Assistant Director, Nursing-Night Shift - NYC Health

Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center is one of New York City’s premier acute care hospitals. Located in Downtown Bronx, Lincoln is a teaching hospital renowned for its Centers of Excellence, and a recognized industry leader in the implementation of state-of-the art medical technology and best practices. Our team of highly trained and caring medical professionals is dedicated to providing the highest quality health care that is safe, compassionate, culturally competent and patient-centered. Comprehensive services are offered in three major primary care areas: Medicine, Pediatrics, and Women’s Health in addition to more than eighty (80) specialty services.  At Lincoln, the safety and comfort of our patients is our number one priority. 

At NYC Health + Hospitals, our mission is to deliver high quality care health services, without exception. Every employee takes a person-centered approach that exemplifies the ICARE values (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence) through empathic communication and partnerships between all persons.

Job Description

The Assistant Director of Nursing/Educator is an integral member of Nursing Services Administration.  Under the supervision of the Associate Director of nursing, she/he assumes administrative responsibilities and clinical oversight for Hemodialysis.  Her/his responsibilities are carried out within the framework of the Hospital By Laws, the Mission/Vision statement, policies and procedures, all regulatory (TJC, NYSDOH,) and professional organizational standards. Provides patient and family education. Collaborates with nursing staff in identifying  education needs and functions as an educator. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Assistant Director of Nursing/ Educator will coordinate all patient care and operational activities.

• Oversees the preparation of the delivery system, dialysate bath, and dialyzer and confirms that all mandatory alarm tests on the dialyzer and equipment are performed. 
• Oversees dialysis technicians in the performance of dialysis from start to finish, monitors patient reaction to treatment and performance of the dialysis machines, and demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the mechanics of dialysis. 
• Maintains skills necessary to perform surveillance on dialysis access (catheter, fistula, graft) for early signs of failure or infection; this includes (if needed and after receiving the appropriate training) the ability to perform arteriovenous access monitoring using ultrasound machine per protocol. 
• Randomly reviews patient s electronic/paper records for quality assurance.
• Ensuring that patient’s education/teaching is performed and documented in electronic medical record (EMR). 
• Collaborated with other disciplines or services as needed (nutrition, social work, etc.). 
• Oversees disassembly and disinfection of dialysis equipment. 
• Performs surveillance and testing of dialysis water treatment equipment and dialysis water (such as chlorine, hardness, conductivity, water cultures) to ensure that these machines are operating within the parameters set in the facilitys written protocols. 
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of dialysis laboratory tests and dialysis medications. 
• Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of infection control and prevention of transmission of blood borne pathogens. 
• Participates in quality improvement activities to include collection of data for the dialysis unit Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) plan. 
• Responds appropriately and provides assistance in emergency situations. 
• Provides leadership in improving patient care, maintaining standards of care, directing and teaching personnel in a variety of settings, and providing charge nurse responsibilities as needed. 
• Works closely with others on the dialysis team and participates in interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Maintains responsibility for providing coverage to the dialysis department. 
• Collaborates with the Charge nurse / AOD on issues involving patient care, family and significant others.
• Prepares staffing plan to ensure that Hemodialysis Unit is adequately staffed.
• Performs fact-findings for all potential labor relation’s issues and communicates same to the ADN.
• Ensures that all mandatory in-service, Performance Evaluation, Annual Health Assessment, Annual Competency and Licensure are current.
• Monitors Quality Assurance activities on all tours as assigned by the Director of Nursing/Deputy Director of Nursing.
• Monitors staff attendance and ensures that progressive disciplinary action is followed for excessive absenteeism and lateness, and for all other areas of misconduct.
• Insures that patient complaints are appropriately addressed and responded to within the given time frame.
• Provides leadership to Head Nurses, Assistant Head Nurses and staff.
• Prepares concise and descriptive updates and reports to the Deputy Director of Nursing.
• Identifies investigates and prepares reports on Risk Management Issues to the Chief Nurse Executive.
• Participates in interviews, selection of staff and orientation. 
• Other duties as determined by the Chief Nurse Executive or designee.
• Ensures that Safety Management issues are appropriately addressed.
• Participates in the annual budgeting process.   Make recommendations for cost containment to insure proper utilization of resources
• Evaluates Head Nurses and ensures that compliance (9M, BCLS, ACLS) are maintained.
• Ensures a safe and secure environment free of hazards to reduce the risk of injury to all customers.  (Patients, visitors and staff).
• Conducts risk assessments to reduce adverse events. 
• Ensures that safety management issues are appropriately addressed.
• Explains involves and instructs patients/families concerning the therapeutic regimen and environment of care.
• Effectively utilizes the electronic medical record as well as the paper medical record.

Minimum Qualifications

• Licensed and currently registered to practice as a professional nurse in New York State, plus (2) or (3), below.
• Masters Degree in Nursing Administration, Education, Clinical Specialty or equivalent field and five years of satisfactory nursing experience, of which three years shall have been in a supervisory or teaching capacity; or a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing and six years of satisfactory nursing experience, four years of which shall have been in a supervisory or teaching capacity.
• A satisfactory equivalent of education and experience. However, all candidates must be licensed and currently registered to practice as a Professional Nurse in New York State.

NYC Health and Hospitals offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits for employees hired to work 20+ hrs. per week
• Retirement Savings and Pension Plans
• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
• Paid Holidays and Vacation in accordance with employees Collectively bargained contracts
• College tuition discounts and professional development opportunities
• Multiple employee discounts programs