Director of Nursing

Aspirus Wausau Hospital in Wausau, WI is seeking a Director - Nursing - Med/Surg ICU to join our Patient Care Support Services team The Director - Nursing - Med/Surg ICU at Aspirus Wausau Hospital is a key leadership position responsible for producing, nurturing, and sustaining a professional practice and healthy work environment. This role ensures patient care effectiveness and efficiency through leadership of multidisciplinary teams, effective physician relationships, and a shared vision for the future of Aspirus Wausau Hospital. The Director has 24/7 accountability for the overall supervision of unit leadership, all Registered Nurses, and other healthcare providers in their area.

Responsibilities:

• ICU Operations Accountability: 24/7 oversight of three ICUs (Neuro, Cardiac, Med/Surg), ensuring smooth and efficient operations. This includes managing daily activities, addressing any immediate issues that arise, and maintaining a high standard of care.
• Development of Neuro ICU: Ensuring the successful opening and continuous operation of the Neuro ICU. This involves planning and coordinating resources, setting up operational protocols, and ensuring the unit is fully staffed and functional by the target opening date.
• Quality Outcomes Management: Overseeing and improving quality outcomes across all ICUs by implementing best practices, monitoring performance metrics, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance patient care quality and safety.
• Financial Responsibilities: Managing the financial aspects of ICU operations, including budgeting, financial planning, resource allocation, and cost control. This requires balancing financial constraints with the need to maintain high-quality care and operational efficiency.
• Mentorship: Supporting and developing ICU managers through coaching, mentoring, and providing opportunities for professional growth. This includes identifying training needs, facilitating professional development programs, and ensuring managers have the necessary skills to lead their teams effectively
• Leadership and Collaboration: Co-leading with the Medical Director to support Nursing and Medical staff, ensuring alignment on goals and strategies, and working together to achieve quality outcomes and operational excellence. Working with Nurse Managers to establish best practice rounding for outcomes, enhancing service delivery, and recognizing high-performing staff in customer service.
• Problem Solving: demonstrate strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate the complexities of ICU operations. This role will require the ability to address and resolve conflicts effectively and make decisions under pressure to ensure seamless patient care and operational efficiency.
• Regulatory Compliance: Responsible for maintaining compliance with all regulatory standards, including those set by the Joint Commission, Medicare, OSHA, and other relevant bodies. The candidate will ensure adherence to hospital policies and procedures and have experience preparing for and managing regulatory audits to uphold the highest standards of care and safety.
• Human Resource Management: Overseeing the recruitment, selection, and retention of nursing staff. The Director of Nursing will conduct performance reviews, support professional development, and manage disciplinary actions as needed. Creating and maintaining a positive work environment will be essential for fostering a motivated and effective team.
• Patient Care: Delivering high-quality patient care. Responsibilities will include conducting patient rounding, implementing service recovery protocols, and enhancing patient satisfaction and experience. The role will require a dedication to maintaining and improving the standards of patient care.
• Adaptability: Effectively manage workload, recognize when to seek support, and implement new initiatives and best practices. This adaptability will be crucial for continuously improving patient care and operational efficiency.

Role Requirements:

• Onsite: This role requires employees to be onsite at the Wausau Hospital location five days a week and does not permit hybrid or remote work.
• Address: 333 Pine Ridge Blvd. Wausau, Wisconsin
• Team Dynamic: This role oversees approximately 6 direct reports and around 115 staff members.

Success Metrics:

• 30-Day Plan: Understand department operations, successfully open the Neuro ICU, and provide support and coaching to existing managers.
• 60-Day Plan: Relationship development with staff, Providers, other leaders, begin to facilitate and lead various projects and process improvement with early action plan suggestions/development
• 90-Day Plan: Achieve strong physician engagement, ensure quality outcomes, facilitate Critical Care Committee Meetings, participate in Cardiovascular Committee Meetings, oversee ICU meetings, and attend nurse executive meetings.
• First Year Success: Build relationships and trust within the organization, deliver on quality outcomes, and staff the Neuro ICU with core staff rather than contract staff.

Qualifications:

• Educational Background: Master's degree required or to be obtained within 2 years (preferably in healthcare). Bachelor's in Nursing required.
• Professional Experience: 5 years as a formal healthcare leader (manager or director), 3-5 years as a Director in high-level care ICUs preferred.
• Licensure: Active Wisconsin nursing license or compact.
• Certification: Current BLS certification or obtained within 90-days of hire.
• Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) system. Proficiency in using healthcare management tools and software.
• Skills: This role requires strong leadership and management skills to mentor and develop ICU managers and staff, strategic planning abilities, and oversight of multiple ICU units. Effective communication and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams are essential for enhancing patient care outcomes, fostering teamwork, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Additionally, the candidate must exhibit problem-solving abilities, financial acumen, and a commitment to high-quality patient care, while being adaptable in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Employee Benefits

• Full benefits packages available for part- and full-time status.
• PTO accrual from day one
• Generous retirement plan with match available.
• Wellness program for employees and their families.