Primary City/State:

Department Name:

Work Shift:

Job Category:

The Observation Unit fills a universal need by providing a setting of care for patients not requiring an inpatient admission to receive additional diagnostic workup or therapeutic intervention beyond the scope of a typical Emergency Department visit. The growth of observation medicine has been driven by innovations in health care, an ongoing shift of patients from inpatient to outpatient settings. Observation medicine encompasses the management of appropriate patients for a timeframe of 6 to 24 hours in order to assess their need for inpatient admission or discharge them home. Relative to traditional admission, studies have shown this alternative to have several beneficial health care outcomes for our patients.

As a Associate Director RN for the Outpatient Observation Unit you will be leading a high quality team with expertise. Our amazing team drives high clinical outcomes, excellent experience, and effective resource utilization. The role actively participates in department and facility wide committees; with the essential functions focused on daily operations of the unit and reports to the ED RN Director of Nursing. As a member of our team, you will play a vital role in ensuring our patients receive the best care possible. Take the next step of your Nursing journey and join our amazing Outpatient Observation Unit team and help us continue in the provision of exceptional and compassionate care.

Located on an 80-acre campus in Mesa, Arizona, Banner Desert Medical Center is one of Arizona's largest and most comprehensive hospitals and is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of Phoenix's Best Hospitals. We provide an abundance of exceptional opportunities with more than 600 licensed beds, including over 100 dedicated to children. Areas of excellence include high-risk pregnancy and neonatal care, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, cardiology, oncology and emergency medicine. With 21 operating rooms, we offer a full range of surgical specialties and advanced technology that includes the daVincir Surgical System. About Banner Cardon Children's Medical Center If you desire to provide the best care possible to the most vulnerable patients, come to Cardon Children's Medical Center in Mesa, Ariz. Within our 248-bed, state-of-the-art facility, specially trained nurses, physicians and other clinical professionals utilize the most advanced technology - including iCare ICU monitoring and robotic surgery - to provide high quality, child-friendly, family-centered care. Our facilities feature a recently expanded 104-bed NICU, a 24-bed PICU, six pediatric ORs and a 26-bed ED. We also offer dedicated pediatric rehab, radiology, oncology and hematology capabilities. With clinical diversity, exceptional training programs and a supportive culture, this is a place where you can grow in your career as you help our very special patients.

POSITION SUMMARY
This position provides 24 hour managerial and clinical support to patients and staff. Uses depth and breadth of clinical management knowledge to ensure the provision of high quality, safe, and cost effective patient care. Demonstrates clinical expertise and oversees the leadership of clinical, financial, and personnel management of the assigned areas.

CORE FUNCTIONS
1. Manages and facilitates patient centered nursing care for designated patient populations by serving as a real-time clinical expert for unit staff and physicians for escalated problem-solving on patients, processes, and family issues. Manages the operations of the unit to ensure smooth and efficient patient care management and resource utilization.

2. Leads change by developing, implementing and evaluating quality and process improvement initiatives of the department in conjunction with the director. Seeks and utilizes input from staff and oversees change implementation. Ensures compliance with appropriate regulatory agencies.

3. Facilitates communication of system, regional, facility and department initiatives.

4. Manages and develops the operational and capital budgets and use of associated resources.

5. Assures the development of staff leadership through the design of effective shared leadership models and supports career advancement opportunities. Functions as a role model and encourages staff to participate in their own development.

6. Responsible for selection, orientation, on-boarding, and retention. Demonstrates leadership through coaching, performance evaluations, corrective actions, and development opportunities to create a culture of learning.

7. Manages large single unit or multiple clinical units to ensure excellent patient care. Actively develops leadership of entry level nurse manager(s) while leading clinical improvement initiatives. Internal customers include patients, staff, and physicians. External customers include patient family.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

BSN or MSN required for all new hires to the position after July 1, 2013. Incumbents in the position as of July 1, 2013 must possess their by BSN or MSN July 1, 2015.

Requires a current RN license in state of practice. Requires BLS certification.

Must possess a strong knowledge and understanding of clinical care management as normally demonstrated through two years of clinical management experience relevant to patient population. Demonstrates knowledge and skills of specialty area. Requires critical thinking, communication, influence, decision-making, analytical, and flexibility skills to make optimal decisions based on multiple variables and desired outcomes. Must have the ability to practice skills according to department and professional standards and quality requirements. In LTC setting: Requires familiarity with Alzheimer's disease and developmental disabilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree in nursing preferred.

Additional related education and/or experience preferred.