Director of Nursing

Description Job Schedule: Full Time Standard Hours: 40 Job Shift: Shift 1 Shift Details: Work where every moment matters. Every day, over 30,000 Hartford HealthCare colleagues come to work with one thing in common: Pride in what we do, knowing every moment matters here. We invite you to become part of Connecticut's most comprehensive healthcare network. Natchaug Hospital is Eastern Connecticut's leading provider for children, adolescents and adults with mental illness and substance abuse addictions. We offer a variety of programs including inpatient and outpatient behavioral health, residential treatment for court-involved teenage girls, older adult services, clinical day treatment schools and chemical dependency services. Through our multi-site network of care, we constantly strive to meet our mission in helping people find their way while educating and empowering individuals to participate in their own care and recovery. Position Summary: The Director of Nursing will lead In-Patient Psychiatric services, staff education and infectious disease oversight within patient care services at Natchaug Hospital. The Director will shape and interpret the philosophy and definition of psychiatric care as it relates to patient care, staff development, resource and budget management, staffing, performance improvement and healthcare system utilization. Key Accountabilities: Develops clinical expertise of staff by role modeling, teaching and coaching and mentoring. Uses knowledge and expertise to identify potential problems and/or resources for patients and families Demonstrates clinical inquiry by anticipating and identifying evidence-based opportunities for improvement that promote practice and change. Develops and implements a performance improvement program that focuses on clinical innovation Recommends departmental policies, procedures and best practices for approval. Implements approved policies, procedures and practices in a timely and efficient manner Functions as a facilitator of learning by modifying, developing and evaluating program-based education programs, monitoring the learning needs of staff and designing educational opportunities to enhance the knowledge and skills of staff while serving as a mentor for professional practice Cultivates an environment that is supportive of staff's professional and personal growth. Ensures that all staff members maintain level of competency-based practice based on patient population Initiates and maintains departmental professional growth and development. Maintains current knowledge and keeps abreast of new developments within field of discipline Demonstrates systems thinking by recognizing, responding and following up on all issues, concerns and suggestions on behalf of the patient population and staff. Provides timely follow-up on critical incidents and provides leadership in system redesign to promote a culture of safety. Assumes accountability for daily operations at the unit level and allocates resources and coordinates services to optimize patient care Demonstrates collaboration by leading and participating in departmental and hospital programs, committees, and special projects to achieve desired outcomes. Demonstrates advocacy and moral agency by advocating on behalf of the department to represent the concerns of patients, families and staff. Works in collaboration with multidisciplinary and multi-agency teams to balance technology with values that emphasize quality of life, consumer choice, risk-benefit decisions, access and integrity of life. Provides leadership in creating an ethical practice environment for professional practice Qualifications Bachelor's and Master's degrees are required. At least one degree must be in Nursing Current license in good standing to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Connecticut Four plus years of progressive leadership experience Ability to assess problems, determine solutions and make decisions within a timely manner Ability to align goals with the strategic goals of the organization, as well as understand external impacts on internal strategy Familiarity with current best practices in integrated health delivery and improvement methodology for practice redesign The ability to leverage the technical expertise of internal and external resources while managing competing demands Utilize consultation and team approaches on program assessment, development and management The desire to effectively serve vulnerable populations with respect and dignity Excellent communication skills, with the ability to establish relationships, build networks, and generate resources to meet the needs of the organization and the community Superior analytical skills, integrity, and an ethical and fair philosophy Has the courage to make the tough decisions and have the courageous tough conversations. Owns the decision We take great care of careers. With locations around the state, Hartford HealthCare offers exciting opportunities for career development and growth. Here, you are part of an organization on the cutting edge - helping to bring new technologies, breakthrough treatments and community education to countless men, women and children. We know that a thriving organization starts with thriving employees we provide a competitive benefits program designed to ensure work/life balance. Every moment matters. And this is your moment.