Chief Clinical Officer

Position Summary   

The Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) is an executive level position which plans, coordinates and directs clinical and nursing patient care activities within the facility towards the organization’s mission, vision, values, strategic plans and goals.  The CCO position provides leadership support in the clinical services areas including acute care Nursing (Med/Surge, , ED, Special Care, OB, Perioperative services), Cardiopulmonary, Environmental Services, Nutritional Services and the dietician, clinical Laboratory, Radiology and Pharmacy departments.  The CCO ensures standards of patient care are met and advises medical staff, department managers, administration, and Board of Directors in matters related to clinical services.   The CCO participates as a member of the senior leadership team for ensuring organizational focus to achieve strategic plan goals and objectives and shares accountability for overall facility results.  The CCO ensures compliance with state, federal and other regulations impacting the organization’s licensure and/or accreditation. 

Environmental Conditions

Normal office and clinical environments.  When working in clinical areas, potential for exposure to infections and communicable diseases, blood and body fluids, electrical equipment, chemicals.  Must follow standard precautions; may be exposed to potentially-violent situations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does have supervisory responsibilities, and is responsible for supervision of department leaders as defined by the Organizational Chart, and other direct reports identified by individual job descriptions.

  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership ability demonstrated by leading and building relationships and trust (experienced as leader accountable for team progress, performance management and associated results).
• Proven ability to utilize continuous improvement and LEAN methodologies (including value stream mapping, A3 problem solving, and standard work) to improve processes – believes the right process will bring the right results 
• Strong analytical and statistical skills; demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage and lead departmental projects and process improvement activities.
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills including the ability to interact with leadership, staff, vendors and community members.
• Ability to motivate and direct the work of others and influence teammates to effectively drive change throughout the organization
• Strong verbal and written communication skills that promote understanding with target audience.
• Ability to meet stringent deadlines and perform under pressure.
• Knowledge of computer software (Microsoft Office Suite, electronic medical records and other computer software databases).

Job Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Plans, coordinates, and directs the activities of the patient care areas primarily in the following clinical services: acute care (med/surge, OB, ED, perioperative services), cardiopulmonary, nutritional services, environmental services, pharmacy, clinical      laboratory and radiology services.
• Assumes responsibility for hospital’s emergency preparedness program and assures related policies, procedures and documents are kept current and that hospital participates in necessary and relevant emergency preparedness drills and exercises. It is recommended these duties are delegated to someone within his/her areas of responsibility who is capable of      effectively carrying these duties out.
• Recommends establishment or revision of policies, procedures, and methods in clinical areas and develops organizational structure and standards of performance to ensure achievement of objectives.
• Provides organizational leadership by engendering the KAITER values, demonstrating commitment to achieving excellence and the organization’s vision of success.
• Represents the hospital before various civic, professional, educational, and business groups to discuss, market, interpret, and explain policies and programs and to foster good public relations. 
• Directs the preparation and monitoring of reporting services budget and controls reporting service's financial performance to assure positive contributions in accordance with the Hospital's strategic plan.
• Assures patient care compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory and licensing agencies.
• Ensures department managers have tools to perform personnel management functions such as establishing personnel qualification requirements, drafting procedure manuals, initiating in-service programs, and installing record and reporting systems.
• Develops and promotes teamwork through cooperative working relationships with other hospitals and community agencies, and with other officers, departments, department managers, and employees.
• Works collaboratively with nursing programs and schools, establishes and implements program involvement.
• Reads, analyzes, and interprets common industry clinical, financial reports, and legal documents.  Respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.  Effectively presents information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
• Assumes the role of Champion for ongoing LEAN initiatives in areas of responsibility and organization wide. Assure department manager and supervisors are effectively serving as LEAN coaches in areas of responsibility.

Managerial Job Responsibilities

Is responsible for management of department leaders and department functions as defined by the Organizational Chart.

Performance Expectations/ Competencies

In support of BHH, staff members are expected to embrace and demonstrate our Mission, Vision, and Values.

Our Values

Excellence: committing to consistent high-quality results and exemplary behavior

Kindness: demonstrating genuine concern for the well-being of others

Adaptability: responding positively to changing conditions

Integrity: being honest and reliable in all our interactions

Teamwork: contributing to the collective success of the organization

Respect: showing appreciation for and consideration of others

 Job Knowledge/Technical Competence:  Has thorough knowledge of job and its functions.  Is competent in the use of computer, equipment and other job-related tools to accomplish responsibilities.  Acquires new knowledge and skills as required.  

Judgment:  Demonstrates ability to make well-reasoned, sound decisions which affect work performance.  Proposes creative ideas for getting the job done.  Conducts adequate research before making decisions, actively solicits ideas from others.  

Interpersonal Competence:  Expresses ideas and concerns clearly, persuasively and appropriately.  Establishes mutually respectful relationships with colleagues throughout organization.  Is sensitive to others’ needs.  Develops rapport & trust.  Controls emotions and refrains from over-reacting.  Demonstrates flexibility when confronted with changing work demands.   

Customer and Quality Focus:  Responds to “customer’s needs” in a manner that provides added value and generates significant patient/customer satisfaction.  Focuses on continuous improvement of services, processes and procedures to better serve constituents.  Assumes ownership for resolving problems.  Quality of work standards are consistently met.  

Teamwork:  Willingly assists and supports others; establishes and maintains productive work relationships with colleagues.  Can be relied upon to persevere and carry assigned tasks through to completion on time.  

Organization Skills:  Maintains a well-organized work area.  Manages time to meet deadlines and commitments.  Makes best use of resources.  Maintains a safe and pleasant work environment.  

Compliance:  Complies with all BHH policies/procedures, behavioral standards, safety procedures.  Complies with attendance and scheduling expectations.  Completes mandatory education in a timely manner and maintains current licensure, certification and credentials as necessary for position.  Ensures confidentiality per policy.  Is obligated to act in ways that will merit the trust, confidence, and respect of other healthcare professionals and the general public.  Follows the BHH code of ethics and conduct and standards of conduct.  Complies with all applicable healthcare laws. Avoids exploitation of professional relationships for personal gain.  Avoids discriminatory practices and all forms of harassment.  Avoids disseminating information that is false, misleading, or deceptive.  Protects patient rights. Does not accept gifts or gratuities from individuals or companies.   Avoids conflicts of interest. Cooperates with internal investigations.  Complies with record-keeping requirements specific to position. Maintains a safe work environment. Appropriately uses organizational assets and resources. Protects access to information systems and safeguards trade secrets and proprietary information. Maintains documentation, coding and billing integrity. Reports any known or suspected violations of the code of ethics and conduct, laws, regulations, or other issues of concern to the appropriate agent(s) of BHH (i.e. supervisor, human resources staff, administration, compliance officer).

Commitment to continuous learning in appropriate field.  

Education: Master's degree (MSN) or equivalent is preferred; five-to-ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  

Licensure: Registered Nurse in the State of Montana; 

Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification and ACLS required.