Senior Director of Nursing Practice, Innovation, Research & EBP

Job Description:

Under the general supervision of the Senior Vice President & Chief Nursing Executive, is responsible for developing, implementing and enhancing the care delivery and professional practice model for nursing at WellSpan Health and for creating a professional practice environment that drives efficient and high quality care. Has broad expertise in the delivery of nursing professional practice, including models for care delivery and models of professional practice. Has strong analytic, teaching, leadership and management skills. Is responsible for the development of care delivery and professional practice models throughout care areas through direct supervision of the centrally based Clinical Nurse Specialists and other programs. Has broad experience in research and evidence based practice (EBP) and is responsible for developing a model for fostering nursing research and evidence based practice. Also has oversight for the Magnet and Pathway to Excellence journey across the WellSpan hospitals, including initial application and redesignation efforts. Is responsible for development of system wide, evidence based standards of care and policies. Supports system wide professional development efforts including the clinical ladder and leadership development.

Duties and Responsibilities

Works across the System and in conjunction with System Practice and Quality Council to promote evidence based practices through development of system wide policies and procedures. Develops and maintains a structure for system wide clinical policies. Manages the vendor provided software for nursing procedures.

Provides coordination for the system wide Clinical Ladder program. Works with Professional Development Council and entity based leaders to ensure an efficient and supportive structure for clinical ladder advancements. Manages the vendor for nursing continuing education credits.

Actively facilitates the Nursing Strategic Planning process in partnership with the CNE.

Provides oversight and leadership to the Nursing Leadership Development Pathways. In conjunction with Leadership Council, performs a needs assessment for system wide nursing leadership education.

Assures that standards of excellence for nursing practice, including Magnet standards, are developed, implemented, measured and maintained. Assures that on an ongoing basis the organization understands Magnet standards/criteria and is ready for redesignation document submission and site visit.

Guides and directs development of an operational plan to include continuous quality improvement, quality assurance, and reengineering to carry out the mission, goals and objectives of the Department’s strategic plan.

Develops and maintains productive and collaborative relationships with other department heads, hospital administrators, medical staff, and key stakeholders in the development and achievement of interdepartmental goals and objectives.

Provides leadership, direction and coordination of operations, finances and human resources.

Leads the design and implementation of innovative nursing care delivery systems in conjunction with colleagues throughout the nursing service. This includes the care delivery system for new sites within WellSpan.

Remains abreast of advances in the areas of nursing and healthcare research and anticipates their translation into nursing practice.

Develops and maintains productive and collaborative relationships with physicians, hospital administrators, and key schools of nursing faculty.

Incorporates evidence-based practice into all nursing practice development initiatives.

Policy and standard development to ensure nurses work safely and to full scope according to the standards and guidelines of the state of PA.

Coordinates the system wide shared decision-making council structures and participates directly as appropriate to ensure the viability and efficacy of the program. Serves as a coach for the chairs of the SDM councils and assists the chairs in successful council follow-up and follow-through.

Develops and/or utilizes effective communication systems and methods that promote sharing, partnerships, integration, and collaboration across the System.

Establishes and maintains cooperative and collaborative relationships across the system.

Qualifications

• Minimum Experience: 3 - 5 years of progressive leadership experience in acute care nursing; Current regulatory and accreditation experience.
• Minimum Education: Master’s Degree in Nursing
• Preferred Education: Doctorate’s Degree in Nursing
• Required Certification: Registration and current RN license in PA
• Skills:
  • Must possess strong knowledge of nursing practice, and nursing administration; strong knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and professional standards; strong project management skills; good communication skills; good conflict resolution skills; good strategic planning skills; strong change management skills; strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities; must demonstrate personal traits of a high level of motivation; team orientation; professionalism; integrity trust; self-awareness; and place a high value on treating others with dignity and respect.
  • Demonstrated command of a wide range of nursing models and concepts; Ability to think deeply and imaginatively about nursing practice models and their application; Ability to articulate the tenants of Magnet; A clear understanding of the role of the Clinical Nurse Specialist