System Director of Trauma and Emergency Preparedness

Appalachian Regional Healthcare•Lexington, KY

About The Position

The System Director of Trauma and Emergency Preparedness Services is responsible for the direction and leadership of operational, financial, programmatic and employee related activities for Trauma and Emergency Preparedness for the enterprise. This includes establishing, meeting and continuously monitoring the goals and objectives while maintaining alignment with the strategic goals and objectives for ARH. While the range of duties and responsibilities is broad and varied, the position’s major responsibility is directing the day-to-day enterprise-wide trauma operations functions and organizing a system approach to emergency preparedness. The System Director is responsible for the organization of services and systems necessary for a multidisciplinary approach to providing care to injured patients and works both independently and in collaboration with the local Trauma Program Medical Directors and the multidisciplinary health care team and management staff for each trauma center. The System Director will collaborate with operational leadership to provide expertise and guidance for Trauma and Emergency Preparedness; coordinate and communicate with internal and external stakeholders; and develop, monitor, and act upon clinical, financial, and operational metrics designed to continuously improve service delivery. The System Director will direct the planning, development and execution of Emergency Preparedness management plans, policies, training exercises, and outreach programs for ARH. The incumbent will have in-depth knowledge of public health aspects of bioterrorism, communicable disease, environmental or natural disasters, mass casualty incidents and mass fatalities to be an effective leader during all phases of emergency management. Incumbent must stay up-to-date with federal and state recommendations for Emergency Management. The System Director is responsible for regulatory compliance, accreditation, and continuous survey readiness. This position is responsible for establishing and maintaining necessary compliance mechanisms, training, inspections, documentation and activities, in conjunction with ARH objectives. The incumbent is responsible for supporting facility specific management and department managers on safety and emergency management issues as well as the institution’s compliance with federal, state and local laws and accreditation standards. Incumbent ensures timely reports of any safety incidents or events are documented. The System Director will develop and maintain systems that regularly research and maintain expert knowledge of the latest evidence-based advances in Trauma Services and Emergency Preparedness and a novel approach to clinical care and disseminating information across the care team.

Requirements

Bachelors Degree in Nursing or other healthcare profession, required.
Five (5) years of combined education (Associate’s degree) and work experience may be considered in lieu of Bachelor’s degree
Minimum of five (5) or more years of relevant Prehospital, ED and/or Trauma experience in complex healthcare setting, required
Demonstrated ability to lead, influence and motivate people at all levels of the organization.
Positive, can-do attitude coupled with a sense of urgency.
Ability to operate in high-pressure situations.
Excellent organizational skills.
Experience in creating, facilitating, and conducting training within HICS.
Experience in CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive) decontamination procedures.
Knowledge of community disaster response principles.
Hazardous materials experience and training, such as Healthcare Emergency Response Training (HERT) or similar with decontamination.
Knowledge of community disaster response principles and Hospital Incident Command System (HICS).
Ability to operate in high-pressure situations.
Excellent organizational skills.
Registered Nurse – Single State or Compact, Preferred
NIMS IS-100, 200, 700 certifications, Minimum Required
BLS, Required upon hire
TNCC, Required within 6 months of hire
ACLS, Required within 6 months of hire
PALS, Required within 6 months of hire

Nice To Haves

Masters Degree in Nursing or other healthcare profession, preferred
Seven (7+) or more years of relevant Prehospital, ED and/or Trauma experience in complex health care setting, preferred.
Two (2+) or more years of manager (or higher) level experience in complex health care setting, preferred.
Pre-hospital experience as a Paramedic or Nurse, preferred.
TCRN certification, Preferred
CSP, CHSP, CHFM, CEM, CHEC or other related certifications related to safety and emergency management, Preferred.

Responsibilities

Contribute to the success of ARH by providing leadership, direction and coordination of operations, finances and human resources for area of responsibility.
Manage and direct all activities within area of responsibility.
Continually assesses all services, identifies problems, utilizes data to analyze and propose innovative approaches for solutions.
Maintain records related to operations and services that are complete, accurate, available, and in compliance with all legal, regulatory, and policy requirements.
Engages staff and other stakeholders in continuous improvement of systems and processes; manages resources for staff participation in improvement work activities.
Ensures effective facilitation of improvement teams and development of leadership skills to ensure overall effectiveness of the meetings.
Organizes and prioritizes time and resources to manage efficiency.
Remains current of new trends and best practices and incorporates into Trauma and Emergency Preparedness programs.
Articulates and enforces standards for quality/safe patient care.
Demonstrates achievable and measurable results and develop action plans for improvement.
Initiates, monitors and enforces regulatory requirements.
Ensures databases and information necessary for compliance with accrediting bodies and CMS.
Holds self and others accountable to policy, standards and commitments and provides timely follow through on questions and concerns.
Develops and implements clinical outcome measures for quality improvement, cost and complication reduction, and the implementation of evidence-based medicine.
Incorporates the use of evidence-based practice and appreciative enquiry into program development and improvement activities
Articulates and presents data, information and ideas in a clear and concise manner.
Communicates opinions and ideas in a non-threatening and nonjudgmental manner to staff, peers and others.
Participates independently and in collaboration with health system-wide activities regarding regulatory compliance, policy and performance improvement.
Collaborates with Safety/Security, Employee Health, and Infection Control departments on program revisions and updates, when needed.
Creates organization-wide communications related to ongoing training and program processes as needed.
Conducts rounds at hospitals on a periodic basis to assess emergency preparedness.
Assesses and conducts in partnership with local leadership hazard vulnerability assessments and/or risk assessments that proactively evaluate risks and impacts of risks to patient and public safety.
Makes effective recommendations for action and correction.
Provides guidance and direction on emergency preparedness training, exercises, drills and community involved programs.
Coordinates planning and response to disasters or emergencies with ARH hospitals.
Liaises with local, regional, state and federal partners.