ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF NURSING

Responsibilities

The collaborates with and provides a second level of leadership for the Director of Nursing to ensure the monitoring and assessment of facility-wide patient nursing care for adults (ages 18+), adolescents (ages 13-18) and children (ages 5-12) and to ensure that clinical nursing practice is based on established procedures and ensures the highest possible quality of patient care. The ADON acts as the hospital's senior Nursing official in the absence of the DON.

Essential Job Duties :

• Provides leadership and direction to Registered Nurses, LPNs and Mental Health Technicians.
• Recognizes signs and symptoms of chemical dependency disorders and applies / utilizes appropriate treatment interventions.
• Recognizes signs and symptoms of mental health disorders and applies / utilizes appropriate treatment interventions.
• Develops, implements and maintains a philosophy, goals and objectives for the Nursing department and inpatient units that are compatible with professional nursing practice and with the philosophy and purpose of the hospital.
• Provides administrative support to the supervisors and Program Directors.
• Collaborates closely with CEO and CFO to develop and understand budgeted annual FTE's for the hospital.
• Plan and coordinate with Program Directors / Nurse Managers / Infection Control Nurse staff mandatory trainings as evident of the ongoing changes in health care.
• Assists the DON with assuring adequate staffing all inpatient units 24 / 7.
• Assists the DON with hiring, terminations, and discrepancy actions for all nursing service personnel (in collaboration with Human Resources); interprets, implements, and enforces appropriate policies and procedures.
• Maintains and promotes customer satisfaction, and adheres to Kingwood Pines Hospital's policies / procedures and the Service Excellence Standards.
• Assists the DON with education, training, and onboarding of nursing staff.

Standard No.

Performance Standards

1.

Effectively assists the DON with ensuring and maintaining compliance with JCAHO / CMS accreditation standards, any and all relevant licensing standards / requirements, and / or compliance with any and all regulatory / oversight agency requirements. Effectively oversees or participates in the development and implementation of action plans to address / correct identified deficiencies.

2.

Collaborates effectively with the DON and Director of Risk Management / Performance Improvement (PI) to develop, implement, and monitor PI in compliance with Standards of Care. Participates in the development, implementation, and monitoring of Nursing Department PI projects.

3.

Assists the DON in managing employees to facilitate critical Human Resources compliance. Maintains, develops, and guides unit staff. Consistently acts as a quality care role model by adhering to patients' rights and all hospital standards. Completes performance appraisals / evaluation including competency assessments within the appropriate time frame. Completes all needed follow-up with staff regarding employment policy compliance including attendance.

4.

Assists the DON with the review of employee issues, develops and completes corrective action plans, effectively disseminates information, reviews and provides input on relevant policies and procedures, reviews staffing numbers, and reviews and acts appropriately regarding staff training needs.

5.

Communicates applicable policies, rules, and procedures to staff as needed. Conducts monthly staff meetings that include all nursing shifts / staff and participates in hospital-wide meetings. Ensures that all nursing staff comply with all initial and ongoing training requirements. Acts as a training resource for other departments regarding relevant Nursing care subject matter.

6.

Provides appropriate feedback and follow-up with staff on any incidents and or any patient care issues / requirements.

7.

Ensures adequate staffing of all units in compliance with accreditation standards, regulations, patients' needs, and program requirements. Assists with coverage and staffing to include serving as a Unit RN as needed in order to ensure appropriate staffing.

8.

Works effectively in collaboration with the Staffing Coordinator on scheduling and payroll functions for the Nursing department. Ensures management of FTE's within budgetary requirements per attendance requirements.

Efficiently and effectively performs other duties as assigned by the DON.

10.

Provides appropriate intervention in psychiatric and medical crisis situations. Directs crisis response by using sound judgment and timely intervention. Completes necessary documentation and obtains orders within prescribed timelines. Ensures that patients and staff safety is maintained throughout any special treatment procedures.

11.

Accurately recognizes signs and symptoms of mental health disorders and applies / utilizes appropriate treatment interventions.

12.

Accurately recognizes signs and symptoms of chemical dependency disorders and applies / utilizes appropriate treatment interventions.

13.

When needed, conducts electrocardiograms (EKG) as ordered.

14.

Performs blood glucose monitoring procedures as ordered and in accordance with specified guidelines and effectively teaches patients to operate their own glucometer.

15.

Delivers service excellence departmentally and in individual job responsibilities consistent with service excellence guidelines set forth by UHS and Kingwood Pines Hospital.

16.

Knows and adheres to hospital / departmental policies and procedures including time and attendance; Acknowledges errors, notifies supervisor makes self-available for needed activities and is reliable to co-workers; Complies with practices and procedures of Local, State, and Federal regulatory agencies for appropriate usage and maintenance of patient confidentiality; Complies with appropriate levels of security, and control measures to access computer files and information data, including HIPAA regulations; Employs safe practices related to crisis intervention, use of protective equipment, hazardous materials and universal precautions; Maintains work environment free of recognized hazards; Knows and adheres to rules governing fire and disaster procedures.

17.

Service Excellence

Treats Everyone as a Guest

Demonstrates Professionalism and Excellence

Practices Teamwork

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS :

Possesses comprehensive knowledge and understanding of all relevant nursing and hospital administrative policies and procedures in accordance with state laws and standards. Exhibits strong leadership capabilities and organizational skills. Demonstrates exceptional communication abilities and adaptability to evolving circumstances. Maintains a professional image and shows proficiency in the principles of organizational, hospital, and fiscal management.

EDUCATION :

Graduated from an accredited School of Nursing. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is required, while a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is preferred. A valid Delaware Registered Nurse (RN) license is mandatory; a minimum of ten years of experience in a nursing administration role and / or a dedicated leadership position within a behavioral health or psychiatric setting is essential. A thorough understanding of Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Management, along with Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) policies and procedures, is highly sought after.

LICENSURE / CERTIFICATION :