Assistant Director of Nursing (Cavan)

We wish to invite applications from suitably qualified applicants for the position of Assistant Director.  The appointee will lead a multidisciplinary team including nursing and allied health and support staff in the delivery of an effective and efficient service, through provision of clinical and professional leadership to the team.

Role of Assistant Director of Nursing

• To manage the delivery of appropriate services for the elderly and under 75 Unit, ensuring the highest quality of care under the general direction of the Director of Nursing.
• To assist in the co-ordination of external services.

Management Responsibilities

You are required to:

• Provide leadership and vision for the development and advancement of the nursing service and to contribute fully to the corporate management of the organisation
• Deputise for the Director of Nursing when required
• Assist and act as a catalyst in determining service needs and plans in conjunction with the Director of Nursing and Management.
• Participate in meetings with management as required.
• Participate in meetings and report back on issues of concern raised at such meetings
• Participate in meetings in Industrial Disputes as per Grievance Procedure and report back
• In the absence of the Director of Nursing, manage the relationships with external agencies with regard to the patient’s needs and ensure follow up with the allied services in the community.
• Ensure that resources are used effectively and appropriately.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Be responsible for the allocation, deployment and rostering of assigned staff as necessary
• Provide innovative and effective leadership, support and advice to nursing and allied staff at all levels
• Provide guidance to Staff Nurses/Unit Managers and allied staff in the implementation of nursing policies
• Take part in the recruitment and selection of staff at all grades as required
• Introduce new members of nursing and allied staff to their colleagues and discuss their job profile with them
• Arrange appropriate orientation, fire and emergency procedures, manual handling and first aid procedures for all new staff
• Adopt an approach of impartiality to all grades of staff
• Improve and maintain a high morale among staff
• Assist in the development of the management skills of immediate subordinates and give appropriate autonomy to persons who show leadership skills
• Promote changes, which are research based, within the facility and motivate staff to be open to change and encourage dialogue between nursing professionals and others
• Maintain a visible and approachable profile, be visible to patients, staff and relatives and be available to deal promptly and appropriately with complaints and problems if and when they arise
• Deal with staff grievances including disciplinary matters promptly and appropriately
• Ensure staff are appropriately attired, including footwear, and wearing identification at all times
• Carry out continuous staff appraisal and provide corrective measures as required through educational recommendations and mentorship programme.

Research, Development, Monitoring and Evaluation

• Ensure that thoroughly researched documentation on policy and procedures is available, understood and adhered to
• Monitor patient care and ensure that the agreed procedures are adhered to
• Participate in setting standards which are realistic and quality based
• Ensure that professional standards are adhered to and that nurses practice within their legal limits as laid down by An Bord Altranais
• Monitor work assignment and evaluate quality of work performed
• Ensure that patients are cared for in the appropriate environment, which is safe and stress free, this will include monitoring of noise levels etc.
• Ensure that equipment and human resources are effectively utilised
• Develop quality initiatives including clinical audit, standard setting, investigation of complaints and untoward incidents
• Encourage and advise on any nursing and associated research project and participate as required

Education Responsibility

• Assess the training needs of all staff under your supervision, assist in the development of in service training and on going education for all nursing and allied staff and organise appropriate in service and external training
• Assist in the development of the managerial role of Senior Staff Nurses.
• Initiate, foster and fully participate in various health promotion activities throughout the nursing home.
• Identify and encourage the potential of all staff
• Organise and develop a programme of induction and orientation of all new staff

Self Development Responsibilities

Be aware of current developments in nursing and health services management:

• By reading current literature and keeping abreast of new developments in nursing and health services management
• By attending appropriate lectures, seminars and refresher courses
• In discussion with the Director of Nursing, identifying areas where you require further education or enhancement of your existing skills
• To carry out such duties appropriate to the post as may be assigned by the Director of Nursing.

Qualifications and Experience required:

• Qualified Nurse with at least 3 years Management experience in the last 6 years in care of the older person area
• Post registration Management qualification in health or a related field
• Thorough knowledge of HIQA standards, regulations and governance in a Nursing Home setting
• Proven track record in management
• Excellent Leadership, Organisational and Communication skills
• Ability to promote a team environment
• Sound decision making ability and results driven
• Willingness to be flexible and adapt to the needs of the company
• Qualification in Gerontology and/or Dementia would be desirable

Benefits:

• Salary depending on experience
• Opportunities to progress your career
• EAP
• Access to pension
• Employee Assistance Program
• Substantial Pharmacy Staff Discount
• Cycle to Work Scheme