The Director of Nursing is accountable for the overall administration of nursing services at the direction of the Chief Nursing Officer in order to meet the objectives of the hospital through planning, organizing, executing and evaluating the nursing care provided for patients in the hospital.

The Director of Nursing reports to the Chief Nursing Officer and may supervise any or all of the following:  Clinical Nurse Managers, Nursing Services, Certified Nursing Assistants, Unit Clerks and other departments or programs as assigned by the Chief Nursing Officer

This position has frequent contact with the medical staff, patients, patients' families, educational institutions, regulatory agencies, hospital administration and department heads.

• Under direction of the Chief Nursing Officer, manage the nursing department in an efficient manner by planning, organizing and controlling all activities of the department.

• Formulate and implement the objectives of the nursing department in accordance with hospital goals. Develop, evaluate, implement, interpret and maintain hospital plans and work standards and procedures for the clinical practice of nursing that are in compliance with hospital policies, governmental regulations and various regulatory agency requirements. Serve as a role model for nursing staff by complying with established policies and procedures.

• Supervise the implementation of total quality management concepts which are used to determine effectiveness of nursing care delivery systems throughout the hospital.

• Participate as a member of the key management hospital team and in hospital strategic planning activities. Interpret the role of nursing for the hospital's strategic plans.

• Manage the personnel function by interviewing, selecting, evaluating, disciplining and terminating personnel or recommending such action as necessary. Assure that employees receive orientation and required in-service training, that they maintain required licensure or certification and that pertinent nursing education programs are developed and presented to promote clinical competency and staff development.

• Determine staffing needs and patterns and recommend appropriate staffing levels and classifications consistent with unit position authorization.

• Coordinate the activities of the nursing unit and establish productive working relationships with the medical staff and support services.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge in the field so they may recommend new services, products and equipment. Continue professional development by attending education programs designed for nursing leaders.

• May provide direct patient care when higher levels of skill and judgement are required. Demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served.

• Adhere to the infection control policies and procedures of the hospital.

• Assist Chief Nursing Officer with formulating and preparing the nursing budget, routine and special reports and various forms and documents as required.

• Take administrative calls when delegated by the Chief Nursing Officer.

• Serve on hospital committee and attend meetings, as required.

• May work off shifts, weekends and holidays, be on-call and work more than standard hours.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Accountable for assuring the efficient operation of the nursing unit in accordance with hospital objectives.

• Accountable for establishing and achieving nursing department objectives and goals.

• Accountable for providing a climate for professional growth and development through programs of orientation, evaluation, in-service and continuing education.

• Accountable for safe, effective patient care in all nursing areas in hospital.

• Accountable for supervising the implementation of total quality management concepts in all nursing areas in the hospital.

• Accountable for developing and administering the Nursing Department budget upon direction of the Chief Nursing Officer.

• Accountable for acting as liaison between Nursing Service and other hospital departments.

DEFINITION: SUPERVISION

            The provision of guidance by a qualified nurse for the accomplishment of a nursing task with periodic observation and evaluation of the performance of the task including validation that the nursing task has been performed according to established standards of practice [ 201 KAR 20:400 Section 1 (7)].

Education
• Graduation from an approved school of nursing and current non-limited licensure in state. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years experience in nursing supervision and/or administration, with formalized training and/or experience in effective management techniques.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to motivate and to work cooperatively with individuals and groups.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
Prior to assignment, the Director of Nursing must successfully complete critical care course acceptable to the Chief Nursing Officer and demonstrate mastery of equipment, diagnostic responsibilities, and procedures required of the critical care nurse. Such course work shall include:

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and management of an obstructed airway.
• EKG interpretation.
• Drug therapy, including emergency drug therapy via the I.V. route, or routes normally left to the physician.
• Hemodynamic monitoring.
• Critical care procedures.

The shall be adequately oriented to policies, procedures and equipment. Orientation shall include safety procedures, infection control practices, and performance improvement activities.