LTACH Hospital Chief Operating Officer/Chief Nursing Officer

The Chief Operating Officer (COO)/ Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the clinical services of the long term acute care hospital (LTACH). Under the direct supervision of the CEO, this role is responsible for providing, managing and supervising the clinical staff, ensuring that the competency, numbers, and staff levels are appropriate to meet the immediate and complex needs of patients.

The COO/CNO is responsible for promoting the overall quality of nursing care while operating under the ANA Standards of Practice. In conjunction with the professional staff, they plan, coordinate, manage, and evaluate clinical programs and services of the LTACH, promoting a team approach to the delivery of patient care provided by the LTACH. The COO/CNO provides leadership, strategic guidance and management direction to all aspects of the hospital’s operations while providing and improving interdisciplinary care, treatment and services to long-term acute care patients experiencing medically complex conditions, general medical-surgical conditions, with rehabilitation and/or wound care needs.The facility operates to meet the needs of patients requiring extended acute medical care.

The COO/CNO is accountable for safe and quality patient care, developing and managing to a financially sound annual operating budget and long-term capital expenditure plan, hiring and retaining qualified and productive clinical and support staff, managing risk, leading performance improvement ensuring overall quality of nursing care, maintaining effective relationships with Boards, medical staff, patients, employees, the community and the corporate office. In conjunction with the professional staff, the COO/CNO plans, coordinates, manages and evaluates clinical programs and services of the LTACH, promoting a team approach to the delivery of patient care provided by the LTACH.

Major Responsibilities

• Establishes and communicates a clear and compelling vision, establishing the policies, procedures and the standards of nursing practice.
• Works with the Board, senior management team, physicians and staff to develop, implement, and update strategies and opportunities for growth and improvement to support the hospital’s mission and respond to external and internal issues.
• Is responsible for the operational, strategic, financial and clinical performance of the hospital.
• Provides for a system of control which clearly identifies deviations from plans and budgets; assure periodic comparison of performance and/or results against established standards for objectives; and assure corrective actions for deviation from plans so that annual results are in line with strategic goals.
• Maintains the hospital’s compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements.

• Assesses and plans for effective patient flow process by evaluating the available supply of patient bed space, efficiency of patient care, treatment and services; safety of patient care, treatment and service areas and support service processes that impact patient flow.
• Management of human resources for all clinical departments includes providing an adequate number of staff; providing competent staff; orientation, training and education of staff; and assessing, maintaining and improving staff competence. The CCO has responsibility for employee growth and development, recruitment and retention, reward and recognition.
• Determines staffing requirements and ensures the availability of adequate numbers of competent staff (including contract labor) that are properly credentialed, educated, trained, motivated and engaged.
• Establishes personal and professional credibility and an environment of trust, candor and genuine two way communications.
• Serves as a positive role model and mentor.
• Attracts and retains physicians; maintain high levels of physician satisfaction
• Provides hospital operations coaching or mentoring
• Takes a proactive approach to managed care, healthcare reform and related issues
• Develops new business opportunities
• Participates in and represent the hospital in professional, civic, and service organizations

General Duties

• Participates in meetings that affect the hospital
• Is actively committed to quality of patient care, treatment and services.
• Measures and reports quality results to hospital and corporate teams.
• Fosters continuous quality improvement. Participates in corporate-wide and hospital-based performance improvement activities.
• Keeps abreast of new legislative information that impacts the acute care venue

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Manages subordinate leader(s) who supervise employee(s) and/or supervise individual contributors as appropri