Director of Nursing - West ICU & PCU

Overview
MercyOne Central Iowa operates four not-for-profit Catholic medical centers in Des Moines West Des Moines Newton and Centerville and two specialty hospitals - MercyOne Children's Hospital in Des Moines and MercyOne Rehabilitation Hospital in Clive (965 beds total) - along with more than 20 additional facilities that house more than 50 primary care pediatric internal medicine and specialty clinics. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1893 MercyOne Central Iowa has the longest continually operating hospital in Des Moines and is also one of the largest employers in the state with more than 7000 employees and a medical staff of more than 1000 physicians and allied health associates. MercyOne Central Iowa is a member of MercyOne which was founded in 1998 through a collaboration between CommonSpirit Health and Trinity Health - two of the country's foremost not-for-profit Catholic health organizations. MercyOne has more than 20000 colleagues in Iowa and surrounding states.
Responsibilities
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Designated as leader for specified nursing area, its patient population, and assigned staff. Assumes 24-hour responsibility, authority and accountability for all patient-care activities, unit operation, staff function and staff development. Provides patient care activities to patients of diverse ages.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Leads and promotes evidence-based practice and research among unit leaders and staff.
• Promotes best practice implementation on unit.
• Works independently with limited direction from the nurse executive using the Nurse Practice Act, Mercy Medical Center policies, nursing standards and professional judgment.
• Utilizes delegation skills effectively.
• Directs the recruitment and retention activities on the unit.
• Conducts the performance appraisal process.
• Directs health care members (i.e., registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, patient care technicians, etc.) in the delivery of safe and effective patient care.
• Operates unit within approved budget.
• Facilitates efficient operation of unit activities.
• Maintains knowledge of documentation requirements needed for employees' files and patients' records.
• Administers nursing care to patients; includes assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating the patient's care plan in coordination with the physician.
• Directs/provides emergency support measures (i.e., cardiopulmonary resuscitation, protecting patient from injury).
• Develops an annual operational plan (including scope of service) integrated with Mercy's strategic plan and related departments' operational plans in order to efficiently provide services.
• Develops, implements and periodically reviews all policies and procedures that guide and support the assigned services. These include, but are not limited to, Joint Commission requirements, federal and state regulations, regulatory standards, etc.
• Develops and maintains departmental staffing plan for all departments supervised, detailing appropriate employee classifications and qualifications consistent with the department's operational plan, projected volumes, patient/acuity and other relevant indicators. Participates in human resource planning providing recommendations for staffing, proactive recruitment and long-term needs. Assure compliance with staffing plan.
• Continuously assess and improves the department's performance based on, but not limited to, the department's quality plan monitors and customer/employee satisfaction data.
• Supervises assigned management staff. Provides necessary education, orientation and support to management team.
• Develops annual operating and capital budgets, monitors and analyzes performance and productivity and implements necessary corrective plans. Collaborates with other departments in budget preparation, determining capital priorities, monitoring and analyzing trends. Utilizes budget information in management decision-making.
• Provides for the means and methods to assure competent patient care to the patient population served by obtaining and appropriately interpreting data, using demonstrated knowledge feedback and appropriately adapting procedures.
• Supports and abides by all Mercy policies, including safety policies and practices.
• Participates in national professional and related organizations to ensure current knowledge of operations.
• Maintains open and positive communication with staff, physicians, other hospital departments and others.
• Performs other responsibilities as requested by nurse executive.

Qualifications
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Possession of a current or compact state license as a registered nurse issued/defined by the State of Iowa.
• Bachelor degree in nursing required, or actively in pursuit of BSN degree (accepted into a BSN Program and/or currently enrolled). Expected to take at least six credits per year at the CNO or Market Director's discretion for exception.
• Minimum 3-5 years clinical experience.
• Prior proven experience and expertise in management, having had a leadership position for at least 1 year.
• Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter - Child and/or Dependent Adult Abuse training within three (3) months of hire.
• BLS certified by the end of the orientation period (approximately six (6) weeks). Acceptable credentialing bodies and certifications include American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers.