Director of Progressive Care Unit

About the role

The Director of the Progressive Care Unit is a Registered Nurse responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating clinical, administrative, and operational activities for a nursing/patient care unit. This role implements and interprets policies, procedures, standards, and regulations for nursing personnel, patients, medical staff, and the public. She/he maintains twenty-four-hour accountabilities for all activities of the unit.

Responsibilities

• Effectively plans, organizes, and evaluates work duties of self and unit staff to promote quality nursing and patient care activities.
• Develops unit goals annually, in conjunction with the unit(s) staff and unit Medical Director that supports the department of nursing and the Medical Center's philosophy, goals, and objectives.
• Plans and maintains staffing pattern within budgeting parameters incorporating continuity of care, staff competency, and patient acuity.
• Evaluates and sets standards for patient care and unit equipment.
• Collaborates with support services to provide a safe, clean, and secure environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
• Promotes intra- and interdepartmental communication.
• Maintains patient reference materials and ensures access to appropriate policies, procedures, standards, and care guidelines.
• Collaborates with other members of leadership to facilitate the provision of high-quality patient care.
• Works with the Medical Staff to coordinate the medical and nursing management of patient care.
• Utilizes staff in a manner which reflects the understanding of professional, legal, and institutional constraints; the abilities of individual care providers; the holistic approach to patient care; and the use of time management principles.
• Evaluates patient care delivery through written documentation, observation, and comparison to established standards.
• Aids in providing nursing care to patients, as needed, to assess particular patient requirements or as a backup to Staff Nurse.
• Serves as a clinical resource person and assists nursing personnel in assessing patient/family status to plan nursing care.
• Ensures breaks and meal breaks are followed according to policy and California State Law.
• Builds and leads a high performing team: motivates, inspires, and develops employees to accomplish goals and objectives.
• Interviews and selects staff for PCU.
• Maintains staff meetings, at least bi-monthly, to discuss department and Medical Center goals, progress toward goals, and other significant information concerning the unit and organization.
• Promotes employee engagement and provides an environment that promotes employee satisfaction and retention.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of mathematical concepts and the application of fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Knowledge and ability to practice as defined by California Nurse Practice Act, ANA Scope and Standards of Practice and ANA Code of Ethic in coordination with Medical Center policy and procedure.
• Demonstrated knowledge regarding special needs and behaviors of age specific groups.
• Demonstrated knowledge of legal and regulatory aspects of care, knowledge of legal documents pertinent to unit/area of care (accountability).
• Demonstrated knowledge and competency on hospital information system.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Patient Rights.
• Skilled in transferring concepts into practical applications.
• Skilled in reading, analyzing, and interpreting common scientific and technical journals and understanding regulatory requirements.
• Skilled in the nursing process and effective decision making when establishing a plan of care.
• Skilled in the safe and effective use of all equipment necessary to provide patient care.
• Skilled in current nursing practices and procedures and the development of a plan of care that supports positive outcomes.
• Skilled in budget preparation and control.
• Skilled in personnel management through coordination and cooperation.
• Excellent problem-solving, time management, and organizational skills.
• Skilled in preparing complete, clear reports and recommendations after appropriate analyses of relevant and reliable information.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

AVMC Values

• Patients Come First – We listen actively and communicate with our patients and families, placing safety as a top priority.
• Accountability & Ownership – We fully complete tasks, are transparent, effectively communicate, and recognize that what we do reflects on us.
• Teamwork – We build trusting relationships, promote a sense of community, and are respectful of everyone.
• Success is about the whole team.
• Integrity & Honesty – We tell the truth at all times, speak up when something is wrong, and do the right thing when no one is looking.
• Excellence – We take pride in our work, are goal-oriented, and on a never-ending quest for top tier quality.
• Initiative & Innovation – Our can-do attitudes, creativity, and resourcefulness empower us to improve the patient’s experience, solve our own problems, make timely decisions, and look for opportunities to add value.
• Tenderness & Compassion – We have genuine empathy, show kindness, and encourage and advocate for each other.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an Accredited School of Nursing.
• MSN highly preferred.
• Unit specific specialty certification highly preferred.
• 3 years of acute care experience, 2 of the 3 years in progressive leadership roles within the critical care environment.

Licenses and Certifications

• Current California Registered Nursing license.
• BLS/CPR certification.
• Certified Registered Nurse (CRN).