In the healthcare industry, a director of nursing is important for a medical facility. The director of nursing possesses at least eight years of nursing experience. With at least three years of nursing supervisory experience, there are higher chances for a candidate to be a director of nursing.
A bachelor’s degree of nursing is needed with the candidate being a registered nurse. Armed with a master’s degree in nursing, a candidate for director of nursing can have an edge over the rivals. Being a director of nursing entails huge technical knowledge on administrative duties. It also consists of effective management of the entire medical facility.
Duties
As a director of nursing, the candidate supervises the nursing staff and informs them of new policies and procedures. The director of nursing is responsible for the recruitment, retention, and training of the nurses. It is made sure that the legal procedures, nursing laws, and work standards are met in the medical facility. The director of nursing must be authoritative and sympathetic at the same time. The candidate takes care of the patients through the nurses who are hired to do the work. Since being a director of nursing is lucrative, the standards set for the work are also high.
Review of Policies
The director of nursing also recommends modifications to policies and procedures as needed. When changes have to be made depending on the outcome of events, the director of nursing is in charge of approving the changes. Being in this position is heavy duty since the lives of patients are at stake. Any wrongdoing in the procedures can cause a medical disaster for the medical facility and tarnish its image. When the patients are happy with the healthcare services of the facility, the director of nursing is applauded. Other patients will be referred to the healthcare facility.
Good Communication
It is prestigious to be a director of nursing since the candidate is entrusted in taking care of patients’ fragile condition. The director of nursing makes sure that the medical supplies of the facility are well-stocked. The equipment used is updated and efficient for the treatment of patients.
Certainly, good oral and written communication skills are needed in relaying messages to the Human Resources department, the management, and the nursing workforce. Reports are submitted to the management of the medical facility. A director of nursing collaborates with the healthcare facility management in creating policies and procedures.
Senior Position
Since the director of nursing holds a senior healthcare facility position, the candidate has to have updated knowledge in terms of products and services for nursing. Attending continuous training for the position is needed to improve the healthcare facility services. Certainly, the director of nursing has to make sure that the healthcare facility hygiene and cleanliness are maintained. The nurses hired have to be evaluated regularly to see whether the patients are served well. It is a delicate work to take care of patients. The director of nursing makes sure that the nursing staff observes protocol and standard procedures.
