PERFORMANCE PLANNING

The Team Leader functions as the unit-based clinical leader with responsibility for staff supervision, patient flow, patient safety, efficient resource utilization, mentoring of unit staff, especially recent hires, shift assignments and overall quality of care delivered.  The Team Leader plans, coordinates and directs quality, compassionate care by maintaining standards of professional nursing practice and creating positive therapeutic relationships with patients/families. The Team Leader, under the supervision of the Nurse Manager, provides and coordinates in-services and continuing education programs for the clinical staff when indicated. Participates in PI activities; collects data to assess employee performance and participates in staff evaluation process. The Team Leader must be available to work weekends and holidays as per unit needs. Shifts may include 12hr and/or 8hr shift patterns with the goal of providing ongoing Team Leader support each day of the week.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Team Leader is responsible for the following leadership and management duties:

1. Assists with interviews, selection, hiring, and retaining of employees.
2. Ensures orientation and training for employees.
3. Manages performance.
4. Assists with progressive discipline up to and including termination.
5. Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
6. Manages front line operations of area of accountability related to meeting/exceeding departmental goals, 5 keys of excellence, DCH Mission and Vision.
7. Coordinates unit activities and provides leadership for unit staffing and patient assignments
8. Serves as clinical resource for staff, especially for new employees and during complex patient care situations
9. Promotes efficient patient flow including timely discharges and admissions.
10. Encourages a safe environment by promoting adherence to established protocols, policies and procedures.
11. Effectively implements current techniques and/or programs to improve patient care processes.
12. Responds and provides direction during crisis and emergency situations.
13. Ensures care is delivered appropriately by: orienting staff in accordance with Standards of Practice, review of clinical record for appropriate documentation, and review of documentation of appropriate plan of care. Leads staff huddles to communicate important, “just in time” information to all staff on duty.
14. Regularly rounds on patients, physicians, and employees with focus on clinical safety, quality compliance, patient experience, satisfaction, physician and employee satisfaction and staff performance.
15. Rounds with physicians.
16. Provides direct patient care when needed.
17. Maintains records related to orientation in-service and unit competency assessments.
18. Adheres to productivity, revenue and expense goals.
19. Assures compliance with policies and procedures
20. Displays sound judgment and critical thinking skills in areas of decision-making and problem-solving.
21. Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates programs for in-service and orientation.
22. Participates in PI programs.
23. Responsible for assessing and meeting own professional education needs.
24. Maintains effective interdepartmental relationships by working with other unit leaders and departments to define and work toward common goals
25. Assures compliance with various quality standards and regulatory agency requirements (The Joint Commission, CMS, Standards of Nursing Practice, PI process, value-based purchasing, Structural Indicators etc.)
26. Directs activities toward support of DCH Mission and achievement of Department and Unit goals and objectives.
27. Maintains exemplary attendance and availability according to department need and rotates management duty.
28. Communicates information verbally and in writing to appropriate persons.
29. Regularly prepares and presents staffing and outcomes metrics with action plans.
30. Consistently demonstrates the ability to utilize clinical data from Order/Entry/and PCI when collaborating with other health care professionals.
31. Demonstrates knowledge of documentation and down-time procedures.
32. Observes and practices DCH policy concerning patient confidentiality including on-line information and the Medical Record on file.
33. Performs initial and annual competency per job class.

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Current Alabama RN licensure. Anyone hired as of April 2016 or later, must have a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or Health Related Field or must be actively working on a Bachelor’s degree with completion within 4 years of hire. 2 years’ experience as a registered nurse. Customer service abilities including effective listening skills, critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with the minimal supervision in a fast paced environment. Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical:   Ability to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking.  Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs.  Is able to push stretcher / wheelchair with average adult patient.  Is able to do frequent stooping and on occasion crouching, crawling or kneeling. Ability to reach reasonable distances in any direction.  Ability to run in emergency situations.  Must be able to move fingers in a coordinated manner.  Must have ability to feel and perceive temperature, texture, shape and size with fingertips.

Physical presence onsite is essential.  Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range.  Able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Environmental :  Includes exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals and hazardous materials and/or cleaning solutions. Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment.

Psychological:  Includes demonstrating leadership skills, delegating to team members, addressing conflict, communicating with all types of personalities, and being responsible for outcomes/results.

KEY WORD SEARCH

Team Leader