ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF NURSING SERVICES 1 DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Definition

Under direction, in an institution for the developmentally disabled, having a large hospital unit, within the Department of Human Services, assists in developing and implementing work programs and schedules designed to meet the needs of patients and staff of a nursing section; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Plans, organizes, directs, coordinates, and evaluates the nursing program of the section.
• Provides leadership in formulating the philosophy and objectives of the nursing program of the section in accordance with the philosophy and objectives of the hospital.
• Determines the education and clinical needs of the employees necessary to accomplish the objectives of the nursing service through collaboration with line and staff personnel.
• Assists in developing and implementing work programs and schedules designed to meet the needs of patients and staff of the hospital.
• Participates with medical administration in formulating policies pertaining to nursing services required by developmentally disabled patients.
• Coordinates services of nursing personnel with those services rendered by personnel of other departments and disciplines.
• Provides nursing staff with inservice education pertinent to nursing service to developmentally disabled patients on a continuing basis.
• Interprets rules, regulations, policies, standards, and objectives to personnel, patients, relatives, and to other persons interested in or concerned with the program in the nursing section.
• Contributes to the development of job descriptions for the nursing education and nursing service.
• Recruits, interviews, and recommends employment of personnel for the section.
• Provides for indepth orientation of new employees to the nursing section.
• Provides adequate staffing patterns to all wards and patient areas.
• Evaluates study and research findings for application to inservice education programs.
• Plans, organizes, and assigns the work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates.
• Initiates and/or participates in studies and research activities related to nursing services required by developmentally disabled patients.
• Participates in activities which further professional growth and development.
• Participates and promotes membership, interest, and participation in the activities of the professional nursing association, in allied health organization, and in supportive community activities.
• Prepares a nursing budget to meet the needs of the section.
• Requisitions, issues, and provides the necessary safety measures to ensure the proper use of nursing equipment, material, and supplies.
• Prepares correspondence.
• Prepares clear, concise, accurate, and informative statistical and other reports of the nursing section containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Prepares periodic reports of the progress of nursing practice in the section including evaluation and recommendations for future programming.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative work relationships with other disciplines within the total institution complex.
• Maintains essential records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information system used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing.

Experience

Six (6) years of experience as a Registered Nurse. Three (3) years of the required experience shall be in a first-line supervisory capacity involving the care and treatment of psychiatric, geriatric or developmentally disabled patients.

License

Registration as a Registered Nurse in the State of New Jersey.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and approved procedures, practices, and techniques of nursing services required by developmentally disabled patients.
• Knowledge of current education methods, techniques, and principles as applied to nursing services.
• Knowledge of literature, new developments, and equipment with emphasis on the needs of developmentally disabled patients.
• Knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies, procedures, standards, and objectives of the Department of Human Services and of the particular institution after a period of training.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and institute established procedures to specific cases in a nursing section.
• Ability to delegate suitable assignments and instructions to individuals and groups, and supervise and evaluate their work.
• Ability to devise and carry out appropriate work programs and schedules for nursing personnel serving developmentally disabled patients.
• Ability to plan clinical experiences for affiliate students and new employees.
• Ability to understand and relate to the emotional and other problems of individuals who are physically ill and who are developmentally disabled.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with nursing personnel and ancillary services.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of nursing clinical expertise.
• Ability to communicate verbally and prepare correspondence as needed.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, accurate, and informative reports of the nursing section.
• Ability to maintain essential records and files.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
• CODES: 26/S27 - MCK 12/23/05

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Applicants who do not possess the Bachelor's degree in Nursing must possess one (1) additional year of non-supervisory experience.

A Masters degree in Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing, Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, or Health Services Administration may be substituted for one (1) year of the non supervisory experience.

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.