POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION TITLE REPORTS TO AWARD/AGREEMENT/CONTRACT POSITION TYPE HOURS PER WEEK Nurse Unit Manager Business Director of Ambulatory and Continuing Care Professional Executive Director Ambulatory & Nursing Services Nurses (Victorian Public Health Services) Award Psychiatric Services Award Nurse Unit Manager As per contract 1. ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT Austin Health is one of Victoria s largest health care providers. Comprised of Austin Hospital, Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital and Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre, Austin Health is a major teaching and research centre with numerous university and research institute affiliations. Catering to diverse multicultural and veteran communities, Austin Health delivers vital state-wide services to Victorians and a vast array of specialty services to the people of Melbourne s north-eastern corridor in a safety-focussed, team-orientated and stimulating work environment. 2. LOCAL WORK ENVIRONMENT ) The Ambulatory Care Centre (ACC) is an integral component of the Home and Ambulatory Service Unit which is a component of the Ambulatory and Continuing Care Directorate. It incorporates the activities of the Ambulatory Care Centre and accompanying Transit Lounge, Medi Hotel and Elective admissions. The ACC works closely with the Hospital in the Home unit to provide inpatient substitution services. The ACC also compliments outpatient services, The Centre has been established to provide an innovative and flexible patient centred model of care for patients requiring acute management, intervention and prevention 1
3. POSITION OBJECTIVE The Nurse Unit Manager is recognised as the leader of the nursing team who models the core values of Austin Health through effective leadership and management of the clinical nursing and support staff within the Ambulatory Care Centre He/ she is responsible for ensuring the delivery of evidence based nursing care that meets professional, organisational, legal and ethical standards in order to optimise health outcomes for the community. The Nurse Unit Manager is responsible for fostering a positive culture, a safe working environment and the effective utilisation of financial resources within a cycle of continuous service improvement This position will be an integral component of the Home and Ambulatory Services management team. The ACC Nursing Unit Manager will not only be responsible for the daily operational management of the area but will ensure that innovative new areas of Ambulatory care expansion are expediently researched and protocols policy and Clinical pathways are formulated in liaison with the appropriate multidisciplinary personnel. The following objectives will be formulated and actioned after liaison with the Director of Ambulatory andcontinuing care Manage efficiently and effectively ward/unit staffing and budgetary resources, ensuring provision of a high quality service that meets the needs of the clients and patients, adherence to legislative responsibilities and maintenance of a safe work environment To facilitate, develop, promote and evaluate clinical best practice of the ACC and its personnel To research best Practice principles and develop guidelines, protocols and clinical pathways based on evidence and evaluation. To facilitate the integration of ACC and HITH as a management team To help develop and maintain data systems that will validate best practice key performance indicators To maintain and evaluate the clinical competencies of ACC personnel To employ an innovative and flexible approach to resource management To ensure patient care standards meet professional, organization, legal and ethical requirements To promote staff development and satisfaction. Design an evaluation process to ensure that there is regular review of content and outcomes for clinical To promote the vision and goals of Austin Health and CSU/Unit ensuring organisational strategies are represented to staff 2
4. POSITION REQUIREMENTS Achieving Results, Innovation & Driving Change Continuously reviews existing practices and policies according to evidence-based practice to minimise adverse patient outcomes. Creates a team environment, which promotes a positive culture, opportunity for learning and development, safety and welfare of employees and fosters innovation in practice that results in a high level of staff satisfaction, high staff retention rates and low absenteeism. Demonstrates a capacity to undertake/support nursing research, publication of work and public presentation within the local, national and international healthcare community. o Undertakes reviews of existing practice, local policies and procedures to ensure best practice outcomes, with all local policies and procedures being current and up to date. o Communicates a positive vision for change and supports others through the change process. o Proactively identifies new opportunities and addresses barriers to change. o At least 1 literature review/conference presentation/journal article per year within the unit completed. Business & Financial Acumen Accountable for the preparation, monitoring, delivering and evaluation of unit budgets. Identifies costs in accordance with emerging service needs. Explains financial implications of business decisions to staff. Identifies cost effective and efficient approaches to managing resources. Uses financial data to develop strategies and plans. o Analyses and interprets financial activity and data to inform decisions and recommendations. o Develops and manages budgets effectively within targets and timelines. o Identifies cost effective and efficient approaches to managing resources. o Provides financial reports to manager as required, and identifying financial and activity variance and implements a remedial action plan. o Understands the impact of financial decisions on the broader organisation. 3
Critical Thinking and Decision Making Displays an ability to analyse situations and make appropriate decisions in a timely manner that meets the needs of patients, staff and organisation. Gathers sufficient information to make informed decisions. Consults widely and takes into consideration the opinions and perspectives of others before making decisions. o Uses analysis tools to accurately determine the root cause of workplace issues. o Consults widely and considers the opinions and perspectives of others before making decisions. o Addresses critical factors when making complex decisions. o Demonstrates an ability to make effective decisions within an agreed specified time. Interpersonal Communication, Influence and Leadership Communicates information and expectations in a way that builds effective and collaborative working relationships with others. Communicates clearly and concisely with impact. Effectively deals with challenging behaviours and the resolution of conflicts, Ensures information is available to all staff by utilising a wide range and appropriate modes of communication. Demonstrates leadership in situations demanding action Maintains a professional demeanor and serves as a role model for all nursing staff Creates a climate where self development and improvement is valued Undertakes not to reveal to any person or entity any confidential information relating to patients and employees, policies, processes and dealings and not to make public statements relating to the affairs of Austin Health without prior authority of the Chief Executive Officer o Acts as a nursing leader demonstrating and modelling exemplary professional conduct. o Seeks input from others to ensure correct understanding of the message, and reframes message as needed. o Demonstrates integrity by building trust and mutual respect between self, colleagues and stakeholders. o Shares knowledge and information with the team. Managing Performance Provides expert clinical knowledge and direction to ensure that clinical standards, policies and procedures promote a patient focussed model of care. Acts as a role model for staff, setting and clearly communicating clinical and behavioural expectations. Provides timely performance feedback, coaching and guidance when needed in accordance with the performance management policy. Ensure all staff complete an annual performance review. Provides nursing staff with professional development opportunities for learning and education. Supports and actively participates in nursing research and implements findings into clinical nursing practice. 4
Responsible for human resources requirements at a unit level including recruitment and selection, daily staffing, leave management, rostering and attendance management. Implement strategies to retain staff including, positive recognition, and comprehensive orientation, building a cohesive team culture, coaching and mentoring and providing learning opportunities. Ensure a high level of work quality, develop, implement and monitor quality improvement activities within the department/ward, in accordance with Austin Health Policies as varied from time to time. o Direct reports have a current Austin Health Performance Review and Development (PRD) plan. o Manages direct reports in a direct and timely manner. o Intervenes in a timely manner if values are breached in the workplace. o Provides timely performance feedback, coaching and guidance as needed. o Actively promotes and fosters high performance by identifying new professional and learning challenges for staff. o Ensures all new employees on commencement in the department/unit complete e-learning training on Fire Safety and Bullying & Harassment. o Ensures that, at any given time, up to 80% of employees in the department/unit have completed e-learning training on Fire Safety and Bullying & Harassment. o Ensures that employees responsible for acting as Fire Wardens complete Fire Warden training every two (2) years and within one (1) month of commencing as Fire Warden Planning and Priority Setting Ensures a high level of work quality, develops, implements and monitors quality improvement activities within the department/ward. Works collaboratively with all departments to develop the systems, processes and projects required to support the organisations strategic direction. Identifies opportunities for process redesign and to support staff in the implementation of redesign projects and activities. Uses clinical information systems to inform decision making and evaluate outcomes. Actively participates in interdisciplinary committees and working parties locally and organisation wide as required. o Is constantly scanning the environment, benchmarking with like services to ensure the unit is a leader in clinical care. o Proactively develops and sets priorities for the unit that are achievable and deliverable in agreed timeframes. o Manages own time efficiently and effectively in line with key priorities for the unit. o Actively participates in committees and projects that contribute to the organisations objectives and disseminates outcomes/key issues to unit staff. Quality, Safety & Risk Orientation Promotes and ensures a safe and healthy workplace for staff and patients. Identifies areas that require improvement through observation, audits, incidents and staff feedback and implements improvement initiatives accordingly. Develops a Quality and Business Plan for the unit in accordance with the EQuIP Accreditation Guidelines. Investigates complaints in a timely, responsive manner and implements strategies to limit reoccurrence of identified complaint. 5
Is actively involved in matters relating to Occupational Health and Safety and ensures safety standards in the workplace are met. Ensures all staff completes all mandatory training within set timeframes. Develops and monitors return to work plans for staff on Work care. Ensure safe work practices and environment in accordance with Austin Health Policies. Ensure that Incident management systems are appropriately applied and a systematic response to local issues and performance improvement occurs. Participates in the emergency incident response activities, as defined within the Emergency Response Manual, as and when required, at the direction of management Ensures that Incident management systems are appropriately applied and a systematic response to local issues and performance improvement occurs. o Consistently delivers a high quality service. o Completes a Quality and Business Plan that is aligned with the organisational strategic direction by the specified date. o Proactively reports any systems and safety non-compliance and implements remedial action plans. o Continually seeks ways to improve systems and procedures. o Promotes and ensures a safe and healthy workplace through regular audits, incident reviews and implements recommendations. Self Management (Emotional Intelligence) Demonstrates a positive attitude to the agreed role and responsibility of position. Maintains and updates own professional development portfolio to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to learning and best practice. Adapts working style as appropriate to achieve effective outcomes. Invites and assimilates feedback from others by active participation in own performance review process. Key Performance Indicators o Reflects on practice in line with Austin Health values applies these when interacting with others. o Recognises and understands own emotions and reactions to situations. o Appropriately and effectively articulates feelings and opinions. o Perceives and understands the emotions of others. o Maintains resilience through stressful situations. o Actively engages in ongoing self development o Abides by Austin Health corporate policies and practices. 5. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA Essential for Performance of the Position: Registered Nurse, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Relevant Post-Graduate Qualification in Nursing or equivalent Substantial clinical experience in area of speciality Previous management experience Patient-centred approach to evidence based care delivery Demonstrated knowledge of professional standards Knowledge of legal and ethical requirements Ability to implement budget management processes Demonstrated ability to use clinical and operational information systems 6
Demonstrated leadership ability Demonstrated experience in Human Resource Management Commitment to quality, best practice and environmental safety Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form Ability to problem solve in a variety of complex situations Ability to build a dynamic team which works effectively within a multidisciplinary environment Ability to implement, lead and support change Ability to initiate and manage clinical projects A sound understanding of information technology including clinical systems, applications relevant to the Management of rostering and risk management reporting or as required for the role and/or department. Competent computer skills in MS office applications including MS Excel. A commitment to Austin Health values: Integrity, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. Be an active participant of a relevant clinical specialist organisation. Preferred Demonstrated experience in leading quality initiatives Ability to identify opportunities for process redesign and to support/ coach staff in the implementation of redesign projects and activities Broad base knowledge of professional issues in nursing. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the Victorian Public Health care system and resource allocation. Demonstrated capacity to undertake/support nursing research, publication and public presentation 6. OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION Pre-Existing Injury Prior to any person being appointed to this position it will be required that they disclose full details of any pre-existing injuries or disease that might be affected by employment in this position. 7. AUSTIN HEALTH VALUES The Austin Health values play a critical role in shaping how we operate as an organisation. They influence our performance planning, recruitment, training and development, and relationships with colleagues, work mates, our patients and their relatives and friends. The Austin Health values set standard that we expect all staff to live up to in the way they undertake their duties and responsibilities across the Hospital. Our Values: Integrity We work in the spirit of collaboration and honesty to build effective working relationships across the whole organisation. Accountability We are transparent, responsible and build trust by fulfilling promises and communicating effectively. 7
Respect We care about others and treat each other with consideration, equality and fairness. Excellence We continually strive to advance patient focused care through innovation, research and effective stakeholder management. 8. PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE STANDARD Austin Health Code of Conduct, policies and clinical standards ANMC National competency standards for the Registered Nurse ANMC Code of Ethics for Nurses in Australia Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act Occupational Health & Safety Act Australian Council on Healthcare Standards [EquIP] 9. DOCUMENT REVIEW DETAILS Date Position First Documented (if known): / / Date of this Position Description Review: / / Signature of Manager: Date: / / Signature of Employee: Date: / / Police Check completed (where relevant) Working with Children Check completed (where relevant) Austin Health is a Bully Free and Smoke Free Employer Austin Health is committed to providing employees with a healthy, smoke free work environment where bullying and harassment does not occur. Consistent with this and Austin Health s corporate values of integrity, accountability, respect and excellence, Austin Health will not tolerate employees: Behaving in a bullying or harassing manner in the workplace; or Smoking on Austin Health premises or in Austin Health vehicles. 8