Nurse Manager, ICU

Nurse Manager ICU

JOB SUMMARY:

While reporting to the Director of the PCU, the Nurse Manager manages daily operations of the ICU portion of the Progressive Care Unit. The Nurse Manager directs and supervises functions and activities; interprets policies, procedures, standards and regulations as appropriate. The Nurse Manager partners with Medical Staff to ensure the quality and productivity of the ICU operations at Northwestern Medical Center.

PRE-REQUISITES:

Education: BSN, Health Administration, Business Administration, or related field. MSN preferred. Must possess current RN licensure in the State of Vermont.

Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of ICU nursing experience strongly preferred. Minimum of five (5) years management experience preferred.

Special Skills: Strong clinical operational, communication and interpersonal skills; time management; organization and multitasking of competing priorities. Experience with LEAN and Studer strategies required.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports To: Director of PCU

Supervises: Employees in the ICU, Progressive Care Unit

Other Contacts: Medical Staff, Advanced Practice Providers, patients, patients’ families, visitors, vendors, sales representatives and hospital employees.

SCOPE:

Machinery or Equipment Used: Calculator, fax, personal computer, photocopier, telephone, copier, monitors, and all equipment used by nursing for patient care, including power tools, pulse oximeter, defibrillator, cardiac monitor, irrigation machine and video equipment external and internal fetal monitors, Doppler, hearing screening equipment, apnea/bradycardia monitor, isolette, transport incubator and preparation of ultrasound machine for use by MD

Physical Demands: Prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing/walking. Lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers patients. Lifts supplies/equipment. Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, prolonged assistance in labor/delivery positioning of patient.

Working Conditions: Exposed to a variety of electro-mechanical hazards. Subject to hazards of flammable, explosive gases May be exposed to patient elements, such as accidents, injuries, and illness. Subject to varying and unpredictable situations. Handles emergency or crisis situations. Subject to many interruptions. May be subject to long irregular hours. Occasional travel required. Occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries. May require judgment/action which could result in death of patient. Handles absenteeism replacement on short notice.

Required Protective Equipment: Eye protection, face protection, mask, gown lab coat, non-sterile medical gloves, sterile medical gloves, utility gloves and lead aprons and vests.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Organizes, directs and coordinates functions and activities within the ICU.

• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served in the ICU.
• Ensures daily for compliance with policies, procedures, regulations and standards and takes corrective action in the presence of violations in the ICU.

2. Responsible for all staff related requirements of unit, including recruitment, corrective action, and daily labor management of staff based on case load and skill mix.

3. Maintains skills and competencies necessary for clinical support of the ICU.

• Enhances professional growth and development for self and staff through participation in educational offering
• Role Models best practices in the ICU/PCU for staff.

4. Directs maintenance of department facilities, equipment, supplies and materials in a condition to promote efficiency, health comfort and safety for patients and staff.

5. Effectively Manages Change

• Provides an active support mechanism during times of change including but not limited to reaffirming goals/values, considering concerns as they arise, and an open door policy
• Detects and resolves team/individual isolation and other breakdowns resulting from change
• Communicates excessively to quell rumors and work through barriers to change
• Remains flexible and responsive to new information during change

6. Manages and Improves Processes

• Analyzes service and quality metrics to identify areas where corrective action can be taken within the department.
• Questions the status quo to seek more efficient ways to accomplish department functions
• Seeks out industry benchmarks and stays aware of emerging technology and best practices to exceed quality standards
• Actively seeks opportunities to improve own leadership skills through education and job shadowing.

7. Understands the Financial Impact of their Department

• Proficient in interpreting the meaning of various organizational financial reports and able to communicate this meaning appropriately with staff
• Demonstrates an understanding of the components of productivity and expense management that pertain to their department
• Proactively identifies opportunities for market share enhancements, expense reductions, and outcome improvements
• Exhibits ability to assess the risks, effort, benefits, impact, results, and costs involved in any proposed new course of action or current activity

8. Builds Effective Networks

• Demonstrates a willingness to create win-win situations with other departments
• Seeks and is open to others’ viewpoints
• Establishes rapport with other NMC connections without motive
• Rounds on important internal customers with regularity

9. Drives Operational and Service Excellence

• Sets and communicates clear, legitimate standards of performance with credible metrics
• Prioritizes the department’s activities to achieve long and short term organizational goals; clearly communicating goals so employees understand what they are working toward achieving
• Committed to NMC Service Standards; holding self, team, and colleagues accountable for AIDET and other must-haves
• Willing to reorganize roles and responsibilities to align with strategy, including cross training when appropriate and allowed