Assistant Director, Patient Care Services

About the role

The Assistant Director of Patient Care Service plays a critical role in the leadership team of a designated service line. Reporting to the Director of Patient Care Service, this role drives excellence in patient care, operations, performance, and patient outcomes while fostering a culture of team collaboration and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Development:

  • Develop and maintain high engagement, visibility, and accountability within the healthcare team to achieve organizational vision, mission, and goals.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, excellence, accountability, and mutual respect across all inter-professional care teams throughout the care continuum.
  • Provide education, coaching, and guidance to staff, ensuring adherence to clinical standards and best practices.
  • Facilitate staff onboarding, competency assessment, and continuous professional development.
  • Manage and support a diverse workforce based on organizational goals, staffing needs, and budget considerations.

• Clinical & Operational Management:

  • Oversee all clinical and administrative aspects of an assigned patient care setting, ensuring operational efficiency and cost-effective care.
  • Lead and implement quality and safety initiatives specific to your area, aligned with organizational objectives.
  • Collaborate with triad leadership to assist in planning capital, staffing, and operational budgets.
  • Assist in establishing clinical and operational performance targets and financial goals in partnership with triad leadership.
  • Implement policies, standard operating procedures, and standard work, holding the team accountable for compliance.
  • Routinely engage in intentional rounding to evaluate and address the operational needs of patient care, staff, and providers.

• Performance & Compliance:

  • Ensure consistency in nursing practice and compliance with safety, accreditation, and regulatory standards.
  • Identify, analyze, and objectively evaluate problems, generating alternative solutions and making informed recommendations to support a culture of professional governance.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, accreditation requirements, and organizational policies.
  • Lead continuous quality improvement efforts through data analysis, problem-solving, and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Strategic & Operational Oversight:

  • Plan, prioritize, and execute operations efficiently, anticipating resource needs and achieving results within the service line/division budget.
  • Address operational challenges and apply problem-solving skills to resolve issues, working in partnership with leadership.
  • Advocate for optimal resource allocation to support patient care and improve overall service delivery.
  • Ensure alignment with the organizational strategic plan and vision to advocate for optimal outcomes across the service line.

• Workplace Culture & Staff Well-Being:

  • Foster an inclusive and diverse work environment that values individual differences and promotes staff well-being.
  • Create and support a healthy work environment that encourages professional growth and high staff morale.
  • Demonstrate leadership in challenging situations, adapting styles as needed, and effectively communicating unit goals.

• Professional Practice Oversight:

  • Actively monitor nursing practice to ensure adherence to established clinical standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Provide ongoing education and training to nurses, ensuring up-to-date clinical skills and regulatory knowledge.
  • Advocate for patient safety and optimal care by addressing concerns regarding staffing, resources, and care delivery.

Qualifications

• Education:

  • Nursing: Master's degree required either in nursing or a master's degree in another discipline is acceptable if the candidate holds a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN).
  • Orthopedic Areas (non-nursing): Master of Science (MS) as an Athletic Trainer is required.

• Experience:

  • Nursing: Five (5) years of professional nursing practice experience in patient care settings, with five (5) years in a leadership position.
  • Orthopedic Areas (non-nursing): Five (5) years of experience in orthopedic setting, with five (5) years in a leadership position.

• Licensure:

  • Nursing: - A valid, unencumbered Registered Nursing License approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.
  • - Virtual Care Nursing: If overseeing virtual care activities, an active compact/multistate license (eNLC) is required within 60 days of hire.
  • Orthopedic Areas (non-nursing): A valid, unencumbered Athletic Trainer License approved by the Georgia Board of Athletic Trainers.

• Certifications:

  • Nursing: a. Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC, NEA-BC), CENP, or comparable certification, within one (1) year of entry into role.
  • ALL: a. BLS required b. ACLS certification may be necessary depending on specialty area, post hire.

• Skills:

  • Demonstrated leadership in promoting collaboration, diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice both for the populations served and within a health system.
  • Experience overseeing complex service line operations within a healthcare system.
  • Ongoing demonstrated clinical and leadership competence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Doctoral degree (DNP, PhD, DrPH) strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and work tasks.
• Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure, Bio-hazardous waste, chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors, communicable diseases, electrical shock, floor surfaces, hot/cold temperatures, indoor/outdoor conditions, latex, lighting, patient care/handling injuries, radiation, shift work, travel may be required, use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.