Associate Chief Nursing Officer

JOB SUMMARY

The Associate Chief Nursing Officer (Associate CNO) has Administrative responsibilities for various Nursing Care areas, to include and may not be limited to: Emergency Services, Surgical Services, Women’s Health, Acute Care, Infusion Services, Hospice and Palliative Care, and the Patient Care Coordinators. The Associate CNO will interpret and support hospital medical staff philosophy, objectives and policies. The Associate CNO will be responsible for the following with an emphasis on Performance Improvement in each of these functions: preparation of a service line budget and the management of these funds appropriately; development of strategic plans in accordance with the goals of the hospital; collaboration with the hospital administrative team; will participate in medical staff meeting and hospital board of director meetings as needed; participate in authorization of policy and guidelines for the nursing department; and participate in a multidisciplinary Performance Improvement team within stated functional areas. In summary, in partnership with the Chief Clinical Officer (CCO)/Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) the Associate Chief Nursing Officer is responsible for patient care management, resource management and fiscal management.

MAJOR JOB FUNCTION

Is responsible for managing, directing and supervising the following areas: Surgical Services, Emergency Services, Women’s Health, Acute Care, Infusion Services, Hospice and Palliative Care, and the Patient Care Coordinators. Assists with defining and maintaining the standard of nursing practice within the institution. Assesses the quality of care rendered. Participates in the initiation and development of policies and procedures that govern nursing services and other services under position control. Is responsible for staff performance, recruitment, retention and development within service line. Is responsible for collaborating with other departments and agencies regarding resources and services for improved patient care and staff development. Is responsible for planning, developing and implementing a budgeted process for staffing and services rendered within service line. Evaluates the quality and cost-effectiveness of staffing and services within the goals of the hospital. Serves as a spokesperson; along with CCO/CNO, for nursing matters and represents the hospital with professional nursing and related organizations and can be a representative of the organization in community functions. Participates in appropriate meetings and committees. Encourages and supports research and improvement studies that can make meaningful contributions to the quality and economy of nursing services. Maintains a quality control program that assures accuracy in outcomes and meets state and federal requirements. Participate in strategic planning and goal setting consistent with hospital-wide goals and works toward their achievement while ensuring that short-term goals are met. Is aware of and acknowledges personal strengths, needs and limitations and the part they play in effective leadership. Maintains effectiveness in varying work environments where circumstances and priorities are changing. Demonstrates proficiency in regards to the computer documentation of patient cares and any other related computerized patient information/documentation. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

LEADERSHIP STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR

As a LEADER of Tomah Health I agree to comply with the Standards of Behavior for all employees. I further understand that as a LEADER I am a role model and expected to perform my duties and responsibilities to the best of my abilities. I recognize that my leadership style will influence the behavior of those around me, and that I am accountable for the performance of my department or division. I will demonstrate my commitment to Tomah Health by adhering to the following:

TEAMWORK My primary responsibility as a leader is to ensure that those I lead succeed, and my success is only possible if those I lead succeed. My responsibility as a leader extends to the hospital as a whole, not a single department or group of departments. PROFESSIONALISM I recognize that I am held to a higher standard than those I am charged with leading. I am an ambassador for Tomah Health, and I commit to representing the organization in a professional manner. QUALITY I will hold those I am charged with leading accountable for complying with the standards of behavior. I commit to addressing underperformance in a prompt and professional manner. WORK ETHIC I commit to providing those I am charged with leading all the resources and support necessary to succeed. I will promptly address those who are unwilling or unable to take advantage of those resources. COMMUNICATION I will foster open and honest communication within my department and with other departments of the hospital. When communicating with others I will be direct, I will be an active listener, and I will promptly reply to email and voicemail messages. ATTITUDE I recognize the contributions of every staff member and every department to the success of the hospital. I will approach every challenge or obstacle with an open and unbiased mind, and I commit to asking for assistance in dealing with difficult situations or problems when necessary.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from an accredited school of nursing, Masters’ Degree or in process of obtaining a Masters’ degree required. Current licensure to permit to practice as a registered nurse in the state of Wisconsin. 3+ years nursing managerial experience required.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Possess knowledge and skills in the following areas: principles of organization, theories of management, human resource management, strategies of nursing management, financial management, foundation of health laws and statistics and research methodology. Excellent human relation skills as demonstrated by the ability to interface positively with all customers and employees. Must acquire the knowledge and maintain established competency levels to perform essential professional nursing practice. Must have proficient computer skills with the ability to operate within a Windows environment. Must have the ability to work with frequent interruptions, under stress, with minimal supervision, and to exercise initiative and judgment in analyzing, organizing, planning, prioritizing, scheduling and coordinating work with others. Needs to possess as high level of intelligence, integrity, sense of responsibility and ability to comprehend and analyze details. Knowledge of theory, principles, techniques and practice of professional nursing; of scientific principles and nursing research; of preparation, administration, and actions of medications; of treatments and medical procedures; of counseling and teaching techniques; of medical equipment as it relates to patient care. Ability to operate and handle many kinds of complex equipment. Ability to demonstrate clinical competence and maintain current knowledge in caring for infant through geriatric patients.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, and talk and hear. The Associate CNO is frequently required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. The Associate CNO is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel or crouch. The Associate CNO must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Good hearing is necessary to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make fine discriminations in sound. Visual acuity is needed to assess color changes, to verify accuracy of written materials and to administer and accurately prepare medications.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must understand and accept the possibility of exposure to inside environmental conditions, such as infectious/communicable diseases, noise, blood and bloodborne diseases, chemicals and/or chemical fumes, odors, gases, dusts, and physical injury/verbal abuse from an out-of-control patient. Frequent exposure to distressed patients, families or visitors. Must be able to function effectively under stressful situations.

---