Position Summary:

This professional staff person has 24-hour accountability for maintaining the day-to-day operations of his/her assigned unit(s). The Assistant Director, Clinical provides support to the staff by directing, monitoring and evaluating the patient load and ensures that patient care is optimized through the proper allocation of nursing resources. As a member of the interdisciplinary care team, the Assistant Director, Clinical works collaboratively with the other members to ensure safe and accurate delivery of care. In addition, the Assistant Director, Clinical serves as the clinical expert for patient care in a cross-functional mode to comprehensively serve patient needs utilizing external resources necessary to provide high quality care. Assumes, under the direction of the Laboratory, responsibility for patient specimen testing, quality control, quality improvement and equipment maintenance.

Work Schedule:

Flexible schedules to cover all shifts and weekends, as hospital needs demands.

Primary Duties

Staff/Unit Responsibilities:

• Delegates appropriately to licensed and/or non-licensed staff in accordance with job descriptions, license requirements and standards of practice.
• Utilizes resources in an efficient and cost effective manner.
• Participates in developing other staff and affiliating students.
• Maintains and develops own professional competencies.
• Maintains unit-based competencies.
• Maintains and promotes a team spirit through active cooperation, collaboration, and role modeling.
• Serves as an intermediary in resolving staff conflicts.
• Collaborates with all departments to facilitate patient flow.
• Assists in interdepartmental service coordination.
• Actively participates in the Performance Improvement, Utilization Review and other hospital-wide programs at the discretion of the Director of Nursing.
• Assumes a leadership role in the maintenance of the patient-focused care delivery system.
• Assists in directing and guiding staff in the coordination of unit operations in collaboration with other Directors and peers.
• Supports the multi-skilled worker environment (i.e., cross training).
• Demonstrates a willingness to assist other areas of the hospital as needed.
• Effectively demonstrates prioritization and time management skills.
• Assists in all aspects of care in the environment as needed.
• Supports the staff by reviewing daily volume requirements and ensuring data is accurate and complete
• Coordinates emergency equipment readiness through daily checks.
• Coordinates the tracking, availability and maintenance of unit equipment.
• Oversees/assists/supports staff in the organization and stocking of the assigned departments.
• Maintains positive workflow by monitoring meal times and break times.
• Makes rounds daily and as needed and is aware of the general needs of each patient and staff member in their assigned area.
• Maintains appropriate nursing resources through flexible staffing.
• Assists Director of Nursing with appropriate disciplinary action when required.
• Investigates, resolves and documents action on variances.
• Assists with recruiting and interviewing of competent staff.
• Assists staff in problem solving work issues and in adapting to the patient-focused care environment.
• Assists in the training of staff on hospital computer system.
• Assists in the orientation, evaluation and retention of clinical staff.
  • Maintains adherence to the preceptor program.
  • Evaluates staff competencies and intervenes to maintain quality.

Patient Care:

• Assists in the turnover of rooms as needed, assist in the periodic assessment of the cases.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members in the development, evaluation, and revision of the plan of care as appropriate to meet the patient’s needs and goals.
• Assists healthcare team members in the understanding of hospital policies and procedures.
• Assists in providing education to patients/families/significant other and to staff, incorporating age-specific criteria and assessment of readiness to learn.
• Ensures patient confidentiality.
• Ensures compliance with utilization of standard precautions.
• Maintains all required documentation.
• Facilitates discharge plan in collaboration with interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrates knowledge and ability to use necessary patient care equipment in the area of responsibility as applicable.
• Assists the Director of Nursing by responding to and resolving patient complaints to the best of his/her ability.
• Ensures quality patient care through appropriate staff/patient assignments
• Performs Point of Care procedures in a timely manner according to established policy and procedure.  Documents required information and complies with all Point of Care quality control standards.

Managerial Tasks:

• Assists in the overall operation of the hospital through active participation in projects aimed at achieving the hospital’s mission and incorporates the values of the hospital in day-to-day activities.
• Assists in the selection of equipment, supplies and goods with goals of quality and cost efficiency.
• Communicates with staff and physicians on administrative issues and follows-up to bring closure to such issues.
• Assumes a leadership role in the maintenance of the patient-focused care delivery systems.
• Assists Director of Nursing with performance reviews of staff and assists in the development and education of staff in collaboration with the education department as well as other departments as directed.
• Responds to issues of harassment and discrimination per company policy.
• Assist in completion of employee evaluations in a timely manner per company policy.
• Investigates work related issues and assists staff in problem solving and/or plans of action to promote patient safety and a healthy work environment.
• Responsible for generation and maintenance of daily staff assignments to coordinate unit operations.
• Responsible for communication of pertinent information to staff on daily basis.

Qualifications/Specifications:

• Education: Graduate of an accredited nursing program required, Baccalaureate degree, or higher, in health-care related field preferred.
• Licensure/Certification: Registered Nurse with current state licensure or licensure from a state within the Nursing Compact required. Current BLS and ACLS certifications required. CCRN preferred.   Certifications are to be renewed by recommended renewal date on certification documentation.
• Experience: Minimum of three years extensive, adult critical care with an emphasis on cardiology/cardiovascular care required. CVICU,SICU, or CCU experience strongly preferred.