Clinical Leader - Neuro Sciences Unit - CentraState Healthcare System

To facilitate culturally sensitive patient care from pre-admission to post discharge by managing, coordinating and monitoring resources to achieve optimal clinical and financial outcomes, resource utilization and quality service. Assists the Nurse Manager in planning, directing and supervising the overall operation of the assigned nursing unit on a 24-hour basis. Functions as a clinical resource and educator to unit/department staff members in area of expertise. Works within the department and as a part CSHS management team to operationalize the patient care and service goals and objectives established by senior management. Bases clinical decisions on evidence-based practice in nursing to achieve desirable outcomes. A patient focused care model utilizing a multidisciplinary approach is used as the method to deliver patient care in the department.

• Assists the Department Head in the continuing effort made by the department to improve the quality of patient care and services.
• Provides considerate respectful care focused upon the patients' individual needs.
• Provides considerate respectful care focused upon the patients' individual needs.
• Demonstrates the ability to obtain information and interpret information in terms of the needs of the age of the patients cared for. Demonstrates an understanding of the range of care needed based on the age of the patients cared for. Successfully completes life-span education as appropriate.
• Successfully completes life-span education as appropriate.
• Obtains a complete nursing history and baseline assessment that is systematic, consistent, and continuous. This assessment is communicated effectively and documented.
• Appropriately analyzes health status data to determine nursing diagnosis and needs for appropriate nursing care, medical intervention or services of other clinical professionals.
• Identifies patient problems and formulates nursing diagnosis according to physical, psychological, spiritual/cultural and educational needs in conjunction with a multi-disciplinary approach.
• Consistently includes patient and family in the development of an individualized plan of care.
• Administers medications as needed following CSHS policies and manufacturer's instructions.
• Takes immediate and appropriate actions in the event of a medication variance occurrence.
• Attends and participates in the multi-disciplinary discharge planning meetings and identifies the need for further services following discharge.
• Provides appropriate education based upon teaching plan.
• Conducts unit based education programs on a routine basis in collaboration with professional development.
• Meets standards for documentation regarding patient education.
• Documents results of patient assessment, nursing diagnosis, care plan nursing interventions and evaluation and patient progress in Medical Records, Nursing Standards of Care/Practice for the specific patient type.
• Recognizes changes in patient condition and/or emergencies situations and takes immediate and appropriate actions.
• Delegates components of care to non-professional caregivers as appropriate and evaluates outcomes.
• Makes decisions that demonstrate knowledge of nursing practice. Utilizes sound nursing judgment in clinical and patient care management situations.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills in the care of patients and in the coordination of care to assure the achievement of maximum outcome.
• Develops new clinical pathways, monitors patient progress on current clinical pathways, reviews variances with Patient Care Reviewers, reviews variances from Quality Management with Nurse Manager, staff and reports to Nursing Quality Council.
• Follows the clinical progress of all patients. Participates in the development of unit protocols as needed.
• Conducts unit conferences to discuss quality issues and quality improvement strategies.
• Quality Referrals - unit based, follows up on nursing referrals, investigates problem, develops action plan, reviews with Nurse Manager, responds to Quality Management in writing, implements action plan.
• Follows up on patient complaints or concerns, keeps Nurse Manager informed.
• Provides or coordinates in-services to staff six times per year or as needed to address unit specific needs.
• Monitors appropriate usage of specialty and Zonaire beds.
• Administers chemotherapy on units such as telemetry or critical care where transfer for oncological treatment is not yet possible.
• Administers chemotherapy as necessary, or when 1-1 nursing care or high dose regimes are ordered.
• Conducts and assists with performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and work performance plans.
• Collects, analyzes quality data: Nursing P.I
• Collects, analyzes, develops action plans and reports quality initiatives for the Oncology department (vaccines, foley use, coumadin, patient education, central lines, and restraints).
• Evaluates/screens patients for palliative care, hospice, and pastoral care referrals and assists in the patient navigation process.
• Follows progress of new staff, provides education to all staff.
• Participates in the development of unit policies and procedures as needed. Periodically reviews and revises policies, meeting with appropriate committees for approval process.
• Performs clinical duties in patient assignment during period of short staffing.
• Provides emotional support and discussion regarding treatment options and end of life decisions for patients.
• Provides in-depth chemotherapy and treatment education as well as patient education on other applicable topics.
• Recertifies all staff in chemotherapy competency annually.
• Consistently adheres to hospital policy regarding the insertion, maintenance and removal of foley catheters.
• Able to verbalize and demonstrate proper rationale and techniques surrounding all aspects of indwelling urinary catheter care as per policy # 4668.
• Fulfills the requirements for competencies and completion of annual mandatories surrounding indwelling urinary catheters.
• Takes a patient assignment when necessary.

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Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Masters' degree required or must obtain within 3 years from date of hire (or internal transfer) as a condition of employment.

Work Experience:

• 2 years nursing experience required
• 2 years of supervisory/charge experience preferred

Licenses and Certifications:

Registered Nurse with current NJ license required.

BLS certification required.

Certification in specialty must be obtained within two (2) years of hire/promotion.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

Strong professional, organizational, and interpersonal skills

CentraState Healthcare System, a partner of Atlantic Health System, is a fully accredited, not-for-profit, community-based health system that provides comprehensive health services in the central New Jersey region. In addition to offering a full range of leading-edge diagnostic and treatment options, CentraState serves as a valuable health partner focused on the latest ways to prevent disease, promote healthy behaviors, and help people of all ages live life well. Based in Freehold, CentraState is comprised of a 284-bed acute-care hospital, a vibrant health and wellness campus, two award-winning senior living communities, a charitable foundation, and convenient satellite health pavilions offering primary care and specialty physician practices, along with access to outpatient services, such as lab and physical therapy. The system also offers a family medicine residency and geriatric fellowship training program in affiliation with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Among its many honors and accreditations, CentraState is one of less than two percent of hospitals nationwide to earn Magnet® designation for nursing excellence four times and was designated a Great Place to Work-Certified™ Company by Great Place to Work® for the fourth consecutive year.

When you bring your talent to CentraState, you are joining a trailblazing healthcare facility, committed to providing high-quality, patient-focused care. Join us in making incredible strides in health care, and making a difference in our community. We believe in enriching the lives of our employees through work/life balance initiatives, tuition assistance, career advancement opportunities and much more.

Find out why our employees love their jobs and being part of the CentraState family!

What We Offer:

• Highly competitive compensation
• Excellent benefits package and rewards program
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match
• 401(a) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Life Insurance 
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Growth Opportunity and Workforce Development Initiatives
• Continuing Education / Onsite Training
• A warm, welcoming company culture based upon mutual respect and a collaborative goal of providing excellent patient care
• Concierge Services with Work & Family Benefits
• Magnet recognized healthcare facility