Major Responsibilities:

Performance of the principle duties and responsibilities of the RN position and serves as a role model for professional practice.  Competent in the duties of a staff nurse.  Performs the duties of the charge nurse.  Educates and holds self and staff accountable for the nursing standards of practice and documentation.  Models behaviors that demonstrate an environment of open communication and teamwork.  Holds self and staff accountable for completion of mandatory employment requirements in collaboration with the Clinical Manager and APN/EducatorIn collaboration with the clinical manager, manages patient care delivery to optimize patient outcomes, customer satisfaction, and resource management.  Utilizes appropriate computer systems to effectively manage staffing, scheduling, payroll, supply management, and budget reports to optimize patient outcomes while maintaining judicious use of resources.  Enforces policies and procedures to produce positive patient outcomes, delivers timely feedback, and utilizes the corrective action process as necessary.  Provides support to staff as well as charge nurse  Holds staff accountable for all initiatives that improve patient satisfaction, including hourly rounding and service recovery.  Holds staff accountable for all initiatives that improve patient safety and health outcomes.  Fosters a Shared Governance environment by supporting staff engagement via attendance at meetings or facilitating time for project work.Promotion and support of an environment that is conducive to staff growth and development and autonomy.  Promotes the STEPs program by identifying RN's who may be potential STEP's candidates and providing support to RN's who have applied for STEPs promotion, in collaboration with the Clinical Manager and APN/Educator.  Responsible for the orientation for Charge Nurse.  Demonstrates a proactive approach in addressing unit's shared governance structure.  Promotes effective working relationships among team members, including facilitating discussion towards positive outcomes among individuals or the entire unit.  Provides opportunities and encouragement for staff to recognize their peers.  Organizes reward and recognition events for individual nurses or the entire unit.  Periodically rounds on each staff member to informally gauge levels of associate satisfaction.  Manages assigned projects in expected timeframe, and oversees and provides guidance to projects managed by unit staff, in collaboration with Clinical Manager and APN/EducatorParticipates in developing the strategic plan, direction for the unit, and utilizes CQI techniques, in collaboration with the Clinical Manager and others.  Ensures compliance with all regulatory agency standards (i.e. federal, state, Accrediting Organization, IDPH) and all hospital policies and procedures.  Assists with achievement of KRA goals and established benchmarks, including NDNQI.  Collaborates with physicians and residents to facilitate compliance with regulatory and documentation requirements.  In the absence of the clinical manager, assumes the responsibility of the clinical manager role, in collaboration with the Nursing Director.  Implement short and long term staffing plans to include position management and staff selection, in conjunction with the clinical manager.  Conducts assigned performance reviews.  Identifies opportunities to facilitate Evidence Based Practice.

Licensure:

Nurse, Registered (RN)

Education/Experience Required:

* Eff. 6/1/2012: Bachelor’s degree in Nursing plus 3-4 years' clinical experience; OR RN plus five years’ clinical experience and enrolled in a bachelor’s in Nursing program within six months of appointment (completion of program within five years of appointment). Experience as a charge nurse (1 year).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

Strong clinical skills. Ability to communicate effectively and work cohesively with a diverse work group. Utilization of critical thinking in timely decision making.Current RN licensure in Illinois. Demonstrated leadership experience.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Ability to work within a rapidly changing environment.Ability to work collaboratively with internal/external customers.May be exposed to hazardous materials and life-threatening diseases.Ability to demonstrate a commitment to patient-focused care.Ability to prioritize independently and respond to multiple simultaneous requests.Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with established time constraints and in difficult situations.Ability to perform lifting/transfer activities related to patients (up to 50 lbs. may be required).Ability to work designated shifts, including weekends and holidays.Ability to transport objects from one location to another.This position needs to recognize needs and behaviors of specific age groups of patients treated.If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015.Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance.For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available.Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.