Responsible for hospital operations when administration not present. In the absence of on-site leadership, fulfills the leadership role for nursing staff, physicians and other hospital personnel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides leadership for nursing units in the absence of department directors.
• Provides leadership for other hospital departments in the absence of department directors during disaster situations.
• Reviews staffing needs for next 24 hours and makes necessary staffing adjustments for all nursing units.
• Organizes, directs and collaborates with personnel on assigned shifts.
• Investigates and resolves administrative problems/complaints and refers unusual problems to department directors or administration.
• Offers input into the evaluations of nursing staff
• Coordinates educational offerings for assigned shifts
• Responds, coordinates and critique crisis situations.
• Supervises staff, assesses their needs, identifies educational opportunities, and communicates with unit leadership.
• Assists in maintaining and monitoring Nursing unit budgets, identifying opportunities to reduce costs.
• Manages and assists in the resolution of opportunities related to human resources, and safety and risk management issues
• Assists in implementation and evaluation of nursing initiatives.
• Aware of and collaborates in performance improvement / quality initiatives for the nursing departments.
• Highly visible to partners, rounding with charge nurse/lead nurses at least once per shift and others as able throughout the assigned shift.
• Rounds on patients/families as requested/needed with attention to high-risk patients. Rounds on at least one patient/family per shift.
• Role model service recovery as appropriate. Encourages and acts as a resource for front-line partners to participate in the service recovery process.
• Coordinates patient admissions, discharges and transfers and work assignments of nursing staff to meet patient and unit needs.
• Serves as incident commander until the administrator on call arrives for Disaster Operations Plan. Participates in on-going Disaster Preparedness education.
• Participates in nursing leadership educational sessions quarterly
• Acts as a resource person for nursing staff, physicians and other hospital personnel.
• Assists with complex patient care situations.
• Counsels patients, families, and staff in time of crisis. Accesses appropriate resources.
• As a designated Organ Procurement Requester assists with procurement of organs to be donated. Assists with completion of the death packet and process as needed.
• Contacts OR staff for emergency OR procedures; assists Maternity staff in obstetrical emergencies, including assisting with coordinating resources for emergency surgeries; coordinates resources from Central services and Radiology for such cases.
• Assists in procurement of supplies, nourishment for staff , physicians or patients, medical records and medications as needed.
• Familiar with and assists with the delivery of care in accordance with the hospital and departmental Mission, Vision, and Values. Interprets and enforces institution policies.

Culture of Excellence Behavior Expectations

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:

Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.

Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.

Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.

Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.

Education and Experience

Graduate of an accredited nursing program. BSN or upon hire BSN completion agreement for enrollment in an accredited BSN Completion Program May require specific years of applicable experience to qualify (per department guidelines). If hired prior to 1-1-14 in Winnebago County and prior to 9-1-14 in Rock, Walworth and McHenry Counties an ADN only is required.

Certification and Licensure

Licensed as an RN in the state of practice
CPR/BLS
ACLS desired

Skills and Abilities
Good interpretive and analytic skills.
Must have planning and organizational skills.
Excellent interpersonal/communication skills.
Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others; Consistently performs essential duties and responsibilities.
Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on resolving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
Change Management - Communicates changes effectively and in a positive manner. Supports decisions of administration and the Nursing Practice Council.
Delegation - Delegates work assignments, matching the responsibility to the person.
Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Accepts feedback from others; Frequently provides positive reinforcement/recognition to others.
Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Supports the Culture of Excellence; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Self-directed in daily work routine, remaining productive during work hours.
Planning/Organizing - Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives; able to plan through the shift to assure safe/quality outcomes.
Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration; Accepts responsibility for own actions.
Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Addresses and reports potentially unsafe conditions ;conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly; Utilizes appropriate equipment for partner/patient safety, such as lifts and gait belts.
Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment.
Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time, ready to accept assignment.
Dependability - Follows instructions, collaborates with leadershipwith leadership planning/direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
Initiative - Undertakes self-development activities; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed; Seeks out educational opportunities.
May include color blind test (per department guidelines)
Special Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Level of Supervision

Work requires a high level of independent judgment. The position has substantial latitude for independent action.

Supervises

Directly supervises employees in the hospital in the absence of administration. Fulfills leadership responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.