Chief Nursing Officer

Description

Plans, organizes, and directs the provision of patient care services. Supervises department personnel and all functions including developing and maintaining nursing services objectives, standards of care, policy and procedures, and education in-services.

All RRH employees must perform their job responsibilities according to all RRH Hospital policies, as well as to accrediting organizations, federal and state regulation, and to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines, as applicable.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

A. Plans, organizes, and directs the provision of patient care services.

a. Develops and maintains nursing practice that is consistent with the Nurse Practice Act for the State of Texas.

b. Plans and directs compliance of procedure and policy manuals for each nursing unit and procedures to maintain their currency.

c. Maintains current job descriptions for all categories of nursing personnel.

d. Visits all nursing units, analyzing, and evaluating nursing and related services provided to patients.

e. Assumes responsibility for identifying problem areas of patient care and formulates plans of action to solve them.

f. Assures proper handling and emergency care of patients, visitors, and employees involved in accidents while in the building or on the job. 

g. Provides care appropriate for the neonate and the 

h. Pediatric, adolescent, and geriatric patients served based on demonstrated knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span.

i. Assesses and interprets data on neonate and the pediatric, adolescent, and geriatric patients’ status to identify patients’ requirements relative to their age-specific needs and provides care needed as stipulated in departmental policy.  

B. Facilitates favorable relationships within nursing, and with the Medical Staff, and all other hospital departments and seeks input regarding nursing care.

a. Maintains positive and effective working relationships with other departments and the Medical Staff, and with federal, state, and local agencies. 

b. Coordinates nursing service activities with other departments.

c. Serves as a consultant on admitting and discharge policies and procedures.

d. Establishes nursing procedures on the administration and control of medications under the direction of the Pharmacist and the Pharmacy Committee.

C. Manages department functions and supervises department personnel.

a. Establishes Nursing Department goals and objectives and evaluates progress towards their achievement.

b. Initiates departmental policies, procedures, and practices consistent with hospital policy.

c. Supervises and coordinates activities including work routine and schedules, and selects, hires, develops, evaluates, disciplines, and terminates department employees in compliance with hospital policy. 

d. Directs and coordinates department budget preparation and monitors the utilization of approved budgeted resources including supplies, equipment, and adequate staffing levels for nursing.

e. Assures compliance with federal, state, and other regulations pertaining to nursing services and the provision of patient care. 

D. Provides for quality assurance and improvement.

a. Develops the department quality assurance plan and determines areas to be monitored.

b. Informs department personnel of quality assurance activities. 

c. Provides reports and results to the hospital Quality Assurance Committee.

d. Submits specific recommendations to the Administrator and the Medical Staff.  

E. Maintains the infection control policies and procedures.

a. Initiates, reviews, and revises infection control policies and procedures. 

b. Maintains close communication with all hospital personnel to act as the focal point for accumulating infection control information.

c. Assists with and participates in infection control in-service for the entire hospital.  

Requirements

• Education:  Graduate of an accredited School of Professional Nursing

Bachelors Degree in Nursing or equivalent preferred. A Masters degree in Nursing is desirable.

• Personal Job-Related Skills: Advanced knowledge of nursing theories and practices. Leadership and management abilities and effective oral and written communications skills.
• Licensure, Registry or Certification: Registered Nurse currently Licensed by the State of Texas and BCLS required. 
• Prior Work Experience: Five years of professional nursing experience in a clinical setting, two years in a nursing Managerial, supervisory, or instructor role.
• Technical Training: Current CPR certification and ACLS 
• Physical and Mental Requirements: Duties of the position require moderate periods of walking and standing. Pushing, pulling, reaching, and bending when involved in patient care. Lifting up to 50 pounds and occasional heavy lifting in supporting or moving patients that may suddenly become weak or helpless.