Covenant Health

Nursing Supervisor, Hospital

Full Time, 72 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

Peninsula Overview:

Peninsula, a division of Parkwest Medical Center, has set a new standard for effective, innovative and caring mental health services in East Tennessee. With a combined total of more than 75 years of experience, Peninsula has helped thousands of people recover from disorders and dependencies, and lead healthy, positive and productive lives.

Offering both inpatient and outpatient services for children, adolescents and adults, Peninsula is a leader in the changing healthcare environment. The hospital is located in Blount County, with outpatient centers in Knox, Blount, Loudon and Sevier Counties. Additionally, Peninsula offers care specifically designed for seniors with co-existing psychiatric and medical conditions at the Senior Behavioral Center located at Parkwest Medical Center. Peninsula is truly committed to improving the health of the people and communities it serves.

Position Summary: 

Provides quality patient care by assessing, evaluating, and supervising nursing operations during his/her shift, by serving as a clinical resource for nursing staff, and by providing administrative oversight for the Hospital in the absence of other leadership.

Recruiter: Sandra Simmons || ssimmon6@covhlth.com || 865-374-5368

Supervisory and Administrative Responsibilities

• Performs ongoing evaluation of hospital activities throughout shift and coordinates staff response to meet patient needs and hospital demands.
• Reviews and adjusts staffing as needed. Communicates staffing adjustments and call-ins through proper channels.
• Prepares shift report and communicates such to on-coming Nursing Supervisor.
• Reviews and adjusts as needed work assignments, directs work activities, and coordinates staff relief for meals, breaks, and meetings.
• Meets with Nursing Manager on a regular basis for supervision, planning, and consultation on department and shift issues. Participates in Nursing Leadership meetings as requested.
• Communicates with other Hospital departments and staff members as needed to coordinate patient care activities.
• Provides input for the performance appraisal of nursing staff on applicable shift.
• Performs or delegates charge nurse functions including:
• Medical pre-screening of potential patients
• Overseeing of patient flow for optimal bed management, and
• Appropriate communication with Admissions, Clinical Leaders, Nursing Leaders for problem resolution
• Participates in the review and investigation of all variances and/or complaints completed on shift and provides recommendations for process and/or performance improvement when indicated.
• Notifies the Nursing Leader on Call of need to activate the Emergency Disaster Plan and acts as the lead person in the absence of Administrative Staff until their arrival.
• Assists in maintaining the programs in compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, including licensure and the Joint Commission accreditation.
• May perform chart audits to assess nursing documentation.
• Maintains responsibility for charge keys and pager.
• Acts as advocate to find resources such as supplies as needed. Listens to staff problems and effectively resolves conflict as necessary. Resolves patient/family complaints when necessary.

Unit Responsibilities

• Responsible for maintaining a safe and therapeutic patient environment as part of the patient care teams and maintains on-going communication with all nursing staff regarding individual patient needs and/or concerns.
• Understands the policies and procedures for emergencies and is responsible for coordination of response.

Clinical Responsibilities 

• Demonstrates and maintains competence in using therapeutic communication skills, small group dynamics and the therapeutic milieu to provide support and limits for the patients and to carry out the treatment plan for each patient as part of the patient care teams.
• Serves as a role model for nursing staff in interacting with the patients and in carrying out Treatment Team interventions with the patients.
• In a cohesive team approach works to minimize the use of restrictive measures with patients with a focus on least restrictive interventions.
• Acts as a clinical resource person for staff in all clinical areas and regularly communicates with clinical/nursing staff regarding clinical issues.

Training and Development Responsibilities

• Attends on a regular basis staff training and development sessions in order to enhance job knowledge.
• Maintains all necessary certifications – CPR, TCI, etc…
• Will seek out and complete additional voluntary training separate from normal departmental offerings.
• Takes an active role in facility wide and PBH training and development activities.
• Assists with on-unit new employee orientation in tandem with the Nursing Managers.
• Participates and functions on work teams and task forces as assigned.

Personal Responsibilities

• Is punctual and prepared to perform duties and responsibilities.
• Able to demonstrate consistently the ability to hold accountable self and co-workers.
• Adheres to the ethics and values of the organization as outlined in the PBH “Standards of Performance”.
• Understands the mission of the organization and is able to communicate such to others.
• Maintains a positive attitude and shows the ability to problem-solve through the chain of command as needed.
• Adheres to and promotes patient rights.
• Strives to provide exemplary customer service.

Minimum Education:          

A graduate from an accredited school of nursing. Bachelors Degree in Nursing preferred.

Minimum Experience:         

Previous experience in the practice of psychiatric nursing is necessary as is the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team in a leadership capacity.  Previous experience in a supervisory role is preferred.

Licensure Requirement:      

Current licensure as a registered professional nurse in the State of Tennessee. CPR required.

RN License