Clinical Unit Leader - Cardiac Progressive Care Unit (PCU) - Berkeley Hospital

Roper St. Francis Healthcare•Summerville, SC

About The Position

The Clinical Unit Leader coordinates patient care on a designated unit. In collaboration with the Clinical Manager, the leader applies nursing process and clinical knowledge to coordinate the health care team and foster excellence in clinical practice, customer satisfaction, and efficient use of resources. The role provides clinical guidance and support to staff and oversees the unit in the absence of the unit leader. Clinical Unit Leaders are expected to practice and deliver care in accordance with the core concepts and intent of the Nursing Professional Practice Model. The position supports patient safety, care coordination, quality improvement, effective communication, and a respectful team environment. The leader helps manage patient placement and transitions, supports staff development, and responds to operational issues. Care must be appropriate to the ages and needs of patients served by the assigned unit, from neonates through geriatrics. This role involves periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads, exposure to infectious materials and other workplace hazards, and frequent walking and standing. It may require travel to off-site locations and occasional long-distance or air travel, not to exceed 10%.

Requirements

Current RN license in the state of employment or a compact-covered license.
Associate degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing.
For Roper St. Francis Healthcare locations, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is required; it is preferred for BSMH.
For Roper St. Francis Healthcare locations, two years of nursing experience as a registered nurse, including at least one year of clinical experience in the acuity level of the desired area. This experience is preferred for BSMH.
BLS Basic Life Support is required at hire for Roper St. Francis Healthcare locations; for BSMH, it is preferred upon hire and must be obtained from an approved source before entering a patient care setting.
Certifications required based on the unit(s) overseen and the requirements for those units.
Demonstrate knowledge and skills to provide care appropriate to the age and needs of patients served on the assigned unit.
Use universal precautions and personal protective equipment and learn infection-control policies.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (preferred for BSMH).
Two years of registered nurse experience, including at least one year of clinical experience in the acuity level of the desired area (preferred for BSMH).
BLS Basic Life Support (preferred upon hire for BSMH).
PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support.
ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
NRP Neonatal Resuscitation Program.
TNCC Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum.
ENPC Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course.
National Board Certification in a specialty.
Nurse Executive Certification or designated specialty certification.

Responsibilities

Adjust schedules and patient assignments in response to changes in acuity, patient population, resources, and care design.
Guide and provide clinical support to staff, and oversee the unit in the absence of the unit leader.
Maintain knowledge of environmental safety standards and infection control, and use supplies and equipment appropriately.
Communicate with patients and families about nursing interventions and plans of care.
Round on patients to evaluate safety, quality, and patient experience.
Serve as a resource to staff, patients, and family members to support effective communication.
Act as a clinical resource and role model for staff and, when appropriate, serve as a preceptor.
Collaborate with the interprofessional care team to coordinate and maintain continuity of care and optimize patient experience.
Communicate and follow up with other departments to resolve operational problems.
Participate in quality monitoring and performance improvement through monitoring activities, evaluation of unit-based results, and suggestions for studies.
Facilitate appropriate patient placement and safe, efficient admission, transfer, and discharge processes.
Provide feedback and mentoring to nursing and support staff.
Promote teamwork, mutual respect, open communication, and conflict resolution; manage conflict in a timely, direct, and positive manner.
Support the organization's mission and vision and adhere to organizational policies.
Provide care appropriate to the ages and specific needs of patients served on the assigned unit.