership to manage the SNF nursing department.
2. Delivers direct patient care when scheduled and/or required.
3. Takes an active role in maintaining and improving his/her own practice and behavior.
4. Fulfills responsibility to the facility by adhering to its mission, philosophy and general policies.
5. Act as a liaison between the CNO and SNF nursing personnel.
6. Is responsible for the supervision of nursing activities of Long Term Care residents in the SNF facility. Assures the maintenance of quality of patient care, including compliance with physician’s orders and hospital practices.
7. Is responsible for the staffing schedules, payroll and overtime authorization, may hire, fire or take disciplinary action in conjunction with the CNO. Completes evaluations on all SNF nursing staff according to facility policy. Assists with recruitment activities as needed.
8. Assists in Emergency Room Unit and the Med/Surg Unit as needed.
9. Attends all code blue call, fire and disaster emergencies and/or drills, when on duty. Responds quickly when additional assistance with patients is requested from staff.
10. Promotes and maintains effective working relationships with the Medical Staff, Administration, other departments of the hospital and volunteer groups of which the hospital is associated.
11. Assists in the orientation of new nursing personnel and in staff education as needed. Is a role model for SNF nursing staff and assures that all patients/residents/staff and relatives/visitors are treated with dignity and respect. Assures that staff use appropriate communication skills while interacting with others.
12. Keeps abreast of state and federal regulation in regard to SNF and personnel issues.
13. Participates in a continuous analysis and evaluation of the nursing services rendered. Recommends and participates in studies of the quality of nursing service and staffing utilization studies.
14. Participates in policy forming and problem solving conferences of the hospital as they affect nursing service. Does appropriate follow-up on all concerns/complaints as related to the SNF nursing service.
15. Maintains open relationships with patients/residents, their families, as well as interested groups in the community.  Interpret the aims of the Nursing Department to the community through reports, community meetings and community contacts.
16. Assists in developing policies and procedures relative to patient care. Is knowledgeable regarding documents necessary for accreditation and licensing and is cognizant of revisions and changes in policy and procedure mandated by any licensing agency.
17. Assists with the development and management of the SNF nursing budget. Actively seeks methods of cost containment within the SNF nursing department.
18. Attends annual CPR re-certification course, as well as the mandatory annual in-service education. Attends in-service education classes related to SNF care nursing practice as well as nursing management.
19. Is an active member of the Nursing Management Team, attends Nursing Department Meetings, Department Head meeting, Quality Improvement, Pharmacy and Therapeutic meeting as well as others requested.
20. Perform other nursing related tasks as delegated by the CNO.

Professional Requirements:

1. Adheres to dress code; appearance is neat and professional.
2. Completes annual education requirements if applicable.
3. Maintains regulatory requirements.
4. Wears identification while on duty.
5. Attends annual evaluation and participates actively in this process.
6. Reports to work on time and as scheduled; completes work in designated time.
7. Attends all meetings as appropriate.
8. Exhibits the mission, ethics and goals of Modoc Medical Center in the performance of job duties
9. Performs other duties, as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Willingness to work beyond normal working hours and in other positions temporarily when necessary.
2. Is involved with personnel, visitors, and government agencies, etc., when necessary.
3. Must function independently, have personal integrity, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with other personnel, clients and support agencies.
4. Work hours are determined based on needs of the department. Shifts may be eight, ten or twelve hour shifts as agreed upon by DON and CNO. This is a full time position with some hours scheduled for direct patient care responsibilities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Sits, stands, bends, lifts, walks and moves intermittently during working hours.
2. Able to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. 

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Graduate of an accredited school of nursing with a current California Licensure as a Registered Nurse.  Baccalaureate or higher degree preferred, and previous supervisory experience is desirable, but not necessary.
2. Five to ten years experience as a staff nurse, or as approved by the CNO.
3. Broad general knowledge of principles of nursing care.
4. Experience in leadership and good interpersonal relations.
5. Ability to apply sound principles of administration and supervision.
6. Above average mental ability, good physical and mental health, and a courteous and kind disposition.
7. Adaptability to varied and emergency situations. Is an enthusiastic and resourceful personality.
8. Is able to communicate in English both verbally and in writing. Is able to see and hear adequately to perform functions of the job.
9. Has the ability to walk, bend and lift and has the dexterity to perform the manual skills required for SNF care.
10. Is dependable, reliable with good attendance and the ability to work with others, at all levels within the organization, and collaborate effectively.
11. Above-average interpersonal, problem-solving, and written and oral communication skills.
12. Must be a team player to all departments, confidential of sensitive data, respectful of all other staff members, considerate of other people’s time, and accountable for work output.