Psychiatric Nursing Director 

The Psychiatric Nursing Director is accountable for direction and coordination of clinical and administrative operations within the Nursing Division. Provides ongoing guidance and support to ensure the alignment of assigned patient care units/departments/managers/staff within the Division with the organizational mission/vision/strategies and goals. Facilitates interdepartmental communication and collaboration to optimize team relationships and quality patient outcomes.  Leads special projects within the Nursing Division including the development/implementation of new patient care programs/services and initiatives related to quality, safety and efficiency of nursing operations and patient throughput.  Ensures incorporation of Magnet Program principles and concepts into the day to day functioning of assigned nursing units/departments. 

1. Nursing Operations

• Ensures timely, effective resolution of operational issues/problems/critical incidents that impact patient care/nursing/throughput processes in areas of responsibility. 

• Develops and oversees implementation of operational changes with potential to involve multiple patient care-related departments/units. 

• Provides administrative direction for assigned units/departments and Nurse Managers/department leaders. 

• Provides oversight for the coordination, standardization, and improvement of patient care and throughput in areas of responsibility, including staffing, scheduling, and optimal resource management. 

• Monitors the monthly operating statement and budget variances on assigned units/departments and directs the Nurse Managers and/or department leaders in addressing and correcting variances. 

• Assists with the development of annual capital and operational budgets for the Nursing Division. 

• Builds and maintains strong collaborative relationships with medical staff members practicing in areas of responsibility. 

• Facilitates new product implementation and product conversions to enhance patient care delivery and contain costs. 

• Accountable for the research, development, and implementation of special projects/new services that impact areas of responsibility. 

• Collaborates with information services in the integration and optimization of clinical informatics systems to support patient care. 

• Provides input on facility renovation/construction projects involving assigned patient care units to ensure integration of clinical needs. 

• Facilitates communication & collaboration to ensure compliance with required processes to maximize throughput, and care transitions within Memorial Medical Center units/departments and patient placement needs from Memorial Health System hospitals. 

• Serves on key housewide committees/task forces/work groups as Nursing Division representative. 

• Works with Human Resource colleagues in the planning, implementation & evaluation of patient care workforce needs including recruitment, retention, and professional development of current and future staff. 

• Performs other tasks/duties to support the Nursing Division as assigned.

1. Nursing Quality and Safety

• Participates in analysis of actual and potential critical quality and safety incidents and ensures appropriate resolutions are implemented, monitored, evaluated and reported. 

• Provides administrative direction to assigned Nurse Managers, department leaders, and colleagues in monitoring and developing action plans to address patient, employee and physician satisfaction issues. 

• Maintains current knowledge and compliance with all Joint Commission accreditation standards and relevant state and federal regulations. 

• Assumes leadership role in preparation for on-site surveys and follow-up action plans related to accreditation and licensing surveys/reviews. 

• Monitors monthly nursing quality indicators for assigned areas of responsibility, and ensures appropriate action plans and follow-up occurs. 

• Collaborates with interprofessional colleagues to improve quality, safety, and stewardship for assigned areas of responsibility. 

• Accountable for the development and implementation of patient care policies and procedures in alignment with evidence-based standards and regulatory requirements for assigned areas of responsibility.

1. Leadership development
   • Facilitates the professional growth and development of nurse managers, department leaders, and colleagues through education and coaching related to operations, quality and safety performance, and workforce management.
   • Facilitates the empowerment of all nursing staff through shared leadership structures/forums and promotes professional accountability processes.
   • Facilitates opportunities to promote MMC nursing activities through community relationships and legislative efforts.

1. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values:

•  SAFETY: Prevent Harm - I put safety first in everything I do.  I take action to ensure the safety of others. 

• COURTESY: Serve Others - I treat others with dignity and respect.  I project a professional image and positive attitude. 

• QUALITY: Improve Outcomes - I continually advance my knowledge, skills and performance.  I work with others to achieve superior results. 

• EFFICIENCY: Reduce Waste - I use time and resources wisely.  I prevent defects and delays.

1. Performs other related work as required or requested.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Education:

• BSN required.
• Master's degree in Nursing, Business or Healthcare Administration required.

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

• Current licensure in the State of Illinois as a Registered Professional Nurse.
• National nursing certification held or achieved within one year of hire.

Experience:

• Minimum five years nursing management/administrative experience required.
• Clinical nursing experience in a tertiary care practice environment required.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Evidence of knowledge and successful application of project management, change implementation, and quality/process improvement skills.
• Evidence of knowledge and successful application of national and state regulatory requirements.
• Evidence of facilitating the professional growth and development of staff and nurse leaders.
• Evidence of knowledge and successful application of ANCC Magnet Program standards/requirements.
• Demonstrates:
  1. Outstanding human relations/communication skills.
  2. Ability to bring complex issues to closure.
  3. Understanding/experience with budgeting/fiscal management activities.
  4. Ability to function as a change agent.