Casual Term..........................................................

Contract Term..........................................................

This position is classified as Clinical Nurse Manager by virtue of the requirement to:

• provide leadership and role modelling to ensure optimal quality patient care and patient outcomes;
• be responsible for coordination of patient care activities and management of nursing and patient services of the Unit;
• manage the departmental activities to meet best practice standards;
• develop standards and policies for the Unit and ensure those standards are achieved;
• deliver direct nursing care to meet the nursing leadership requirements of the Unit as appropriate;
• provide leadership in the areas of staff and patient education, staff selection, development and performance management;
• coordinate nursing research and quality improvement programs within areas of Nursing practice;
• identify staff development needs and is responsible for the coordination, planning, implementation, clinical education and evaluation of unit-based programs designed to meet those needs;
• act as a consultant within the Service or to other units;
• participate in the management of the Unit budget.

POSITION SUMMARY

• The Clinical Nurse Manager is responsible for the cost effective management of nursing care and Patient Services functions, as well as human, material and financial resource issues at Unit level in consultation with the Nursing Director and Business Manager;

• he/she will ensure patient care and services are continually evaluated and improved by maximising the participation of staff and customers to achieve optimal patient care outcomes.

POSITION CHARACTERISTICS

The Clinical Nurse Manager is responsible for:

• the clinical management of Nursing teams in consultation with the Directors of Services;
• the assessment, development, implementation and evaluation of programs of patient care;
• monitoring and ensuring maintenance of standards of care;
• the co-ordination, planning, implementation, clinical teaching and evaluation of Unit-based staff development programs;
• providing advice within all clinical areas;
• participating in quality improvement, research and equipment evaluation;
• contributing to the Rural and Remote Mental Health Service’s strategic plans;
• liaising with medical and other health care professionals to ensure provision of a cost effective Nursing and Patient Services;
• relieving the Nursing Director as required.

ORGANISATION

Supervisor Reports to: Regional Director for operational functions and

Executive Director of Nursing for professional nursing functions

Supervisor's Position: Nursing Director Rural and Remote Mental Health Service

Subject Position: Clinical Nurse Manager

Staff Supervised: Registered Nurse, Level 1 and 2

Enrolled Nurses

Student Nurses

STATISTICS RELEVANT TO THE POSITION

Financial:

Nil

RURAL AND REMOTE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

JOB SPECIFICATION

Job and Person Specification Approval

1. Summary of the broad purpose of the position in relation to organisation goals

(Its expected outcome and how it is to be achieved)

The Clinical Nurse Manager is an experienced nurse clinician and teacher who will form a partnership with the Directors of Services for managing the designated Unit.

The incumbent is accountable to the Nursing Director and supported by the Clinical Nurses of the Unit and acts as a role model to all nursing staff. Is responsible for:

• providing leadership and role modelling to ensure optimal quality patient care and patient outcomes, in consultation with consumers and carers;
• co-ordination of patient care activities and management of nursing and patient services of the Unit;
• managing the Departmental activities to meet best practice standards;
• developing standards and policies for the services and ensure those standards are achieved;
• delivering direct nursing care to meet the nursing requirements of the Unit;
• providing leadership in the areas of staff and patient education, staff selection, development and performance management;
• co-ordinating nursing research and quality improvement programs within designated areas;
• identifying staff development needs and responsible for the co-ordination, planning, implementation, clinical education and evaluation of unit-based programs designed to meet those needs;
• establishing and maintaining effective communication/liaison with all staff that facilitate and interdisciplinary collaboration and co-ordination of care;
• participating in the management of the Unit budget;
• contributing to the health Unit’s strategic planning;

2. Reporting/Working Relationships.

(To whom the person reports, staff for whom the person is responsible, and other significant connections and working relationships within the organisation).

The Clinical Nurse Manager reports to the Nursing Director of designated unit.

Fosters and promotes collaborative relationships with Nursing, Medical, Clerical and all multidisciplinary staff within the Unit.

Works and liaises closely with other hospital staff and Units.

3. Special Conditions

(Such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, frequent overtime, etc.)

Intrastate travel to country regions of South Australia with overnight stay may be required.

Performance will be assessed at three months and annually thereafter, or more frequently as determined by the Nursing Director on the basis of outcomes outlined in the Job Specification.

4. Statement of Key Outcomes and Associated Activities

(Group into major areas of responsibility/activity and list in descending order of importance).

4.1 Ensures optimal patient care outcomes by:

• providing leadership, expertise, co-ordination and support to nurses
• providing direct comprehensive care to patients and acts as a role model for nurses;
• collaborating with the Nursing Director and Directors of Services including all relevant staff to establish standards, policies and procedures of the Unit;
• ensuring high standards of patient care are delivered through the use of these standards, policies and procedures;
• co-ordinating and facilitating an interdisciplinary collaboration with all health care professionals to achieve the best possible continuity of patient care;
• working the Nursing Director and Directors of Services to identify opportunities for improvement and implement planned strategies designed to advance the development of the Unit and ensure quality patient care outcomes;
• reviewing incidents, accidents and complaints arising within the Nursing Service in the Unit and takes appropriate actions for improvement;
• maintaining professional standards of practice by Nursing staff;
• promoting worker and customer participation in service planning;
• ensuring that continuing education programs are in place for staff to monitor high standards of nursing practice.

4.2 Ensures the effective delivery of the Nursing and Patient Services by:

• working with the Nursing Director and Nursing Team to develop unit philosophy and objectives which allow for clear direction for staff;
• provide professional leadership and management skills and acting as a consultant to nurses within the Unit and other units;
• implementing strategies to facilitate and support staff to enhance the dignity, integrity and rights of the individual patient receiving care;
• on-going evaluation and review of policies, procedures and standards to ensure that they are understood and followed by staff;
• implementing changes in patient care practice as indicated by the results of quality management and current research findings;
• participating as a member of the Management Team in the management of the Unit;
• representing the Unit on committees and meetings.

4.3 Ensures the cost-effective management of the financial and material resources by:

• collaborating with the Nursing Director and Directors of Services to plan and prepare a Departmental budget which allocates financial resources, equipment and supplies appropriate to the Unit’s care goals;
• ensuring appropriate cost containment actions are in place;
• contributing to the Units response to casemix.

4.4 Ensures the cost-effective management of human resources by:

• effectively contributing to the application of good human resource management practice by observing the principles of human resource management which include the merit principle, industrial (employee) relations, training and development and equal opportunity;
• providing the team leadership required to promote a cohesive and interactive team to all staff within the Unit;
• ensuring that the Unit is appropriately staffed within the guidelines of staff establishment and skill;
• being involved in interviewing and selecting of nursing personnel;
• ensuring an effective orientation, induction and preceptor program for all new staff;
• ensuring an effective performance management system is in place;
• ensuring a structured succession planning program is in place;
• involving all staff in project development within the Unit;
• ensuring a safe environment for staff and patients;
• promoting and implementing policies and procedures in relation to Equal Employment Opportunities and the prevention of Sexual Harassment;
• obtaining and evaluating staff feedback.

4.5 Ensures effective co-ordination and delivery of unit-based staff development activities by:

• identifying staff development needs;
• planning, implementing, clinical teaching and evaluating the activities/programs;
• developing resource materials to meet learning needs of staff, assisting staff to develop learning materials for patients and colleagues;
• utilising teaching/learning strategies which incorporate the principles of adult learning;
• demonstrating a range of teaching strategies to facilitate staff’s cognitive, affective and/or psychomotor skill development;
• promoting and contributing to an educational climate that encourages staff development.

4.6 Initiates and facilitates research and quality improvement activities to improve service by:

• demonstrating a sound knowledge of Quality Management principles and actively participating in Quality Management projects;
• promoting and encouraging staff participation in quality management;
• facilitating research programs within the Unit designed to improve patient care activities;
• contributing to the determination of priorities for research within the Unit;
• contributing to and sharing in the development of nursing knowledge;
• maintaining on-going evaluation of quality management plans;
• ensuring the Australian Council of Health Care Standards (ACHS) are adhered to.
• obtaining and evaluating customer feedback;
• participating in activities designed to maintain or improve the quality of patient care delivery.

4.7 Contributes to the development and implementation of patient information systems in the Unit by:

• participating in current projects and ongoing evaluation of systems in use;
• utilising and incorporating statistical data in quality management and research activities.

4.8 Ensures Professional Standards for Practice are maintained by:

• complying with the nursing profession’s code of ethics;
• acting to rectify unsafe work practices or unprofessional conduct;
• practising within own abilities and qualifications;
• promoting an atmosphere which is conductive to learning;
• providing effective leadership;
• is an effective role model;
• promoting effective communication and interpersonal skills;
• acting as a patient advocate to assist individuals to make informed decisions;
• maintaining current professional knowledge and skills;
• participating in professional committees.

4.9 Responsible and accountable for the provision of a safe work environment for employees under their supervision and control by:

• implementing Flinders Medical Centre occupational health, safety and welfare policies;
• participating in occupational health, safety and welfare programs, for example Critical Incident Stress Management Program;
• consulting with employees and their representatives on any issues that affect health, safety and welfare at work;
• supporting the role of the Health & Safety Representative including the provision of adequate facilities and sufficient time to carry out their duties;
• implementing appropriate procedures for the safe procurement, management and maintenance of plant and substances used in the workplace;
• carrying out hazard identification, assessment and control procedures including the annual Health and Safety Audit/Survey;
• developing and implementing safe work practices and procedures for all hazardous tasks;
• providing information on hazards and risks in the workplace, job instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure safe work for employees;
• ensuring that all accidents and incidents are reported and investigated;
• participating in the effective rehabilitation of injured employees whose health has been affected by work activities;
• evaluating and reporting on the effectiveness of all occupational health, safety and welfare activities in their area;
• appraising employee occupational health, safety and welfare performance, and;
• attending training programs to maintain knowledge and awareness of occupational health, safety and welfare requirements.

Acknowledged by Occupant..........................................................(Date).................................

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

(Those characteristics considered absolutely necessary)

Educational/Vocational Qualifications

Registered with Nurses Board of South Australia and holds a current Practicing Certificate.

Registered as a Psychiatric Nurse with the Nurses Board of South Australia.

Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills

Effective communication, interpersonal, leadership and conflict resolution skills.

Self motivated and demonstrates an ability to be resourceful, imaginative and innovative.

Ability to identify problems and develop strategies for resolution.

Ability to implement and manage change.

Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team.

Demonstrated competency and proficiency in Nursing management.

Demonstrated ability to apply nursing theory and practice.

Effective time management skills and able to priorities workload according to patient, staff and Departmental needs.

Demonstrated commitment, skill and effectiveness in leading team approaches to system development and Quality Management activities.

Demonstrated ability and application of health care information systems including analysis and interpretation of data.

Team Player.

Experience

Recent nursing experience in area of specialty

Expert knowledge of nursing practice with demonstrated competence at senior level.

Has demonstrated experience in nursing management, personnel and industrial relations.

Demonstrated experience in a range of practice settings.

Knowledge of development and application of clinical and management information systems.

An awareness of the political and socio-economic environment which reflects on health policy development.

Knowledge of contemporary nursing and health care issues.

In depth knowledge of nursing process and quality improvement activities.

(To distinguish between applicants who have met all essential requirements)

Knowledge of Nursing Information Systems, ie Proact and Excelcare.

Experience

Managerial experience including budgeting, information systems is an advantage.

Detailed knowledge of the organisation and the bureaucratic and political framework in which it operates.

Educational/Vocational Qualifications

Post graduate qualification in management