Patient Care Leader Intensive Care Unit 7am to 7pm

Sherman Hospital

Elgin, IL

Patient Care Leader

• Full Time

• 36 hours/week

• Every 3rd weekend

• 7am to 7pm

• BSN

• 2+ years nursing experience (preferably including charge nurse or other nursing unit leadership capacity).

• Competitive Benefit Package

• Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, Tuition Reimbursement

The Patient Care Leader (PCL) has a clear understanding of the Advocate Mission, Vision, & Values, and is able to articulate this vision to others. Provides operational and clinical leadership to the unit during assigned shift including serving as a clinical resource. Leads the provision and coordination of patient-centered, compassionate and wholistic care. Promotes accountability for evidence-based practice, clinical decision-making and improvement of strategic outcomes through enculturation of performance improvement activities. Anticipates and secures appropriate resources needed for own shift and next 24-hours. Fosters professional development of self and others while supporting a professional practice environment grounded in safety, quality monitoring and quality improvement.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provides operational and clinical leadership to the unit during assigned shift including serving as a clinical resource.  
  • Consistently demonstrates transformational coaching and mentoring skills with clinical staff
  • Demonstrates strong and consistent critical thinking skills.
  • Demonstrates excellence in relationship skills including conflict management and resolution. Role models Behaviors of Excellence.
  • Partners with Care Management, clinical nurses and physicians to support implementation of the interdisciplinary plan of care
  • Ensures smooth and appropriate flow of patients in collaboration with the bed board including timely and comprehensive admission of patients to units.
  • Attends bed meetings and collaborates with other departments for optimal distribution of resources to support the care of patients
  • Coaches staff nurses to prepare patients for discharge. Ensures discharges are thorough and meet standards
  • Maintains visibility on the unit with clinical staff, physicians, volunteers and interdisciplinary colleagues
  • Demonstrates excellence in relationship skills including conflict management and resolution.
  • In collaboration with the Clinical Manager, is responsible for financial outcomes and assists with department productivity target goals.
• Leads the provision and coordination of patient-centered, compassionate and wholistic care
  • Meets regularly with the Nurse Manager to discuss vision and strategy and review celebrations as well as opportunities for improvement.
  • Promotes a professional, positive and caring atmosphere in the work environment.
  • Fosters positive relationships with colleagues within the unit and across the organization.
  • Demonstrates autonomy in decision-making and empowers others to develop the same.
  • Rounds as the clinical leader on staff and patients using the standard process. Discusses rounding outcomes with staff and leaders for the purpose of celebrating what is done well and opportunities for improvement.
• Promotes accountability for evidence-based practice, clinical decision-making and improvement of outcomes through enculturation of performance improvement activities.
  • Seeks opportunities for and supports others in the advancement of evidence-based practice.
  • Leads safety huddles, ensures safe processes/bundles are implemented and follows-p with staff as appropriate. Helps ensure department is compliant with core measures (CLABSI/CAUTI, HAPU, Falls, etc.). Helps to ensure associate documentation is in compliance with policy and best practice
  • Discusses KRA targets/outcomes with colleagues. Coaches to standard work and supports improvement work designed to deliver outcomes
  • Facilitates compliance with regulatory and patient care standards.
  • Attends and assists with unit rapid responses while on duty to support positive patient outcomes.
  • Ensures hourly rounding and bedside shift report occur and escalates the removal of barriers to the same.
  • Identifies high risk patients and provides support to assigned clinical nurse.
  • Responsible for first line Service Recovery of patient, family and physician complaints and effective communication of unresolved issues to Unit Manager. Works with unit manager to ensure all tactics are in place to enhance the patient experience. Knowledgeable about customer service survey and helps to support and lead unit activities to promote an 'ALWAYS" positive patient experience.
  • Uses chain of command for appropriate notification and issue resolution verbally and in writing.
  • Follows-up and assists with resolution of safety events. Coaches associates as appropriate and helps to identify strategies to mitigate future re-occurrence.
• Anticipates and secures appropriate resources needed for own shift and next 24 hours.
  • Supports creation/oversight of department schedule. Ensures modifications are accurately reflected on schedule and time card.
  • Attends bed meetings and collaborates with other departments for optimal distribution of resources.
  • Adjusts staffing levels when needed in collaboration with the staffing office and House Supervisor and records appropriately in the electronic scheduling system.
  • Uses prudent judgment in making appropriate patient assignments taking into consideration the care requirements of the patients as well as skill and competency of available staff.
  • Assigns breaks and lunches to staff and coordinate coverage.
  • Assigns Clinical Technician duties and validates completion.
  • Proficient in time keeping including recording of call-ins and ensuring clock-ins are accurate. Minimizes department OT.
  • Ensures availability of adequate supplies and equipment.
• Fosters professional development of self and others while supporting a professional practice environment grounded in safety, quality monitoring and quality improvement.
  • Performs the principle duties and responsibilities of the Registered Nurse and serves as a role model for professional practice.   
  • Assists with onboarding of new associates and works with leadership team to provide support, track progress and help to ensure new associate has an individualized orientation plan. Communicates progress to unit manager.
  • Facilitates associate critical thinking and clinical skills to optimize patient outcomes, customer satisfaction and resource management
  • Leads, supports and participates in Shared Governance as well as quality improvement initiatives.
  • Contributes to performance management process of clinical staff by providing real-time coaching for outcomes as well as providing formal feedback to Nurse Manager for inclusion in performance appraisal.
  • Achieves professional certification. Participates in advanced or continuing education or other growth opportunities.
  • Encourages unit staff to pursue certification, advanced or continuing education as well as participation in Shared Governance.
  • Creates impact by being a change agent on the unit and in the organization
  • Describes elements of the Magnet Model and uses the elements to create relevance for site's Magnet journey.

Licensure:

• Nurse, Registered (RN)

Education/Experience Required:

• BSN
• 2+ years nursing experience (preferably including charge nurse or other nursing unit leadership capacity).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• •Strong clinical skills
• Ability to lead in a dynamic environment
• Ability to communicate effectively and work cohesively with a diverse work group.
• Utilize critical thinking and timely decision making.
• Ability to assess skills and abilities of other

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Ability to work within a rapid changing environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal / external customers.
• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to patient-focused care.
• Ability to prioritize independently and respond to multiple simultaneous requests.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions and in difficult situations, dealing with and resolving conflict
• Ability to perform lifting / transfer activities related to patients (up to 50 lbs. may be required).
• Ability to recognize needs and behaviors of specific age groups of patients treated.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials and life-threatening diseases.
• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.