CLINICAL NURSE COORD - ED NIGHTS

Job Description Summary

Under the direction of the Divisional Director/Nurse Manager of the service/department, the Clinical Nursing Coordinator has 24 hour responsibility for the coordination of nursing services. The Clinical Nursing Coordinator has authority to make patient care decisions on the unit.

Job Description

Essential Functions

1. Monitors/maintains unit compliance with regulatory, accrediting and Hospital policy for patient services, and environmental and personnel safety.

a. As agreed to with Divisional Director/department manager, reports unit compliance with regulatory agencies' standards (i.e., OSHA, TJC, DPH, FDA) to Divisional Director/department manager.

b. Monitors the staff's understanding of established emergency, infection control and/or Universal Precautions procedures as evidenced by CQI reports, incident follow-ups, staff meeting minutes and direct observation by Divisional Director/department manager /designee.

2. Supports unit CQI program which monitors and evaluates critical aspects of care.

a. On an annual basis identifies critical aspects/elements of care to be monitored as part of CQI yearly process.

b. Participates in the development of a unit based CQI calendar as evidenced by divisional meeting minutes, development of data abstract and ten step process forms.

c. Submits weekly, quarterly and monthly reports as requested to Divisional Director/department manager.

d. Facilitates dissemination of unit's CQI results is evidenced in staff meeting minutes.

3. Maintains current license and knowledge of patient care requirements for all patients on the unit.

a. Assesses need for personal growth and development and takes the initiative in seeking opportunities to meet this need.

b. Develops written goals as evidenced by the annual performance appraisal.

c. Shares information obtained at continuing educational programs with peers by verbal and/or written report to division operations.

d. Maintains/acquires new certifications as required by position.

e. Utilizes evidence based practices and specialty standards to guide nursing practice.

4. Accurately identifies real/potential problems affecting the service and implements solutions with follow-through communication.

a. Consults with patients/families as evidenced by rounds, family conferences, case conferences.

b. Responds to reported problems/complaints based on urgency.

c. Follows-up on patient survey responses as assigned by Divisional Director/department manager in accordance with hospital policy and procedure within five working days following receipt of survey. Completes the investigative process as defined by procedure.

d. Fully documents the complaints and investigative findings; completes the follow-up letters, reports as assigned.

e. Any identified trends will be communicated to the Director/Manager and addressed following hospital policy and procedure.

f. Evaluates effectiveness of corrective action plan within the timeframe specified as requested by Divisional Director/department manager once the need for corrective action is identified and the plan is implemented by the manager & CNS.

g. Identifies potential for problems within existing system by direct observation or analysis of data.

5. Fosters a service which is consistent with the patient care beliefs and shared governance philosophy of the department.

a. Provides for opportunity to discuss and update staff on progress of shared governance model, project team, etc., as evidenced by staff meeting minutes.

b. Supports staff involvement in project teams/committees as evidenced by discussion in minutes.

c. Projects are completed with consideration for quality, practice and educational components.

d. Participates in or chairs projects or committees as volunteered or assigned.

6. Participates in or chairs projects or committees as volunteered or assigned.

a. Consults with patients/families as evidenced by rounds, family conferences, case conference.

b. Follows-up on patient survey responses in accordance with Hospital policy and procedure within five working days following receipt of survey. Any identified trends will be addressed following Hospital policy and procedure, as evidenced by communication with the Divisional Director.

7. Provides assistance to manager for on-going development of staff and unit specific patient care programs.

a. Assists Divisional Director/department manager in monitoring mandatory educational activities of personnel on the unit to ensure individual and unit compliance.

b. Arranges opportunities for staff access to mandatory educational programs.

c. Works with staff to establish and maintain teaching and technical aids.

d. Works collaboratively with the department’s CNS; participates in Skills Day by manning a skills station, promotes on-going development of staff and unit specific patient care programs.

8. Responsible for effective and efficient fiscal management of department operations to ensure proper utilization of organizational and financial resources.

a. Monitors trends and recommends staffing adjustments based on them.

b. As assigned by Divisional Director/department manager, monitors the allocation and utilization of assigned personnel based on changes in patient population / needs and provides the highest level of patient care while controlling costs (overtime utilization, staffing mix).

c. Makes recommendations regarding changes of products/par levels reflect cost, quality and standardization.

d. Participates in the budget process by working with Divisional Director/department manager to recommend staffing plan and personnel mix to service the unit.

e. Works with Divisional Director/department manager to project and recommend capital equipment needs for the unit and provides back-up documentation and justification.

f. Works with Divisional Director/department manager to interpret budget to staff and enlist their cooperation in cost containment as evidenced by staff minutes.

9. Technology - embraces technological solutions to work processes and practices.

a. Functions as a Super User when organizational initiatives are implemented.

b. Remains current and acts as a resource for staff with technology-based changes related to care delivery/documentation of care delivery.

10. COLLABORATION
a. Collaborates with other organizational departments to improve and enhance patient care services.

b. Utilizes appropriate resources within the institution to provide consultation, education, technical or informational services as needed, for self, staff and patients.

c. Initiates interdepartmental communication to ensure problems are resolved and special needs are met.

d. Works with other organizational departments to advocate for, develop and implement service enhancement for patients and families.

e. Utilizes Shared Management model on unit in collaboration with the Nurse Manager to resolve real and potential problems and to implement improvements and change.

11. COMPLIANCE

a. Works within legal, regulatory and ethical practice standards relevant to the position.

b. Complies with applicable policies and procedures.

c. Safeguards the privacy and security of patient information. The employee complies with policies and procedures relating to SSH’s privacy and security programs.

d. Brings potential compliance issues to a manager, supervisor, director or VP.

e. Complies with the mandatory education requirements of the compliance, privacy and security programs.

12. Safety Awareness – fosters a “Culture of Safety” through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment.

a. Prior to start of any invasive procedures, a final verification to confirm the correct patient, procedure, site, and information is done.

b. Abbreviations on the hospital DO NOT USE list are adhered to, as evidenced through ongoing concurrent medical record review.

c. Prior to use of any intravenous infusion pump assures free flow protection is in place.

d. Verifies patient according to policy prior to administration of care/procedures/medications.

e. Follows approved procedure for verifying MD orders including a verbal readback to the licensed independent practitioner after receiving a telephone order.

f. Assures that alarms are activated with appropriate settings and are sufficiently audible.

g. Assesses and periodically reassesses each patient's risk of falling utilizing the approved fall risk assessment tool, according to policy.

h. Consistently follows the South Shore Hospital policy to mark surgical sites.

i. Adheres to current process for identification and follow up of crucial values

j. Makes appropriate use of personal protective equipment at all times.

13. Safety Awareness (Cont'd)

a. Adheres to respiratory etiquette guidelines.

b. Adheres to universal precautions.

c. Appropriately disposes of hazardous materials

d. Adheres to electrical safety guidelines.

Essential Functions (Cont.)

I. Technology and Learning
a. Participates in continued learning and possess a willingness and ability to learn and utilize new technology and procedures that continue to develop in their role and throughout the organization.

b. Embraces technological advances that allow us to communicate information effectively and efficiently based on role.

UNIT / DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Oversees and monitors all ED patient dispositions
2. Maintain consistent communication with hospital Flow Coordinator and admitting department to facilitate and manage bed placement.
3. Consistent rounding of all Emergency Department patient care areas to facilitate and maintain proper and timely flow.
4. Daily staffing to be done for the next day and updated as needed. Will address any staffing shortage with Operation Supervisor and manager and help with replacement of staff.
5. Participate in Shore Teams rounding at 9A,4P & 10P

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Other duties as required.
2. Utilizes appropriate resources within the institution to provide consultation, education, technical or informational services as needed for self, staff and patients.
3. Develops collaborative working relationships with department heads, physicians and other resources/support personnel who provide services to the unit and/or patients, as evidenced by observation.
4. Initiates communication to ensure problems are resolved and special needs are met as evidenced by, but not limited to, Employee Communication forms, incident report follow-up and patient survey response follow-up.
5. Follows communication mechanism established to provide information to administrative clinical coordinators covering the unit off-shifts.
6. Collaborates with the Divisional Director/department manager to ensure effective Human Resources management to achieve and maintain quality services and positive employee relations.
7. Consistently and fairly interprets and enforces Human Resources policies.
8. Collaborates with the Divisional Director/department manager to maintain effective and appropriate staffing by monitoring unit employee turnover, overtime and absenteeism, as evidenced by monthly variance report.
9. Contributes feedback to the Divisional Director/department manager who incorporates information when conducting employee performance appraisals. Identifies problems/strengths/weaknesses and provides counseling, instruction or coaching as necessary. Follows progressive disciplinary action process when necessary to maintain productivity and/or performance standards.
10. Works closely with Divisional Director/department manager, peers and Human Resources on the selection of qualified employees for employment following all policies, guidelines and applicable laws, as evidenced by interview form, selection and hire of personnel for the unit.

ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support,PALS or ENPC - Pediatric Advanced Life Support or Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course. Demonstrates proficiency in acute care nursing knowledge and skills. Demonstrated leadership ability and potential managerial competency. Evidence of this includes but is not limited to, effective communication skills, ability to deal well with people, ability to problem solve, ability to confront/resolve issues, ability to motivate others, ability to plan, organize and direct the activities of others. Membership in professional organizations is recommended and certification in specialty areas is encouraged.