Clinical Nurse - Lead (Job ID: 4429)

The Clinical Nurse Lead is a clinically expert practitioner in the department served. The incumbent is responsible for the practice of nursing according to the Rules and Regulations defined in the State of Maine Practice Act, Mercy Hospital Standards of Care/Practice, policies and procedures. The Clinical Nurse Lead works closely with the Manager and Medical Director of the practice to enhance clinical practice, quality of care and staff education through coordination of unit based education, development of quality initiatives and participation with competencies and staff orientation. The Clinical Nurse Lead is responsible for the delivery of patient care to assigned patients in the practice and for exercising independent judgment in the delegation to and supervision of other qualified staff. The incumbent will demonstrate responsibility for identifying own learning needs, participating in the development of others, promoting collaborative working relationships, and demonstrating leadership qualities. The incumbent demonstrates a commitment to a high standard of nursing practice and professionalism that is reflected in the nurse’s ability to demonstrate leadership skills and initiative for ongoing professional growth of self and others.

Responsibilities:

1. Clinical Practice • Demonstrates exemplary clinical skills at the PNIII or PNIV level. • Understands that the provision of safe, effective, high quality nursing care, treatment and services at Mercy Hospital is under the direction of the Chief Nursing Officer. • Maintains the competency in clinical job functions as a Registered Nurse. • Ensures practice issues are presented to the MMA Practice & Quality Council for review and recommendation. • Contacts the CNO with any unresolved nursing practice concerns. • Practices under the guidance of the ANA Code of Ethics. • Seeks to raise the bar to continually advance high standards of nursing practice. • Provides direct patient care and exercises independent judgment in delegating patient care to other qualified staff. • Conducts an ongoing assessment of clinical practice in the practice. • Coaches, mentors, and provides support to colleagues to advance skills. • Recognizes patterns/trends and refers such to the manager for follow-up as appropriate. • Anticipates problems and intervenes appropriately to prevent/ minimize negative patient care. • Actively participates and leads implementation of new initiatives and changes within the practice. • Assesses and teaches clinical competency. • Collaborates with clinical staff and other disciplines regarding the care of highly complex patients. • Acts as a role model and mentor for other nurses, student nurses and members of the multidisciplinary team. • Proficient with equipment, IT, and departmental resources. 2. Performance Improvement • Assists with coordination of all departmental quality improvement projects. • Acts and/or collaborates closely with the departmental QI representatives to collect data, analyze/evaluate information, formulate recommendations and implement change that provides safe, efficient and effective patient care outcomes. • Participation in review and revisions of Mercy’s policies and procedures. • Participates in the planning and development of the Department’s strategic plan. Assists in the decision making process for current and future programs. 3. Education • Assists with development and administration of annual educational needs assessment. • Updates and coordinates departmental orientation to compliment organization orientation. • Acts as a resource and mentor to clinical staff and trains employees to become preceptors. • Develops, maintains, and tracks unit based competencies. • Identifies educational needs for the unit, develops a plan to educate and train staff. 4. Professional Practice/Leadership: • Communicates effectively with all members of the healthcare team to support a healthy work environment. • Works closely with the Manager to: • Coordinate daily staffing, scheduling, and patient placement; • Ensure clinical staff is working within the budgeted FTE hours allotted; • Bring forward content for staff meetings; • Provides input into clinical staff performance evaluations; • Participate in interview process of new staff and provide recommendations; and • Exercise independent judgment in recommending discipline of staff. • Recommends process/procedure changes based on information obtained from continuing self-education. • Takes timely and appropriate actions to resolve identified issues. Works to resolve conflict and establish a team effort to problem solving. • Maintains membership on the MMA Practice & Quality Council to enhance quality of clinical practice. • Promotes the Professional Advancement Program. • Maintains staff confidentiality. • Maintains contact hours in compliance with certification requirements, if applicable. See Appendix A for details.

Other information:

BLS Required.

Competencies and skills:

Essential:

* 3+ years of relative work experience required.

* Acts Strategic: Creates effective plans that anticipate future consequences and opportunities and is able to connect the day to day operations to longer-term objectives, shifts in the industry, and system goals.

* Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.

* Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.

* Develops Self and Others:Takes responsibility for engaging in professional self-development activities and programs. Strives to gain insight into their own values, strengths and weaknesses, interests and ambitions and takes action in order to enhance competencies and skills when possible. As a leader, encourages and guides employees towards growth opportunities to enhance performance and help them reach goals. Reviews and analyzes employees' strengths and weaknesses to distinguish their talents and development needs, and to ensure they are enhanced appropriately.

* Effectively Communicates: Listens, speaks and writes appropriately, using clear language. Communication methods are fitting to the message(s), audience, and situation and follow-ups are regular and timely. Shows that important (non-) verbal information is absorbed and understood and asks further questions to clarify when necessary. Expresses ideas and views clearly to others and has ability to adjust use of language to the audiences' level.

* Exercises Sound Judgment & Decision Making: Understands and processes complex information, which allows for appropriate and accountable conclusions. Does not react too quickly or slowly. Balances facts, goals, and potential approaches taking the appropriate criteria into account. Makes active decisions and commits oneself by communicating confidently and respectfully.

* Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.

* Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.

Credentials:

Essential:

* Registered Nurse

Working conditions:

Essential:

* Potential exposure to abusive and/or aggressive people.

* Potential exposure to diseases or infections.

* Potential exposure to hazardous materials.

* Potential exposure to noise levels being uncomfortable.

* Potential exposure to noxious odors.

* Potential exposure to very hot or cold temperatures.

* Work with computers, typing, reading or writing.

* Lifting, moving and loading 30 to 50 pounds.

* Continuous sitting.

Equal Opportunity EmploymentWe are an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability status, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, protected veteran status, national origin, genetic information or any other legally protected status