JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the CNO, provides daily and strategic administrative oversight/service line leadership and operational control to patient care units under his/her area of responsibility.

This position requires providing Patient Care managerial/administrative supervision to nursing unit, which provides care/service across the continuum of care in a manner that, demonstrates an understanding of the functional and/or developmental age of the individual served.

This position requires the full understanding and active participation in fulfilling the Mission of Whittier Hospital Medical Center. It is expected that the employee will demonstrate behavior consistent with the Core Values. The employee shall support Whittier Hospital Medical Center’s strategic plan and the goals and direction of the Performance Improvement Plan (PIP).

A. KNOWLEDGE OF WORK

A. Knowledgeable about patient care in practice as well as theory
B. Knowledge and compliance with Hospital policies and procedures
C. Knowledge of regulatory standards and practices
D. Knowledge of basic budgeting and fiscal reporting

B. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Plans, directs and coordinates services for in-patient unit regarding operations, nursing practices, short and long term goals, and budgets. RATING
B. Supervises and coordinates the work of unlicensed and licensed staff including charge nurses in unit.
C. Responsible for effective management of operational and staffing matters, problem solving, training, supplies and equipment requisites, performance management, conflict resolution, coaching/disciplinary actions, and hiring/retention of staff.
D. Manages quality and effectiveness of care given by staff.
E. Advises the CNO of nursing and administrative issues of unit.
F. Ensures compliance with quality assurance, safety, infection control, and environmental procedures in accordance with regulatory requirements.
G. Utilizes efficient managerial skills and critical thinking in order to optimize expense control.
H. Ensures development of subordinates and succession planning.
I. Recognizes consequences of decisions to budget.
J. Responsible for positive staff morale, staff absenteeism management and low turnover. Ensures qualified new hires and vacancies levels are appropriate
K. Prioritizes projects and uses time management to maximize efficiencies.
L. Utilizes management process; gather data, identify issue (goal), identify remedy (objectives), implement and monitor to ensure expected results are achieved.
M. Ensures standards are established and communicated to staff to ensure effectiveness of department.
N. Clearly identifies the customer(s) they serve and establishes customer service initiatives to ensure ultimate customer service is provided in order to achieve targeted outcomes.
O. Possess the technical knowledge to appropriately develop spreadsheets, reports, and budgeting. Demonstrates good project management skills to ensure targeted outcomes are achieved.
P. Possess general knowledge of wage and hour regulations, record keeping, OSHA, workers’ comp, Department of Labor, EEOC, leave of absence laws, and complies with company policies and procedures.
Q. Works collaboratively with Human Resources to effectively handle administrative proceedings.
R. Actively engages in self-improvement and training activities for subordinates to ensure the strategic goals and objectives are met.
S. Demonstrates an understanding of organizational processes and procedures and adheres to the approved process. Ensures subordinates follow approved process and procedures.

C. INITIATIVE AND JUDGMENT/ATTENDANCE AND RELIABILITY
1. Independently recognizes and performs duties which need to be done without being directly assigned. Establishes priorities; organizes work and time to meet them.
2. Recognizes and responds to priorities, accepts changes and new ideas. Has insight into problems and the ability to develop workable alternatives.
3. Accepts constructive criticism in a positive manner.
4. Adheres to attendance and punctuality requirements per hospital policy. Provides proper notification for absences and tardiness. Takes corrective action to prevent recurring absences or tardiness.
5. Uses time effectively and constructively. Does not abuse supplies, equipment, and service.
6. Observes all hospital and departmental policies governing conduct while at work (e.g., telephone and computer use, electronic messaging, smoking regulations, parking, breaks and other related policies).

SECTION II: SERVICE EXCELLENCE
1. Understands respects and displays sensitivity to culture, age and persons with disabilities.
2. Participates actively and positively affects the outcomes of customer service activities.
3. Uses effective collaborative strategies as evidenced by:
a) Developing peer relationships that enable the work group to accomplish the daily workload within the allotted time frame and achieve departmental goals.
b) Recognizing and understanding that as a member of an interdependent group, collaboration and compromise is required in order to maintain the effectiveness of the group as a whole to effectively resolve problems.
c) Timely notification to Department Manager/Director of potential problems or concerns. When faced with a problem or concern, is proactive by presenting suggested solutions at the time that the Department Manager/Director is made aware of the problem or concern.
d) Displaying teamwork ability to promote cooperation and collaboration; gaining support for programs and goals.
e) Supports Patient Rights.
4. Displays honesty and respect for others, and respect for the organization as evidenced by:
a) Treating internal and external customers as the most important part of the job.
b) Being sensitive to customer’s emotions, thoughts and feelings.
c) Refraining from negative comments of any kind where the public or other customers can hear.
d) Taking appropriate actions to resolve the concern.
5. Facilitates and enhances communication as evidenced by:
a) Effective and timely processing of customers’ requests according to hospital and departmental policies.
b) Utilizing verbal communication methods, which enable others to clearly understand what is being said.
c) Utilizing verbal and non-verbal behaviors without being defensive, manipulative, aggressive or controlling.
d) Using written communication that is legible, timely and at a level based on the position specific requirements.
e) Listening attentively to ensure effective two-way communication.
f) Expressing and accepting feedback in a professional manner.
g) Answering the telephone with stating department, name and greeting.
6. Interacts with coworkers, other hospital staff, physicians, and the public in a courteous, professional and efficient manner.
7. Establishes good rapport and working relationships with coworkers, other hospital staff, physicians and the public
8. Observes dress code policy and wears hospital identification as required by our policies and procedures.

SECTION III: CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

A. CORPORATE INTEGRITY
1. Understands and abides by all departmental policies and procedures as well as the Codes of Ethics, HIPAA requirements and patient rights.
2. Complies with federal, state, local laws that govern business practices. Complies with all Department of Health Services requirements for the State of California, and HCFA standards that apply to the position.
3. Is knowledgeable and adheres to JCAHO/DHS/CMS standards specific to the position.
4. Participates actively in ensuring that all state and federal rules and regulations are followed as they apply to this position.
5. Conducts business in an ethical and trustworthy manner at all times when dealing with patients, visitors, physicians, and fellow employees.

B. EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENT OF CARE
1. Attends scheduled in-service and mandatory in-service. Communicates ideas to supervisor for a safer layout of equipment, tools, and/or processes.
2. Follows standard precautions and transmission based precautions as shown by consistent use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
3. Adheres to procedures for the disposal of waste – household waste and biohazard waste as well as the proper disposal of sharps.
4. Uses proper body mechanics and safe patient handling devices at all times. Seeks assistance when necessary to move heavy objects or to transport/transfer a heavy patient.
5. Is knowledgeable in the hospital safety program and takes necessary steps to maintain a safe environment. Adheres to safe work practices in order to prevent injuries and illnesses.
6. Is familiar with emergency codes and emergency preparedness procedures and understands his/her role in response to each of the emergency codes (Code Red, Code Blue, Code Pink, Code Orange, Code Yellow, Code Gray, Code Silver, Code Purple, etc.)
7. Maintains the department in a neat, clean, and orderly manner, especially in own work area.
8. Eliminates or assists in eliminating any seen or known hazards in the workplace. Reports any unsafe conditions to his or her immediate supervisor.
9. Demonstrates good safety habits and judgment by maintaining a safe environment at all times.
10. Complies with all hospital safety and injury prevention policies and regulations (seven Environment of Care plans and hospital safety policies and procedures).
TOTAL DIVIDED BY # OF CATEGORIES

C. PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT
1. Understands the Continuous Quality Improvement Process and applies it in performing everyday tasks/duties. Active participant in Continuous Quality Improvement program by assisting in finding new and better ways of performing duties and responsibilities.
2. Understands performance improvement concepts and demonstrates understanding by:
a) Defining performance improvement, and verbalizing at least one major goal of the performance improvement program within the hospital setting.
b) Ability to describe a quality improvement problem solving process (e.g., PDCA) and how its use assists in reaching improving patient outcomes and/or organizational quality improvement goals.
c) Able to verbalize at least one departmental or hospital wide improvement initiative that has occurred within the last 12 months.
3. Cooperates with others in the improvement of services offered at our institution. Continually makes recommendations that assist in the improvement of services.
4. Continually strives for self-improvement in areas of responsibility by attending continuing education classes.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in nursing, related health-care or management field required. Masters’ Degree preferred.

Experience: Three years progressive management experience in field of expertise required Excellent written/verbal and computer communication skills. Experience in budget preparation/operation

License/Certification: Current active California RN license. American Heart Association (AHA) BLS, and ACLS Card