General Summary of Position
The Director of Nursing is a member of MedStar Health entity-based Division of Nursing's (DON) leadership/management team and is responsible for one or more defined units/departments of organized nursing and patient care services. Creates a practice environment that exemplifies the values of patient care and implements a patient and nursing care delivery system which puts the patient first. Recognized as a professional role model who promotes an environment that supports the goals, mission, vision, philosophy and values of the Division of Nursing and MedStar Health. Facilitates the cost-effective utilization of available resources (human, material and financial) and ensures a high level of quality of care that is consistent with established standards of nursing practice for the patient populations served.
The Director of Nursing assumes 24-hour administrative and leadership authority and responsibility for the management and direction of the operational, personnel and financial activities of the specified units/departments. Directs and coordinates the activities of professional and support personnel within the assigned areas. Coordinates these functions in partnership with the nursing leadership team, Medical Staff and leaders of other departments/disciplines and ensures they are performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and MedStar Health and entity's mission, vision, and values.
Surgical Specialties/Orthopedics (6 Main)
Our newly renovated adult 30-bed Surgical Specialties Unit is the
largest inpatient department, with all-private rooms and the ability to offer
continuous pulse oximetry. The nurses here provide exceptional post-operative
care in a fast-paced environment. Common surgical procedures include joint
replacement, spinal surgery, foot and/or ankle surgery, urological procedures,
and reconstructive plastic surgery and wound management. This team is notable
for its collaborative interdisciplinary practice. Our nurses work closely with
physicians, nurse practitioners, physical therapists and clinical pharmacists,
just to name a few. The culture is often described as a "family-like
environment" in which nurses support one another and demonstrate
outstanding teamwork. Clinical expertise, teamwork, and a commitment to the
profession of nursing define the nursing practice on this unit.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Creates a professional practice atmosphere and an environment of mentoring and professional development that supports shared/collaborative governance and a high level of associates' satisfaction as evidenced by outcomes data.Builds trusting and collaborative relationships with members of the inter-professional health care team and leaders of other departments. Creates an environment that values opinion sharing, utilizes shared decision-making, and enhances associates' engagement and retention.Establishes and maintains a therapeutic and safe environment of care delivery that supports the framework of professional nursing practice based on evidenced and to achieve optimum patient care outcomes. Demonstrates responsibility for fiscal planning and management of the unit-based budget. Engages in ongoing productivity monitoring, adherence to prescribed annual budget, and assurance of adequate availability of personnel and other necessary resources to support the delivery of safe patient care and realization of departmental goals.Provides clinical leadership through role modeling professional practice behaviors and maintaining role accountabilities at the level of the associates. Integrates ethical standards and SPIRIT values into everyday activities. Supports the achievement of Magnet Recognition or Pathways to Excellence programs as determined by the Entity Chief Nursing Officer and/or Senior Director of Nursing.Serves as a change agent, assisting others in understanding the importance, necessity, impact ,and process of change. Collaborates with the Senior Nursing Leadership Team to seek and utilize information to develop, implement, and manage a budget which supports organizational objectives, patient care standards, safety, high reliability, and quality of care.Hires, evaluates, coaches, mentors, promotes, counsels, disciplines, and when necessary terminates associates, to achieve behaviors aligned with MedStar's vision, mission, and values. Develops associates based on their strengths and professional advancement needs. Utilizes approaches and strategies that support the retention, engagement, and recruitment of associates; optimize patient care outcomes; and sustain the interdisciplinary model of care (IMOC) and its related standards of excellence.Develops, implements, and evaluates departmental goals that support the nursing strategic plan in collaboration with the nursing leadership team and other personnel within the department. Delegates certain activities to others within the unit/department as appropriate.Monitors and analyzes departmental performance data (e.g., nursing sensitive measures) and identifies and participates in performance improvement opportunities. Ensures compliance with unit, divisional, hospital/facility policies and procedures and governmental and accreditation regulations. Takes corrective action when deficiencies occur.Creates and supports a patient-centered care environment that fosters optimal patient experience as demonstrated by outcomes data. Communicates with patients' families and significant others and acts as resource for associates in dealing with patient/family issues. Investigates and follows through on customer complaints and concerns.Ensures that adequate materials, supplies, and equipment are available in support of optimal care delivery and that cost containment efforts are implemented. Communicates new material and supply needs to materials/supply chain leaders. Participates, or engages associates as appropriate, in product and equipment selection.Oversees the development of unit specific orientation, preceptor programs, and competencies for all personnel within the department. Collaborates with nursing professional development, practice innovation and informatics, and supports the implementation of new programs. Helps design educational and competency assessment programs to ensure the highest quality care delivery and customer engagement. Provides associates with timely constructive feedback on performance.Develops standards of performance, evaluates performance of associates, and conducts performance management planning. Identifies individual development needs and provides appropriate resources to meet needs. Initiates or makes recommendations for personnel actions. Maintains ongoing communication with associates to review programs, provide feedback, discuss new developments, and exchange information.Engages in unit/department-based activities that enhance cost containment, facilitate capacity management and patient flow/throughput, and promote efficient care delivery systems. Actively participates in efforts to reduce patient length of stay by collaborating with medical providers and other disciplines to facilitate timely discharge planning.Participates in hospital/entity or system committees, task forces, interdisciplinary forums, and projects (e.g., serious safety event reviews and performance improvement teams) at the request of Senior Nursing Leadership Team. Promotes a public image of professional nursing excellence and represents the hospital in community outreach efforts as appropriate.Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the fields of nursing and health care through a variety of professional activities including, but not limited to, reading the appropriate literature, attending related seminars and conferences, and maintaining membership in professional nursing associations. Demonstrates accountability for own professional development and advancement.Assumes administrative responsibilities in absence of the Senior Director of Nursing and provides coverage for other colleagues.Maintains the ability to provide direct care for a caseload of patients as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Nursing from a nationally accredited program required
- Master's degree in Nursing or health related field from a nationally accredited program preferred
Experience
- 5-7 years of nursing experience required
- 1-2 years of management and leadership experience preferred
Licenses and Certifications
- RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure In the District of Columbia required
- CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (includes BLS and NRP) for healthcare providers from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross within 90 Days required
- Additional unit/specialty certifications may vary by department or business unit.
- Specialty certification from a nationally recognized nursing organization in either his/her clinical specialty or Nursing Administration within 2 years required
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to exercise independent judgment on highly complex situations.
- Verbal and written communication skills.
- Basic knowledge of various computer software applications and online learning applications, especially Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel.
This position has a hiring range of $118,331 - $218,171
