Harris Health System is the public healthcare safety-net provider established in 1966 to serve the residents of Harris County, Texas. As an essential healthcare system, Harris Health champions better health for the entire community, with a focus on low-income uninsured and underinsured patients, through acute and primary care, wellness, disease management and population health services. Ben Taub Hospital (Level 1 Trauma Center) and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital (Level 3 Trauma Center) anchor Harris Healths robust network of 39 clinics, health centers, specialty locations and virtual (telemedicine) technology. Harris Health is among an elite list of health systems in the U.S. achieving Magnet nursing excellence designation for its hospitals, the prestigious National Committee for Quality Assurance designation for its patient-centered clinics and health centers and its strong partnership with nationally recognized physician faculty, residents and researchers from Baylor College of Medicine; McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth); The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; and the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine at the University of Houston.

Job Summary

The Director of Nursing (DON) is accountable for the operational, human resource, quality, and financial management of assigned nursing unit(s). This DON works with the administrative director to translate pavilion and department strategic plans and policies into a unit plan suitable to the unique operational needs. The DON leads implementation and evaluation of the unit plan and provides reports relevant to achievement of goals. The DON is accountable for assuring the Harris Health System Nursing Professional Practice Model (NPPM) is implemented and targeted outcomes achieved on assigned units. The DON provides oversight to ensure unit level care delivery, quality management, and staff utilization patterns are congruent with NPPM framework. In addition, this DON facilitates actualization of shared governance and practice level advancement of unit personnel. The DON has the authority to make all operational and human resource decisions relevant to his or her assigned unit(s) as long as decisions are consistent with district, nursing, and departmental policies, standards, and other Chief Nursing Office and Nurse Executive Council approved guidelines.

The DON responsible for creating and maintaining an environment that cultivates exemplary patient care. As a member of the nursing leadership team, the DON establishes a setting that supports professional nursing practice and empowers nurses to provide safe, effective, compassionate, and efficient nursing care in collaboration with all health care disciplines. The DON ensures compliance with standards established by professional nursing organizations; national, state, and local regulatory agencies; and institutional policies and procedures. The DON is accountable for nursing practice that upholds high standards of integrity and ethical behavior. The DON mentors others, role models professionalism, and participation in activities such as nursing organizations, nursing research, the community.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Graduation from an accredited School of Nursing with a Masters degree in Nursing or related field required. Holds at least one (1) of the following in Nursing: Bachelors, Masters, or Doctoral degree.

License & Certifications:
- Applicable professional certification in administration is to be completed within two (2) years, if not held at the time of appointment.
- Basic Life Support from a hospital-based American Heart Association (AHA) approved program.
- Registered Nurse; Current license or valid permit to practice professional nursing in Texas
- Other certificates as required by unit/service.

Work Experience: Five (5) years of RN experience with at least three (3) years work experience in related clinical area of practice. Experience in behavioral health or emergency room preferred.

Management Experience: Two (2) years related management/leadership experience is required.

Communication Skills:
Above Average Verbal (Heavy Public Contact)
Exceptional Verbal (e.g., Public Speaking)
Writing /Correspondence
Writing /Reports

Proficiencies: P.C., MS Word

Job Attributes

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Analytical, Design, Medical Terms, Research, Statistical

Work Schedule:
Weekends, Holidays, Flexible, Travel, On Call