RN Unit Manager

POSITION TITLE : RN Unit Manager

REPORTS TO : Director of Nursing

POSITION SUMMARY :

This position has 24-hour accountability and is responsible for the delivery of high-quality and cost-effective health care while achieving positive clinical outcomes, and patient / family and employee satisfaction. He / she is responsible for the overall operations, integration, coordination and direction of nursing and patient care for the assigned Unit. Additionally, he / she is responsible for ensuring that care delivery is consistent with the mission, vision, values and policies of Highbridge HealthCare and in accordance with accepted standards of practice, state and federal regulations and licensing requirements. This includes mentoring and educating nurses, working with physicians and other medical professionals, and serving as a resource to all staff within the unit regarding the quality of services provided. This professional may also provide direct patient care along with the other unit nurses to maintain current skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES / ACCOUNTABILITIES :

1. Administrative :

1.1 Collaborates with the Center Nurse Executive in maintaining adequate nursing coverage to provide safe nursing care for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;

1.2 Effectively utilizes existing manpower limiting use of overtime and agency personnel;

1.3 Participates in staff recruitment (i.e. Assist in the interviewing and selection of nursing personnel);

1.4 Assesses the work performance of nursing staff as it relates to their job description, unit standards of care and goals of the individual;

1.5 Implements the Individual Performance Improvement Plan for staff whose performance does not meet center expectations, and when necessary, recommends or initiates disciplinary action;

1.6 Conducts regular staff meetings on each shift and provides updates to Director of Nursing

1.7 Collaborates with other departments to provide timely effective care consistent with

individuals’ needs, choices and preferences;

1.8 Promotes a culture of safety to ensure a healthy practice and livingenvironment;

1.9 Participates in Center's nursing committees asrequested;

1.10 Participates in meetings to address patient care, survey and / or standards of care issues;

1.11 Participates in Center meetings such as Utilization Management, Customer at Risk, Care Planning, Quality Improvement, etc.;

1.12 Assumes nursing administrative responsibilities of the Center for weekend and holiday coverage as requested;

1.13 Stays and works beyond scheduled shift if needed to meet state staffing requirements and / or needs of patients;

2. Clinical Leadership :

2.1 Plans, organizes, directs, supervises and evaluates nursing care provided on the unit to achieve clinical and financial outcomes;

2.2 Provides professional guidance and supervision to non-professional unit staff;

2.3 Ensures patient care assignments are consistent with staff competencies, scope of practice and the needs of the patients.

2.4 Ensures timely and accurate compliance of the MDS process and that it reflects the patient's plan of care;

2.5 Participates with the interdisciplinary team in developing, implementing and  evaluating ways to achieve patient goals and minimize rehospitalizations;

2.6 Ensures Point Click Care (PCC) is utilized according to the Business Processes;

2.7 Contacts attending physician to obtain orders as indicated (i.e., admission, change in condition, etc.);

2.8 Ensures that Physician Orders are followed as prescribed;

2.9 Oversees medication management to ensure adequate supplies and that all medications are handled in accordance Highbridge policy;

2.10 Ensures that patient's attending physician and family or responsible party are promptly notified of any significant change in the patient's  condition;

2.11 Creates an environment that is respectful, team oriented and responsive to the concerns of staff, patients and families;

2.12 Ensures communication between licensed nursing staff and CNAs during and between shifts;

2.13 Participates in shift-to-shift communication between in coming and outgoing nursing staff;

2.14 Serves as a role model in the delivery of direct patient care using the nursing process;

2.15 Provides patient care when required;

2.16 Ensures discharge planning process is in place and provides consultation as needed;

2.17 Ensures complete and prompt reporting of incidents, accidents, and adverse events to Administrator and Director of Nursing.

2.18 Investigates patient / family complaints and takes appropriate actions to bring to resolution.

3. Education :

3.1 Identifies educational needs of the staff and plans with the Nurse PracticeEducator (NPE) a program to meet needs.

3.2 Evaluates and provides feedback to the NPE and to the individual staff member regarding effectiveness of the program;

3.3 Participates in the evaluation of staff competency;

3.4 Demonstrates, teaches and evaluates nursing skills utilized in direct patient care of the unit's specific patient population;

3.5 Promotes professional development and career opportunities for nursing staff;

4. Quality Improvement :

4.1 Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of quality improvement activities for the Center and / or unit as requested;

4.2 Prepares written reports, reviews records and participates in needed data collection as indicated;

4.3 Reviews clinical records of patients with unplanned rehospitalizations to identify areas in need of improvement;

4.4 Ensures that patient's accident / incident, adverse event and grievances / concerns are

fully documented, investigated, reported and addressed in accordance withHighbridge policies and procedures and the Federal / State rules and regulations;

5. Maintains confidentiality and protects sensitive Protected Health Information (PHI) at all times;

6. Performs other related duties as required.

COMPLIANCE :

1. Complies with and promotes adherence to applicable legal requirements, standards, policies and

procedures including but not limited those within the Compliance and Ethics Program,

Standard / Code of Conduct, Federal False Claims Act and HIPAA.

2. Provides leadership and support for the Compliance and Ethics Program within management area.

3. Ensures timely and accurate reporting and responses to compliance-related issues and monitors

the implementation of corrective action plans related to such issues.

4. Ensures that staff participates in orientation and training programs including but not limited to

all required compliance courses and relevant policies and procedures, and that such training is

properly documented. Participates in compliance and other required training programs.

5. Provides open lines of communication regarding compliance issues within management area and

access to the Integrity Line and ensures that retaliation against staff who report suspected

incidences of non-compliance does not occur. Promptly reports concerns and suspected

incidences of non-compliance to supervisor.

6. Participates in monitoring and auditing activities and investigations, and implementing quality

assurance and performance improvement processes, as required.

7. Completes performance reviews and determines compensation and promotions based on the

accomplishment of established standards that promote adherence to compliance and quality

standards.

SPECIFIC EDUCATIONAL / VOCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS :

1. Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

• Associate Degree in Nursing, 3 years of nursing experience.
• Diploma, 3 years of nursing experience.
• BSN, 2 years nursing experience.

2. Experience in leadership (i.e. head nurse, supervisor, etc.) for a minimum of one year.

3. Current licensure by the State Board of Examiners of Nurses in the Center's state.

4. This position requires that the employee is able to read, write, speak and understand the

spoken English language to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our patients and visitors at

the work site when responding to their medical and physical needs.

5. Maintains current BLS / CPR certification (All SNFs and Behavioral Centers; ALFs / ILFs as

required by State).