Director of Nursing

Coalinga Regional Medical Center•Coalinga, CA

4h•Onsite

About The Position

This job description outlines the essential functions of the Director of Nursing (DON) role, providing a clear understanding of the job's place within the organization and its skill and work requirements. The hospital is committed to making reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals. The position involves direct and indirect patient care for individuals aged 18 and older, requiring age-specific experience, special training, or expertise. The Director of Nursing, using discretion and independent judgment under the general supervision of the hospital CEO and CNO, is responsible for organizing and administering Nursing Services. This includes implementing company-established standards of care, policies, and procedures, and ensuring timely, accurate, and complete clinical documentation. The DON must ensure all clinical regulatory requirements are met and fully implement standard clinical programs such as Pulmonary-Ventilator Weaning, Complex Wound Care, Complex Medical (including Infectious Disease and Renal), and Brain Injury Recovery. The role involves fostering clinical excellence through staff development, Core Curriculum implementation, competency validation via EDUCATION testing, and the Clinical Advancement Program. As a key member of the leadership team, the DON shares responsibility for employee engagement, recruitment, and retention. Clinical cost control is essential, involving the implementation of the wound formulary, bed algorithm, and purchasing/renting supplies through standard vendors. Ensuring safe staffing according to Coalinga Regional Medical Center guidelines and staff functioning within their job descriptions and licensure is critical. The DON is also responsible for census growth through clinical competency, reputation, strong physician relationships, and a culture of professionalism and customer service. The DON will administer and adhere to all Coalinga Regional Medical Center HR policies, particularly regarding consistent and fair implementation of attendance, progressive discipline, suspected drug diversion, positive work environment, and professional appearance policies. Significant clinical initiatives like National Patient Safety Goal Implementation, VAP and CVC line bundles, Hourly Rounds, Delirium, SBAR-Change in Condition, and Sepsis Screen are also required. This position provides direct patient care to adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.

Requirements

Bachelor Degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing
At least two (2) years of progressive work experience or equivalent in a management or administrative position
Current licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State
Evidence of active participation in continuing education in Nursing Executive Management and Health Care Administration
Knowledge and demonstrated capacity for leadership skills in the design, implementation, and evaluation of patient care programs that are coordinated with the health care of the patient
Development of staff and management of personnel in an environment which enhances the highest standards of care
Fiscal and quality accountability necessary to meet the standards and goals of this health care organization
Participation in health associations and educational programs indicative of professional growth
BLS certification
ACLS certification
Age specific experience and/or special training and/or expertise is required to serve the population of patients between the ages of 18 and older

Responsibilities

Provides leadership, support and participation in Hospital QAPI meetings
Maintains safe environment through strict enforcement of all Infection Control policies and monitoring of effective and safe housekeeping practices
Implements Coalinga Regional Medical Center standards related to staffing: No RN on LTAC unit can be assigned to or cover for more than 5 patients; 100% RN; RT- 1:4-6 vents; Rehab according to average census; Written assignments; Report between nurse and nurse aide
Implements core curriculum and competency validation through education
Meet regulatory requirements for documentation
Implements core programs
Implements significant corporate clinical initiatives: VAP and CVC line bundles, NPSG’s, hourly rounding, shift huddle, Delirium screen, Sepsis screen, skin care bundle, fall reduction bundle and others as directed by Coalinga Regional Medical Center
Follows and administers HR policies, consulting with HRC and HRD as needed, with attention to: Attendance policy, Professional appearance policy, Progressive discipline policy, Positive work environment policies and practices, Suspected drug diversion guideline
Cooperates in the formulation of policies and practices established by the Hospital Administrator/CEO and defines and interprets these to the Department of Nursing
Plans with Medical Staff and Department heads for coordination of services and activities
Meets all new patients in timely way
Enforces grievance policy
Holds monthly staff meetings accessible to all shifts
Present on night shift monthly
Develops charge nurses into a clinically and administratively effective team
Uses Clinical Observation tool four times a year (quarterly) for all clinical employees to provide ongoing assessment and feedback of performance
Clinical rounds daily
Controls cost: purchasing and rental agreements, bed algorithm, wound formulary
Effectively functions with leadership team
Meets CMS and Accreditation requirements
Keeps the Hospital Administrator/CEO informed of plans, equipment, systems, policies and procedures
Relates with appropriate boards, community, and governmental agencies
Develops a working relationship with professional organizations and groups and acts in leadership capacities
Represents the hospital to professional community groups and actively participates within and outside the hospital to promote its reputation, educational, and research activities related to the quality of services
Provides a level of competency to patients ages 18 and older, involving adults with care planning and identifying their normal patterns of living, and striving to obtain understanding from geriatric patients by speaking distinctly, moving slowly, involving family, explaining procedures, providing rest periods, listening to concerns, and assessing sight and hearing
Maintains licensure, continuing education requirements, and CPR certification
Displays a “customer service” attitude toward patients, visitors, staff members, and referral sources of all ages, at all times
Follows safety, infection control, and other guidelines as required
Promotes an ethic of continuous quality improvement in all matters associated with the position, and shall document specific quality assurance implementation
Performs all other tasks and duties as may be assigned
Dresses and presents self in a professional manner at all times, adhering to the corporate appearance policy
Wears hospital issued nametag at all times while on duty
Conducts self ethically at all times
Upholds all service standards including Safety, Communication, Courtesy, Presentation, and Efficiency