MAIN FUNCTION:

The Assistant Nurse Manager provides administrative duties and direct patient care as needed based on patient acuity and staffing needs. The Assistant Nurse Manager supports the Nurse Manager in overseeing daily unit operations, ensuring high-quality patient care, and maintaining a well-coordinated team environment. The Assistant Nurse Manager assists with staffing, scheduling, and resource management, helping to align unit resources with patient needs. The Assistant Nurse Manager provides direct support to nursing staff, offers mentorship and guidance, and steps in to resolve issues as they arise. The Assistant Nurse Manager works closely with the Nurse Manager to implement policies/procedures, regulations, quality initiatives, monitor compliance, and identify areas for improvement, contributing to an efficient and safe healthcare environment. In the absence of the Nurse Manager, the Assistant Nurse Manager is accountable for patient care activities, department operations, and staff function. In conjunction with centralized and decentralized educators, the Assistant Nurse Manager assists with the coordination of orientation and teaching of new employees and ongoing in-service programs as needed. Reports to Nurse Manager.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Standards of Care

Standard I. Assessment

1. Assist in gathering and analyzing data on patient needs, staffing levels, and resource availability within the unit. Monitor daily patient and staff activities to assess workflow.

Standard II. Diagnosis

1. Identify specific challenges in patient care and staff performance, supporting the nurse manager in recognizing potential issues impacting patient safety, quality of care, and unit effectiveness.

Standard III. Planning

1. Collaborate with the nurse manager to develop and coordinate unit plans, including scheduling, resource allocation, and setting goals. Help outlines steps for implementing unit procedures and patient care standards.

Standard IV. Implementation

1. Support the Nurse Manager in executing care plans, including coordinating with team members, enforcing policies and procedures, and ensuring smooth daily operations. Provide direct support to staff and step in as needed for patient care.

Standard V. Evaluation

1. Participate in evaluating patient outcomes, staff performance, and unit efficiency. Provide feedback to the nurse manager and suggest improvements based on observed results.

Standards of Professional Performance

Standard I. Quality of Care and Administrative Practice

1. Assists the Nurse Manager in systematically evaluating the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice.
2. Sets goals for self and unit and works to achieve them.
3. Completes reports in timely manner
4. Problem solves and assists staff in developing appropriate problem-solving skills.

Standard II. Performance Appraisal

The Assistant Nurse Manager evaluates his/her own performance based on professional practice standards, relevant statutes and regulations, and organizational criteria.

1. Engages in self-performance appraisal regularly identifying areas of strength and areas for professional/practice development.
2. Assists Nurse Manager in completing employee evaluations as required by the organization.

Standard III. Education

The Assistant Nurse Manager acquires and maintains current knowledge in administrative and clinical practice.

1. Seeks additional knowledge and skills appropriate for the practice setting.
2. Seeks experience to expandand maintain skill and knowledge base.

Standard IV. Collegiality

The Assistant Nurse Manager fosters a professional environment.

1. Shares knowledge and skills with colleagues and others and acts as a role model/mentor. Is seen as a leader by staff.
2. Contributes to an environment of mutual respect, understanding, and effective communication.

Standard V. Ethics

The Assistant Nurse Manager's decisions and actions are based on ethical principles.

1. Supports the system to address ethical issues within nursing and the organization.
2. Maintains privacy, confidentiality, and security of patients, clients, staff, and organizational data.

Standard VI. Collaboration

The Assistant Nurse Manager collaborates with nursing staff on all levels, interdisciplinary teams, executive officers, and other stakeholders.

1. Facilitates collaboration within organized nursing service and the organization.
2. Recognizes importance of positive relationship between Nurse Manager and staff.

Standard VII. Resource Utilization

The Assistant Nurse Manager evaluates and administers the resources of organized nursing services. Assists Nurse Manager with staffing and scheduling of personnel.

Core Values

Accountability

1. Accepts accountability for individual and unit-based nursing staff professional practice.

Caring and Compassionate Environment

1. Respects and recognizes each patient/staff member as a unique individual and directs holistic nursing care for unit.

Collaboration

1. Assures collaboration with appropriate disciplines to assist staff to practice effectively.

Communication

1. Communicates effectively and efficiently between self and unit staff and with other units/disciplines.

Continuity of Care

1. Assures that care planning process is done.

Leadership

1. Demonstrates leadership and availability to nursing staff.

Learning Environment

1. Identifies own learning needs and staff needs, and develops education plan accordingly, including continued development of technical and critical thinking skills.

Participation in Decision making

1. Participates in Unit, Division of Nursing, and Arnot Health Councils/Committees, as appropriate.

Quality Improvement

1. Fosters quality improvement in nursing practice in collaboration with the Unit Manager.

1. It is understood that this job description lists typical duties for the classification and is not considered inclusive of all duties which may be assigned.

EDUCATION:

Required: Current NYS nursing licensure.

Preferred: BSN strongly recommended.

EXPERIENCE:

Required: Minimum 5 years' experience in an acute hospital setting.

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) REQUIREMENTS:

Basic Life Support (BLS) required within 90 days of hire date. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required within 90 days for telemetry and critical care areas.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Appreciable physical effort required. Some lifting, reaching and stooping. Required to be on feet much of the time.

INFECTION CONTROL:

Performs all aspects of universal precautions when engaging in patient care.

EXPOSURE CATEGORY:

Category I. Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.

** A.D.A Essential Functions