Associate Nursing Services Manager

Job Overview: This position performs supervisory responsibilities to include: development, implementation and evaluation of procedures, education, and services for patients and staff; planning, coordination, education, and nursing management of the physical health care issues of patients and emergent physical health care issues of on-duty staff; development, implementation and evaluation of consultative physical health care; ensuring management of hospital safety, security, and maintenance issues.
In the absence of the Hospital’s Director of Nursing Services, this position normally serves as the acting Director of Nursing Services and must be able to address a wide range of issues concerning the operation of the facility.

Major Duties or Responsibilities:

A. Participates in activities that promote standards of nursing practice and professional development.

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  Serves as acting Director of Nursing Services as assigned.
  
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  Serves as Nursing House Supervisor as assigned.
  
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  Serves on hospital committees as assigned by the Director of Nursing Services, Medical Director, or Hospital Administrator.
  
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  Serves as chair or co-chair of Nursing Department committees as assigned by the Director of Nursing Services.
  
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  Participates in recruitment and retention activities including interviews, hiring and progressive discipline.
  
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  Assists with planning, implementation and evaluation of student nursing clinical rotations in collaboration with the Staff Development Department.
  
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  Participates in professional development activities and continuing educational programs.
  
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  Provides training and continuing education programs
  
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  Interprets standards of nursing practice to other professional and non-professional staff and hospital committees.
  
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  Participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of quality improvement activities for nursing services provided at the hospital.
  
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  Adheres to the policies and procedures of Montana State Hospital, State of Montana, Department of Health and Human Services, licensure standards, the nurse practice act of Montana and all laws and rules governing the practice of nurses; ensures understanding of an compliance by subordinate staff.
  
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  Meets regularly with the Director of Nursing Services and Nurse Managers to maintain constant communications regarding patient care.
  
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  Functions as a role model and preceptor for staff nurses within the hospital as well as visiting faculty and students.
  

B. Supervision of the Medical Clinic

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  Collaborates with Medical Clinic physicians to ensure the provision of care for patients with acute physical health care needs.
  
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  Supervises assigned personnel in the Medical Clinic area, i.e. dental assistant, x-ray technician, clerical support.
  
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  Coordinates health care services with off campus in-patient providers and ensures documentation and follow-up for all outside consultations.
  
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  Serves as a liaison, providing oversight and promoting problem solving related to the provision of dental services and contracted laboratory and radiology services.
  
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  Develops, conducts and evaluates continuous quality improvement activities related to Infection Control, physical health care and consultation services. Provides training regarding Infection Control issues, the provision of emergency medical services, and the use of medical equipment.
  
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  Maintains compliance with state and national standards and regulating bodies such as CMS.
  
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  Maintains confidentiality related to patient information and medical records to ensure the rights of hospitalized individuals.
  
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  Routinely checks hospital equipment and supplies utilized by nursing staff and patients to ensure proper functioning and sufficiency.
  
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  Complies with Department, Division, and Unit policy and/or direction and consults as needed or required with supervisors to obtain clarification or address concerns to ensure the provision of appropriate patient care and treatment.
  

C. Supervises the hospital’s medication administration process.

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  Coordinates Nursing Pharmacy & Therapeutics Sub-committee when indicated.
  
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  Reviews medication administration errors and analyzes data to plan and implement quality improvement strategies that will reduce risks of errors.
  
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  Collaborates with LIP’s, RN’s, LPN’s, IT staff and Pharmacy staff in developing improved systems for medication administration.
  
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  Develops and provides training and competency assessments for RN’s and LPN’s regarding safe practices of medication administration and knowledge of medication effects and side effects.
  
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  Develops, implements and reviews policies and procedures related to medication administration and safe handling practices.
  

D. As assigned systematically gathers and collects facts and information for the purpose of describing and explaining incidents relative to allegations of patient abuse or neglect.

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  The position works in coordination with the investigative committee in determining an appropriate course of action for remedy at the Hospital, Department, and Division level.
  
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  Collaborates throughout the investigative process when assigned to include scope, timing, and direction of investigations.
  
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  Collaborates and may be directed by other MSH Departments in aspects of the investigative process as needed.
  

E. Develops, supervises, implements, and evaluates a hospital wide Infection Control and Physical Health Care Plan of services.

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  The position provides oversight of the infection control policies and procedures. Assists in providing coverage in the absence of the infection control nurse
  
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  Participates in maintaining policies and procedures, which provide for a program of preventive medicine for hospital personnel to include establishment of policies and procedures relating to exposure to infectious diseases and prevention of cross-contamination.
  
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  Serves as a knowledgeable and available resource on infection control practices and policies to patients, staff, and hospital visitors.
  
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  Actively participates in the Infection Control Committee.
  
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  Maintains a knowledge base of current infection prevention and control information through peer networking, Internet access, published literature and professional meetings.
  

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Physical hazards presented are the possibility of injury to self or others due to the unpredictable and sometimes violent behavior of patients. Physical demands involve prolonged periods of standing. Emotional and mental demands can be significant. The employee will routinely work in the Medical Clinic area and on inpatient treatment units with a population that has a very high potential for unpredictable and dangerous behavior. The position requires standing, walking, and sitting to perform the essential duties. Must be willing to go to all on-campus patient care units. Must be willing to adjust working schedule to ensure coverage.



Qualifications:


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of current concepts, theories, and principles of psychiatric, medical, and infection control nursing; therapeutic communication techniques, psycho-educational methods and materials; supervisory techniques and principles; hospital policies and procedures; community consultative resources; management of staff issues; union contracts; investigative techniques. Knowledge of current practices of medications and treatment modalities used to treat mental illnesses and physical health issues. Knowledge of Montana’s public mental health system and laws, regulations, and standards that govern nursing practice and infection control.

Requires nursing skills in assessment, diagnosis, planning, provision, and evaluation of physical health management and therapeutic psychiatric interventions. Skill in applying principles of supervision, discipline handling and conflict resolution. Skill in the use of the basic instruments and equipment of the nursing profession. Accurate and effective written and verbal communication skills. Basic computer skills in use of Word, Excel, Internet.

Minimum Qualifications:

· Graduate of an accredited college or university degree in nursing Bachelors Degree preferred .

· Minimum of three years job related experience; Two years supervisory experience.

· Must be currently licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Montana.


Eligible Training Assignment:

52,665.60