The Assistant Director of Nursing for Behavioral Health analyzes and evaluates the quality and appropriateness of patient care and makes recommendations for change. Ensures nursing standards are developed and communicated and that the nursing process is implemented effectively in all areas of responsibility.

Participates in the annual development of overall goals, objectives for the Nursing Department, recommends changes to meet patient care objectives as evidenced by attendance at the annual goal setting session and leadership meetings. Encourages feedback from staff members toward the goal of quality patient care.

Ensures appropriate documentation of nursing care is in accordance with regulatory agency requirements.

Establishes and maintains lines of authority and responsibility.

Ensures that supplies and equipment necessary to meet patient care requirements are accessible to staff as evidenced by feedback.

Manages the direction of patient flow in collaboration with physicians as indicated by feedback.

Practices and encourages effective intra-hospital, intra-departmental and community relations. Interacts with department heads on an ongoing basis to achieve nursing and hospital-wide objectives.

Delegates responsibilities, thus staff members can be made accountable in their respective patient care areas for efficient management of patient care. Participates in selection of appropriate candidate(s) for leadership positions.

Develops, justifies and maintains adequate allocation of resources to achieve the desired standards of nursing practice and patient care.

Participates in the review, revision of master staffing plan (at least annually) or as needed as evidenced by feedback. Reviews, revises shift settling sheets to reflect actual staff scheduled. Utilizes Kronos system in managing/assigning staff. Works collaboratively with Central Staffing Office to ensure adequate allocation of human resources.

Selects, counsels, evaluates and disciplines personnel. Interviews potential candidates, takes immediate corrective action in personnel management situation in accordance with established policy contribute participates in staff performance appraisals.

Encourages and assists in the clinical and professional development of staff. Acts as a clinical resource and management role model within the division as observed and evidenced by feedback.

Participates in the retention of staff. Supports the orientation and preceptor programs within the department to facilitate transition of new employees as evidenced by documentation and feedback.

Allows for conflict resolution. Allocates time, energies, and skills to reduce stress and role strain.

Regularly utilizes quality assurance finding to support or improve nursing practices and management techniques as evidenced in monthly reports.

Attends all mandatory in-service updates on a yearly basis. Attends appropriate committee, task forces, work groups and continuing education programs-including required competency maintenance sessions.

Serves as resource for clinical and management information models.

Assists Nurse Manager in developing standard formats for fiscal, materials, and human resource management development and planning.

Assists management in developing cost accounting methodology and model to enable the Medical Center to determine costs of nursing care and other direct costs and to provide information for Medical Center planning and decisions (e.g., pertinent elements of patient care, labor, non-labor, and indirect allocation).