BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Works in coordination with the nursing leadership in an assigned unit or department to ensure the work is accomplished and the unit functions effectively. Serves as the first line of support for staff, physicians and other related providers on clinical issues specific to the department. Collaborates with the manager on clinical and non-clinical issues (employee relations, individual behaviors, physician relationships, etc.) and must possess strong clinical knowledge and interpersonal skills. Supports the unit/department/service when the manager is unavailable. Responsible for supervising, directing, coaching and mentoring their assigned core group of staff.

REPORTS TO

• Nurse Manager

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Supervisory Responsibilities: YES

Minimum Education: Associates required; Bachelors preferred.

Degree: Degree in Nursing

License/Certification Required: TN or Compact Licensure Required. Must obtain certification in specialty area within 1 year of hire

Minimum Work Experience: 2-3 years relevant clinical experience. Prior leadership experience preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong pediatric nursing skills
• Comfortable with Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as Meditech documentation
• Strong communication and organizational skills

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaboration and Teamwork - Works with patients, families, healthcare providers, and colleagues in a way that achieves optimal outcomes for the patient and enhances the patient experience through effective interdisciplinary partnerships.
• Shared Decision-Making: Strives for effective work relationships with members of the healthcare team as well as patient/families. Incorporates all team members when making decisions regarding unit assignments, patient/family needs, and staffing issues or concerns. Assists staff to identify when patient needs are medically, socially, or ethically complex and engage the care providers for the team.
• Professional Growth: Acts as a mentor to staff in promotion and facilitation of a professional environment. Coaches and develops others on the team as well as participates in evaluation of team members. Assesses the performance of assigned new hires and orientees including entry level nurses, nursing care assistants and health unit coordinators; provides ongoing feedback and coaching. Facilitates staff involvement and meeting attendance in unit-based and house-wide shared governance councils.
• Empowered to Improve: Collaborate with the manager for issue resolutions and projects to improve work flow processes throughout the department utilizing a proactive approach. Interdisciplinary collaboration (pharmacy, radiology, lab, registration) to resolve issues and improve work flow processes throughout the department.
• Nursing Core Values: Promotes an atmosphere of open communication that facilitates staff input into decision-making, resolution of conflict, and collegiality among all health team members. Communicates in an effective, professional manner. Exhibits skill in conflict resolution where work performance is affected. Supports an environment of shared responsibility among all team members.
• Environment of Care - Creates a caring, therapeutic environment that is individualized to the patient and family.
• Exemplary Practice: Anticipates and plans for patient and family needs as evidenced through patient rounding. Ensures safe care for specific patient populations and with regulatory agency requirements.
• Empowered to Improve: Encourages patient and families to speak up and feel empowered to participate in care. Intervenes in and de-escalates situations which may be volatile and stressful.
• Nursing Core Value - Is a role model for compassionate care and empathy.
• Empowered to Improve: Possesses critical thinking skills while applying the nursing process to patient care and organizational processes to improve outcomes at all department/system levels. Uses innovation to problem solve and find alternative ways to achieve desired outcomes as needed. Makes a daily assessment of unit in regards to acuity of patients, staff skill mix, and equipment; Reassigns and adjusts staffing based upon patient care needs.
• Exemplary Practice: Rounds on the unit daily with both patient, families, MD’s, and staff to discuss any needs that arise and determines resolutions to any obstacles or conflict in care. Provides direct patient care as needed. Maintains knowledge relative to nurse sensitive indicators, hospital-acquired conditions (HAC’s), and department quality improvement indicators/initiatives. Is a Safety Coach in error prevention.