Nurse Lead

Location:  CHA Cambridge Hospital 
Work Days: 7:00am -7:00pm, Every Other Weekend and Rotating Holidays
Category:  Nursing
Psych CH 7 West Adult Nursing  
Job Type: Full Time
Work Shift: Day / Evening 
Union: Yes 
Union Name: MNA Cambridge
7 West is an adult Psychiatric locked unit. There are 9 beds available on this inpatient unit of which we see various types of psychiatric illnesses such as Schizophrenia bi-polar and affective disorders, Personality disorders, Dual diagnosis, Adjustment disorder, Psychosis, and use DBT/CBT Group Therapy. According to DMH we have a lower than average restraint rate, use sensory approach to de-escalating patients, and all staff are educated in trauma informed care which provides each patient with individualized care.
To provide and oversee quality patient care according to Cambridge Health Alliance standards of nursing practice. Collaborates with the nurse manager to foster skilled and quality evidence based nursing care, unit organization and cohesiveness and development of staff.
The clinical leader assists the nurse manager in the overall coordination of the clinical area by assuming the responsibility and accountability for daily operations. The clinical leader assumes responsibility for and serves as a resource to the staff in clinical practice, staff development, clinical leadership, and professional growth in consistent collaboration with the nurse manager.
Responsible for providing functional direction to members of the health care team while optimizing available resources to achieve optimal patient outcomes. The clinical leader demonstrates advanced nursing skills in their respective clinical specialty, and possesses the necessary leadership skills to direct performance improvement initiatives in collaboration leadership, and other patient care areas.


Clinical Management/Leadership
Serves as an expert nursing resource to the interdisciplinary team regarding patient care issues and unit operations.
Facilitates clinical coordination of care to ensure a smooth patient flow and maximize patient experience.
Develops a daily staffing plan to ensure adequate nursing resources based on changing patient census and acuity.
Collaborates with nurse managers around effective use of staff resources and staffing issues.
As Clinical Leader, provides leadership for unit operations on a daily basis
Communicates pertinent information regarding departmental activities and leads unit practice changes.
Assists in preparation of staff assignments.
Follows through on problems by using the appropriate clinical and administrative channels.
Participates in the development of annual unit based goals and objectives.
Recognizes environmental and system constraints that impact unit operations.
Acts as a change agent among the staff in response to the evolving healthcare environment.
Coordinates education, implementation and monitoring of systems for acquisitions and maintenance of equipment and supplies.
Collaborates within and across service lines and departments to ensure effective clinical operations and continually improve effectiveness and efficiency of systems.
Acts as a clinical resource for staff members using evidence-based knowledge and prevailing standards.
Actively participates and facilitates staff participation in unit, department, and hospital committees.
Assumes a leadership role in clinical and administrative multi-disciplinary collaborative practice activities.
Collaborates with the Nursing Department around effective use of staff resources.
Conducts daily unit rounds on all patients to enhance their experience and improve satisfaction scores. Acts as a first line clinical resource for staff.
Demonstrates professional excellence in the care of patients through direct interventions and as a resource to colleagues.
Initiates and collaborates with unit colleagues to develop, implement, and evaluate clinical standards.
Reviews documentation and delivery of patient care and identifies areas for improvement.
Develops and implements plans for improving patient care documentation.
Maintains ongoing assessment of staff’s clinical decision making.
Collaborates with staff nurses on development of their comprehensive plans of care.
Promotes independent decision making and problem solving by staff nurses while being available for consultation.
Staff Development
Supports the orientation of new clinical staff and the development of clinical expertise in all unit staff in coordination with clinical educator.
Provides real time staff feedback related to their patient assessment, clinical decision making skills, provision of patient care, clinical documentation and shares areas for improvement
Participates in the determination of unit based competency needs
Contributes to the unit based competency plans
Quality Improvement
Participates in the development of annual unit based competency goals and objectives based on unit outcome data and needed system and process changes
Supports staff with the implementation and evaluation of quality improvement initiatives, evidence based practice changes, clinical guidelines, protocols, policies and procedures.
Demonstrates an ongoing awareness of and participation in the quality improvement program.
Promotes the image of professional nursing by facilitating an atmosphere of respect to patients, their families and all members of the hospital staff.
Demonstrates and communicates to staff a common philosophy of patient care.
Interprets and supports policies, standards, and procedures on the unit.
Care of Environment
Maintains a clean, neat environment for patient and staff according to hospital and unit policies.
Insures that supplies and equipment necessary for patient care are stored in an organized and efficient manner.
Demonstrates correct and safe technique in the use of equipment according to specific product information and policy and procedure manuals.
Follows appropriate procedure for obtaining and returning or cleaning/disposing of equipment and supplies.
Monitors patient supplies to ensure adequate supplies available for patient care.
Communicates effectively with management, peers, and health team members.
Interacts effectively with members of the interdisciplinary team, patients, families, and/or significant others demonstrating respect for diversity.
Follows through on problem resolution using appropriate clinical administrative channels.
In conjunction with the nurse manager, provides leadership for unit operations on a daily basis
Collaborates with nurse managers around effective use of staff resources.
Effectively communicates and collaborates with diverse individuals, disciplines and departments throughout the organization and the community we serve.
Cognitive ability to observe, analyze and interpret general and technical data, verbal and written accurately.
Mathematical, reading and writing ability required.
Education/Training: Graduate of NLN Accredited School of Nursing. Additional unit specific certifications may apply
AHA or ARC BLS Healthcare Provider
Work Experience: Minimum of 5 years’ clinical experience in related field with a minimum of 2 years charge experience preferred.
 
In keeping with federal, state and local laws, Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) policy forbids employees and associates to discriminate against anyone based on race, religion, color, gender, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Cambridge Health Alliance brings Care to the People - including your neighbors, friends and family. Our local hospitals and care centers serve our vibrant, diverse communities, and play an integral role in improving health. As passionate advocates for the underserved, we actively partner with our communities to take on challenging public health issues, and conduct important research to help reduce barriers to care. We believe that everyone deserves access to high quality, convenient health care. Healthcare is changing rapidly. It also recognizes that our workforce is our most valuable asset and prioritizes competitive salaries, benefits and professional development opportunities for employees. The strategic plan is changing the way we provide care and improving the health and experience of our patients; we are looking for smart, committed, compassionate people who want to be part of making our vision of better health and equity a reality.
Join our team and help us bring Care to the People.