Nursing Program Director,RN

Twenty-four hour responsibility and accountability for providing overall nursing leadership and management for designated patient care unit(s). Promotes excellent nursing care, and cost-effective use of material and human resources. With staff development specialists, provides staff with opportunities for professional growth and development. With program management team, develops goals and objectives which enhance patient-focused care.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE:

Responsibility

1. Ensures the excellence of nursing services provided through application of nursing

process to patient care management and patient advocacy.

Weight: 15% Standards

1.1 Contributes to the development of the program treatment philosophy.

1.2 Ensures that quality services are provided consistent with the treatment philosophy

and standards for patient advocacy.

1.3 Monitors the quality of patient documentation by nursing staff to ensure compliance

with JCAHO, DHM, DPH requirements and professional standards.

1.4 Monitors trends in patients' families' satisfaction regarding the quality of care.

1.5 Participates in organizational performance improvement projects.

Responsibility;

2. Manages the twenty-four hour nursing operations of designated clinical service(s)

Weight: 15%

Standards:

2.1. Coordinates nursing service delivery within the context of the patient care unit,

interdisciplinary team, hospital departments and community resources to ensure that

patient needs are met.

2.2. Provides nursing staff coverage based on the assessment of:

a. Patient care

b. Patient acuity

c. Skill level of staff

d. Needed staffing complement

2.3. Ensures that unit nursing policies/procedures and standards are in compliance with

JCAHO and other regulatory agency requirements.

2.4. Ensures that physical environment supports the therapeutic milieu by coordinating the

design, maintenance and upkeep of the patient care unit(s).

2.5. With program management team, assesses the ongoing and long-range needs of the unit

and formulates an annual strategic plan for acquiring the necessary capital

equipment, space, supplies, and manpower.

2.6. With program management team, evaluates operation of the clinical program

Responsibility:

3. Supervises the nursing professional, technical and clerical staff of the patient

care unit(s)

Weight: 15% Standards;

3.1. Interviews , selects and hires quality nursing and clinical staff.

3.2. Provides for clinical supervision and feedback regarding clinical performance to all

nursing and clinical staff.

3.3. Evaluates the quality of work of nursing and clinical staff as indicated by ongoing

performance counseling , performance logs, and annual performance appraisals.

3.4. Provides for constructive disciplinary counseling of unit nursing and clinical staff

according to the Departments of Nursing and Human Resources policies and documents in

informal notes and formal progressive disciplinary letters.

Responsibility:

4, Contributes to the overall policy development and management of designated clinical

care services.

Weight: 15% Standards:

4.1. Participates in hospital, nursing department, program committees and task forces.

4.2. Conducts unit meetings to promote communication about clinical and management

activities and goals, new projects, equipment, procedures, education, and planned

changes.

4.3. Communicates changes in goals, procedures, plans and activities of McLean Hospital.

4.4. Provides clinical management, consultation and liaison with other

departments/agencies for problem resolution.

4.5. Demonstrates initiative in identifying operations problems that potentially require

re-evaluation of current policies and procedures and./or management practices.

4.6. Performs other responsibilities as assigned

Responsibility

5. Promotes and encourages an educational environment that develops staff to their

highest potential for performance in the clinical setting,

height: 10% Standards:

5.1. Assesses the learning needs of staff as indicated by the individual goals developed

it the employee appraisal.

5.2. As indicted, plans unit-based offerings based on the assessed learning needs of the

staff.

5.3. Encourages nursing staff participation in departmental and other hospital educational

programs.

5.4. Provides relevant, current and accessible educational resource material for staff.

Responsibility:

6. Maintains commitment of professional growth and competency through ongoing

activities that promote professional role development.

Weight: 5% Standards:

6.1. Participates in the performance appraisal process by identifying specific short and long-term professional goals with supervisor.

6.2. Participates in own professional growth through involvement in at least two of the

following:

a. Participation in academic or certificate program.

b. Membership in a professional organization.

c. Obtaining certification/recertification by a professional organization.

d. Obtaining clinical privileges on staff.

e. Demonstrating clinical competence through supervised clinical practice.

f. Participating in community health support group or program.

g. participating in nursing research.

h. Lobbying efforts regarding professional issues.

i. Chairing a departmental committee.

j. Marketing/teaching and consulting projects or McLean programs to the professional

community k. Other projects as negotiated with Nursing Administration.

6.3. Seeks constructive criticism and supervision from colleagues for the purpose of

improvement of skills and overall job performance.

Responsibility:

7. Contributes to the effective interpersonal and community relations to ensure the

quality of patient care and to promote a positive image of McLean Hospital.

Weight: 10%

Standards:

7.1. Insures patient privacy and confidentiality according to established procedures.

7.2. Promotes positive, supportive, courteous communication to patients, families,

visitors and hospital personnel.

7.3. Provides information and feedback to staff regarding guest relations principles and

practices as evidenced by staff carrying out these practices.

7.4. Collaborates with other departments of the hospital and outside agencies to meet the

identified needs of patients.

7.5. Markets the programs of McLean Hospital to the professional and public communities to

promote understanding of the mission of the institution, recruiting qualified

personnel and generating patient referrals.

Responsibility

8. Contributes to the productivity and cost effectiveness of the organization.

Weight: 15%

Standards:

8.1. Manages services, supplies and equipment to ensure their effective and economical use

as indicated by remaining within budget levels.

8.2. Assesses new products to promote and ensure quality patient care and meet hospital

cost effectiveness goals.

8.3. Demonstrates effective time management by completing assignments within established

time frames.

8.4. With program management team, prepares the personnel budget using projected census

and workloads.

8.5. Maintains staffing within approved budget allotments including overtime.

8.6. With program management team, monitors budget and justifies significant variances.

Education: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

Master's degree in Psychiatric Nursing Business or Health Administration. Candidates will be considered who have B.S.N. preparation who are currently enrolled or are planning to begin part-time M.S.N. studies within the current academic year.

Licensure: Currently licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Registered Nurse

Skills/Experience:

M.S.N.: 18 months experience in a psychiatric inpatient setting,

B.S.N.: 3 years experience in a psychiatric setting.