Director of Nursing - Acute Care

Primary Function/General Purpose

The Director of Nursing coordinates and advances the strategic direction for the clinical areas they oversee in concert with the site nursing leader. This Leader aligns with health system strategic objectives, implements initiatives, and evaluates outcomes collaboratively with other leaders.

Essential Job Functions

• Leads a team of two or more nursing areas

• Advises on and promotes strategic plan

• Oversees cross-functional issues

• Responsible for 24-hour accountability, integration, facilitation, and coordination of the leadership, management, and clinical practice of the units they oversee

• Serves as a professional role model, leader, mentor, and clinical resources director/educator for nurses and other members of the health care team

• Strives for operational excellence for patients related to cost, quality, service, and patient outcomes

• Collaboratively with the CNO, develops and implements plans that will support the overall strategic quality plan involving the assigned care units

• Participates in business development activities for the organization

• Accountable for overall budget development, monitoring, and variance analysis of multiple units

• Responsible for overseeing interviewing, hiring, developing, and retaining associates

• Responsible for personal and professional growth as well as fostering an environment where interdisciplinary team members can contribute to optimal patient outcomes and grow professionally

Licensing/Certification

• Current RN license in state they are working or covered by compact (required)

• BLS Basic Life Support (preferred upon hire, must obtain from approved source prior to entering patient care setting)

• Certifications required based on the unit(s) that the leader oversees and the requirements for those specific units:

  • PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support (preferred)
  • ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support (preferred)
  • NRP Neonatal Resuscitation Program (preferred)
  • TNCC Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum (preferred)
  • ENPC Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course (preferred)
  • National Board Certification Specialty (preferred)
  • Nurse Executive Certification or designated specialty certification (preferred)

Education

• Bachelor of Science Nursing (required)

• Masters of Science Nursing or Masters in Health Administration or related field (must be completed within two years)

Work Experience

• 5 years of experience as a professional nurse (required)

• 2+ years of progressive leadership/management experience in an acute care setting (required)

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements/Hazards

• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur

• May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse

• May be required to use physical restraints

• May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc.

• May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights

• May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids.

• May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials.

• May have periods of constant interruptions

• General office environment

• Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions

• Long-distance or air travel as needed- not to exceed 10% travel

• Prolonged periods of working alone

Application of High Reliability Concepts

• Care Delivery Models and Patient Care Delivery across the continuum

• Clinical outcomes

• Education and developmental practices

• Evidence-based practices

• Governance related to fiduciary responsibilities, credentialing and performance management

• Health care economics and policy

• Hospital policies and procedures

• Nursing and clinical best practices and research

• Nursing professional practice

• Patient care services

• Performance improvement

• Quality clinical care

• Quality improvement

• Regulatory standards

• Risk management

What We Offer

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)

• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts

• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders

• Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support