Job Description

Job Title: Assistant Director of Nursing

Reports To: Director of Nursing

Status: Exempt

Positions Summary:

The Assistant Director of Nursing is responsible for the planning, direction and evaluation of effective and comprehensive nursing care practices which promote, maintain and restore the wellbeing of all patients to their fullest potential. Assists the DON in operation and nursing staff in developing care services while adhering to all federal, state and local regulatory requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Assists the DON in the development of short- and long-term goals and objectives in collaboration with other direct care departments.

Establishes and implements action plans to ensure the attainment of the department’s goals and objectives.

Collaborates with others in organizational programming and committee work; including, planning and implementation of disaster, fire and safety programs, membership of the following committees: Pharmacy & Therapeutics, Infection Control, Patient Care Evaluation and Medical Advisory Committee.

Ensures compliance with applicable State and Federal standards and regulations for long-term care in advance of the annual inspections by the VA Dept of Health.

Formulates, implements and monitors nursing policies and procedures which meet accepted professional standards, required health regulations and established organizational policies.

Determines necessary resources for care and recommends the budget for all nursing personnel, equipment and supplies.

Implements appropriate action to eliminate, correct, or reduce identified problems regarding nursing care operations.

 Assesses and plans for educational and training needs of self and nursing staff including the instituting of orientation systems for each skill level, the provision of in-service programming and extra agency educational programs.

Provides for clinical experiences for students in the nursing field. Devises continuing education system for advancement.

Promotes excellent community relations and serves as a member of various internal and external committees and attends special events and functions.

Manages and coordinates other related nursing management responsibilities as necessary.

Manages and coordinates the planning, initiation and completion of special projects as required. Remains flexible and adaptable in work schedules and work assignments as defined by departmental goals and facility needs.

Assures that call all call bells are answered promptly, meeting all residents’ needs in a timely manner.

Reports incidents, accidents or changes in condition to the RN Supervisor immediately.

Strictly adheres to infection control and safety rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Maintains the confidentiality of all resident care information, including protected health information in accordance with HIPAA and other federal and state regulations.

Performs all tasks and duties in an efficient and safe manner. Performs other related duties as assigned or as necessary. Remains flexible and adaptable in work schedules and work assignments as defined by departmental and facility needs.

Represents Vita Healthcare in a manner that conveys professionalism, confidentiality, courtesy, fairness, personal integrity, and respect for the fundamental rights, dignity, personal comfort and privacy of others.

Required Competencies:

QUALITY & PRODUCTIVITY

Provides high quality services, processes and programs while consistently seeking ways to improve outcomes and enhance the facility. Meets or exceeds goals and objectives and consistently engages in productive work effort requiring, minimal direction from manager.

PROFESSIONALISM

Demonstrates self-control by maintaining composure in difficult situations; deals calmly and effectively with stressful situations. Projects a professional image of oneself and the organization and demonstrates a positive attitude towards work and the organization.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Demonstrates commitment to the position and accepts responsibility for personal actions.

COLLABORATION & TEAMWORK

Supports a positive team environment in which employees participate, respect and cooperate with each other to achieve desired results. Builds and sustains cooperative working relationships and demonstrates a positive attitude in work assignments and interaction with others.

COMMUNICATION

Expresses self in a knowledgeable, coherent, and professional manner. Works to resolve conflict and promotes an open and honest environment for feedback and constructive criticism.

LEADERSHIP

Provides direction and motivation and sets an example through open communication and modeling best practices. Provides appropriate advice, on- going feedback, support and resources to improve effectiveness of individuals and departments.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION AND/ OR EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 3 years’ experience in Long Term Care and previous supervision or administrative experience in nursing with a strong focus on gerontological and/or rehabilitative service programs preferred.

Knowledge and demonstrated capacity for leadership skills in the design, implementation and evaluation of nursing care programs which are coordinated with the total health care of residents.

Knowledge of clinical practices and procedures as well as laws, regulations and guidelines that pertain to long term care. Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, governmental agencies and then general public.

Ability to develop and manage staff in an environment which enhances the highest standards of nursing care. Must be able to effectively communicate with older adults in a manner that conveys warmth and professionalism.

LICENSURE AND/OR CERTIFICATION

RN with a current active license in Maryland.