Nurse Manager

About the role

The Nurse Manager performs advanced (senior-level) nursing functions such as planning, developing, coordinating, supervising and evaluating the provision of nursing care on a 24-hour basis. Directs the day-to-day operations of all assigned areas. Identifies and implements standards of practice that are consistent with the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), The Texas Administrative Code (TAC), the Texas State Board of Nursing and other state and federal regulations related to State Hospitals (SHs).

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, directs and manages the daily operations and activities of the assigned nursing area following HHSC policies and procedures, and state and federal rules and regulations, in order to provide quality health services and care to individuals served.
• Facilitates the implementation of standards of practice that are consistent with oversight entities such as the Board of Nursing, Joint Commission, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) conditions of participation, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), and the rules and regulations of the Agency and State Hospital.
• Establishes, implements and evaluates a nursing staffing plan that identifies and deploys minimum resources needed to comply with all regulatory and professional standards.
• Hires, trains, and promotes professional growth of assigned nurses so that a competent workforce is maintained.
• Ensures that all assigned staff are compliant in training pursuant to agency and facility standards.
• Reviews essential job functions, performance expectations, coaches job performance, and provides supportive and constructive feedback.
• Conducts performance evaluations of assigned staff to give employees timely feedback on their performance and oversees staff development plans.
• Ensures awards and recognition activities that promote staff morale.
• Proactively identifies and seeks opportunities for improved recruitment and retention of qualified personnel.
• Provides clinical direction and expertise and ensures that the nursing care provided is based on provider orders and meets the specialized individual needs.
• Oversees nursing performance indicators to ensure nursing tasks and treatments are performed with accuracy and quality.
• Participates in performance improvement activities which include monitoring nursing performance indicators, conducting nursing record reviews, conducting nursing peer reviews, and participating in reviews of serious incidents when assigned.
• Effectively uses a tracking system to oversee performance indicators.
• Provides feedback and takes any corrective action needed.
• Oversees the implementation of nursing policies, procedures and protocols so as to promote a professional environment, promote the mission of the program and assure congruence with professional and organizational expectations.
• Collaborates with other disciplines to ensure nurses are operating as part of the interdisciplinary team.
• Performs chart reviews/audits to determine the nursing documentation is sufficient and accurate.
• Assists nurses in resolving issues that arise.
• As needed, advocates for the nursing perspective and initiates action to resolve issues, consulting with the Assistant Chief Nurse Executive (ACNE) and/or the Chief Nurse Executive (CNE) if necessary.
• Conducts or participates in monthly meeting(s) with nursing staff and other managers to provide feedback and resolve issues.
• Develops and updates training curricula and provides in-service training to assigned nursing staff in collaboration with the Nurse Educator.
• Assigns targeted training, such as training on nursing care plans based upon audits/reviews.
• Provides clinical direction and expertise and ensures that care provided is based on an appropriate cognitive level to meet specific and specialized individual needs.
• Serves as a resource on nursing practices and education programs by performing consultative and administrative work.
• Incorporates program specific monitoring into on-going performance improvement activities and assures timely reporting.
• Utilizes data as a basis to identify and address patterns and trends as they relate to the delivery of nursing care.
• Ensures that individuals’ rights are protected by addressing issues found in individual care reports, client abuse and neglect reports, 24-hour reports, and other reporting mechanisms.
• Ensures systematic capture, review and analysis, communication, and follow-up in relation to significant events on the program (e.g., Medication Errors, Adverse Drug Reactions, Unauthorized Departures, Deaths, Unusual Occurrences, etc.).
• Oversees and conducts clinical reviews to ensure adequate clinical care is provided to individuals when assigned.
• Alerts leadership to safety/risk management issues and actively facilitates problem-solving strategies.
• Promotes positive working relationships with outside agencies (e.g. Provider Investigations (PI), Office of Inspector General (OIG), other HHSC departments, programs and divisions including ancillary/support services, (e.g. Pharmacy, Medical Staff, Risk Management, Quality Assurance, Dietary, etc.)).
• Works with external stakeholders such as professional groups, advocacy groups, surveyors and monitors as assigned.
• Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.
• Maintains skills in CPR and other emergency techniques and initiates emergency treatment as necessary.

Requirements

Knowledge of nursing techniques, standards, and procedures; of health care laws and regulations; of medical diagnoses and procedures; of accepted medical treatment patterns; of community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures; of program regulations and procedures; and of utilization review and control measures.

Knowledge of state and federal laws, the Joint Commission, regulations, policy and procedures related State Hospitals or ability to quickly gain that knowledge.

Skills and Abilities

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Strong organizational and time management skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.

Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.

Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Ability to travel as needed.