Nursing Supervisor - PRN

POSITION SUMMARY

A registered professional nurse who is responsible for directing and coordinating nursing service activities, functions of the hospital and administrative issues during evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts. Is responsible in the absence of Department Directors for the operation of the Nursing Division and, when appropriate, non-nursing departments. Acts on behalf of the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Administration, in their absence, when dealing with patients, patient families, and the public. Adjusts staffing and otherwise manages resources in a cost-effective manner, remaining responsive to acuity and budgetary parameters. Discharges all responsibility with consideration of the Medical Center and nursing philosophy while maintaining awareness of legal, professional and institutional responsibilities.

PRIMARY (ESSENTIAL) DUTIES

1.During absence of Administration, acts as the Administrator-on-Site by coordinating administrative decisions, consulting and advising the Administrator-on-Call of significant or unusual issues.

2.Evaluates and adjusts staffing for current and oncoming shifts based up appropriate budgetary and acuity parameters and with consideration of staff competency, patient needs and other variables.

3.Assists nursing staff in setting priorities, problem-solving and decision making in patient care.

4.Provides managerial and administrative support by interpreting policy, procedure and protocol to employees, physicians, patients, patients families and the public. Oversees patient placement and transfer decisions through effective communication with the Charge Nurse, Nursing Coordinators and the Admitting Office, assuring appropriate consideration is given to the input and needs of the nurses providing clinical care.

5.Coordinates Surgery and Recovery Room activity, emergency transfers, and other non-scheduled events during the hours the affected departments are not open.

6.Investigates patient, physician and employee complaints. Documents issues and resolutions contained within the complaint.

7.Acts as an effective public relations representative through appropriate professional communication to the media and the general public.

8.Makes observations regarding individual and group delivery of care relating to productivity, general morale, attitudes and competency; and reports observations to appropriate Department Directors and, when relevant, to immediate Supervisor and the Assistant Administrator, Patient Care Services.

9.Provides performance and problem-solving feedback; initiates disciplinary actions when situational unsafe practice conditions, etc., exist relating to employee performance with follow-up with Director.

10.Encourages and supports staff and colleagues in professional and personal development endeavors.

11.Establishes and maintains effective communications and professional relationships with members of the Medical Staff in a manner which is receptive to their needs and concerns; and in a manner representative of professional nursing practice thus promoting collaborative relationships.

12.Regularly consults with Department Directors, immediate Supervisors and Assistant Administrator, Patient Care Services, on administrative issues, needs and problems which are relevant to their areas of responsibility.

13.Discharges responsibilities with regular integration of the following functions:

14.Maintains and role-models patient and employee confidentiality.

15.Acts as a support person to the Department Director through:

• Assuring effective coordination and continuity of leadership during Department Director absence by obtaining and maintaining a working knowledge of the objectives, style of leadership and departmental issues of each area.
• Addressing staffing in accordance with the existing situation on the unit and communicating unusual or extreme deviations in staffing process to the appropriate Director.
• Assisting with or supporting counseling and evaluating of personnel.
• Maintaining accurate staffing records on a consistent basis.

SECONDARY DUTIES:

16. Provides clinical support and acts as a consultant to nursing staff in assessing and delivering patient care.

17. Coordinates interdepartment patient care activities, physician issues, resolves conflicts and facilitates problem-solving between departments.

18. Participates in the formulation of the Nursing Division's Philosophy, Goals and Objectives, Nursing Service policies and Medical Center policies. Coordinates the efforts of the Nursing Division in responding to actual and staged emergency events, i.e., fires, internal/external disasters, codes, security calls, bomb threats, etc.

19. Participates and contributes to the overall quality and effectiveness f the delivery of nursing care through support and participation in the nursing quality assurance activities; formulation of policies; development, communication and evaluation of adherence to standards of care.

20. Participates in maintaining all standards established by accrediting agencies and participates in upgrading the standards by involvement in planning of constructive change:

·Assists in establishing Department and Division policies, implementation and administration of the policies and assists in assuring the required standards are established.

·Participates in the update and maintenance of procedure manuals.

·Cooperates with other members of Patient Care Services in administration, planning & organizing Division's functions & activities including establishing policies, achieving and/or maintaining objectives & goals, problem-solving, institutes & assists when appropriate.

·Participates in other appropriate assigned projects.

21. Keeps up-to-date in the field of nursing and nursing management through active review and reading of current literature, attendance at applicable workshops and seminars, formal academic endeavors.

22. Accesses Medical Records, Pharmacy and Materials Management departments to obtain information, retrieve records and supplies.

23. The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified, and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

This nursing management position requires consistent communication and interaction with nursing Department Directors, other nursing Supervisors and regular interaction with the immediate Supervisor and/or the Assistant Administrator, Patient Care Services. Additionally, because the Nursing Supervisor assumes required responsibilities for departments which are closed, the Nursing Supervisor must maintain effective working relationships with all Directors and employees throughout the Medical Center. The workload and demands of this position are related to the overall facility activity as well as the Goals and Objectives of the Nursing Division and the Medical Center. Interacts regularly with the Staffing Coordinator, individuals from the float pools, and other support people within the Division.

DEPARTMENT RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to the Ass't. Administrator, Patient Care Services or designated Supervisor. Provides immediate direction, support and consultation to all Nursing Division personnel during periods when Directors are absent. May be assigned line authority for specific support groups within the Division at the discretion and determination of the Ass't. Administrator, Patient Care Services or his/her designee. The overall enactment of the house supervisor role requires that the individual be comfortable with a moderate to high amount of ambiguity in the daily work plan and possess the ability to make independent decisions when there is no established policy or regulation to meet an atypical situation or circumstance.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

Graduate of a school of nursing, registered & licensed to practice as a professional nurse in the State of Idaho. BSN or BS in related field or evidence of progress in obtaining such credentials is highly preferred; however, applicant experience will be considered. Must have at least three years' experience in hospital nursing with progressive leadership requirements in assignments. Internally, Clinical Care Coordinator or equivalent experience is preferred. Must have basic knowledge of the principles of management, leadership, supervision & working knowledge of hospital organization and policies.

PUBLIC CONTACT

Serves as the contact person for media when information regarding treatment strategies and condition statements are required. Must have a working knowledge of the confidential and legal parameters surrounding the release of information regarding individual patient management. Interacts with community agencies and referral facilities in coordinating the admission, transfer, etc., of patients. Participates in community activities representing nurses and nursing at the Medical Center as directed by immediate supervisor and/or Ass't. Administrator, Patient Care Services.

GUEST RELATIONS

Incumbent in this position must thoroughly integrate the Philosophy of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and the Division into the role. Guest relations in the discharge of this role requires attention to employees, patients, public, physicians and all other members of the health care team. The primary objective of the position is to serve in an enabling and empowering capacity to members of the clinical nursing staff to assure patients are treated in a compassionate, caring and competent manner. Demonstrates a commitment to the key values of Service to the Poor, Reverence, Integrity, Wisdom, Creativity and Dedication.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Overall, the environmental conditions encountered in carrying out the role are satisfactory. The position is one which requires a high degree of flexibility and an ability to work under pressure and in stressful situations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The position requires a great deal of walking and a moderate amount of lifting and pushing associated with assistance in transport and transfer of patients; requires that the individual be able to lift between 25-50 pounds. Must be able to move quick enough to respond by being physically present within four (4) minutes to all emergency alerts.

GENERAL POSITION INFORMATION

Enactment of this position requires adaptability and an ability to process information from specific and general perspectives. The position has a significant impact on the overall operation of the Medical Center on an immediate basis as decisions made and implemented can have broad-reaching impact. There is a significant degree of influence associated with the advisory and consultive component of the position as it interfaces with other departments and the nursing staff.