Director Nursing CAH (Medical-Surgical)

Director of Nursing CAH (Medical-Surgical) Position Summary Under the general supervision of the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), the Director of the Nursing Department provides clinical and administrative leadership to the Medical Surgical unit within our Critical Access Hospital (CAH). The Director is responsible for establishing and implementing nursing standards of care, improving patient outcomes, participating in emergency and disaster planning, and supporting staff education and development. This position plays a key leadership role within the facility and contributes significantly to the delivery of safe, high-quality care to our community. Essential Job Duties Leadership & Advocacy Serves as a role model by demonstrating professionalism, punctuality, initiative, and confidentiality. Maintains strong working relationships with peers, physicians, department managers, and staff. Participates actively in nursing leadership and facility-wide committees including the Safety Committee. Standards of Care & Compliance Ensures adherence to nursing standards of care, hospital policies, emergency preparedness, infection control, and safety regulations. Implements evidence-based practices to enhance outcomes in the Medical Surgical Unit. Staffing & Development Collaborates with Patient Care Services to assess and meet staffing needs. Oversees hiring, training, and professional development of unit staff. Fosters team building and promotes cross-training within units. Manages scheduling and ensures optimal staffing levels based on acuity and census. Fiscal Responsibility Exercises budget oversight for labor and supply costs. Participates in annual budget planning for assigned units. Patient Care & Clinical Oversight Ensures appropriate patient placement and continuity of care throughout hospitalization. Performs and supervises the nursing process including assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation. Provides clinical oversight for medication administration, IV therapy, patient monitoring, and emergency response. Quality & Safety Monitors compliance with clinical protocols, patient identification, safety practices, and documentation standards. Conducts rounds and chart audits to ensure care quality and identifies areas for improvement. Administrative Duties Functions as the administrative representative in the absence of the CNO or other leadership. Assumes the role of Patient Care Coordinator when needed. Contributes to grant writing, policy development, and implementation. Supervisory Responsibilities Oversees and directs the activities of designated nursing staff. Adjusts shift staffing and coordinates unit assignments based on patient needs. Conducts performance evaluations and promotes accountability within the team.

Qualifications Education and Experience:

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing with current RN license in applicable state. BSN preferred or willingness to obtain. Minimum of two (2) years' experience in nursing management, supervision, or demonstrated leadership capability. Two to five (5) years of clinical experience as a staff nurse preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

Must hold and maintain a valid, current Registered Nurse license in Indiana.

Keywords:

Director of Nursing, Nursing Leadership, CAH Nursing Director, Critical Access Hospital, RN Director, Medical Surgical Unit, Nurse Manager, Hospital Administration, Nursing Supervisor, Clinical Leadership