Clinical Operations Director - Patient Flow

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Healthhospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

General Description of the Job Class

• Provide overall nursing direction and leadership for the CAREhub and Life Flight teams serving all Duke Health Acute Care sites on a 24 hour basis
• Ensure the effective administrative management of clinical functions related to personnel and policy to meet the mission of patient care, education and research within a fiscally responsible organization.

Position Overview:

Duke Health Acute Care is comprised of 4 hospitals: Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Health Lake Norman, and Duke University Hospital. Patient flow is managed at each acute care site by the CAREhub team that places patients at each site and manages incoming and outgoing transfers between sites and from outside hospitals. Patient movement for all incoming and outgoing patients requiring transport is managed by our Life Flight team. These teams provide operational oversight and act on behalf of hospital leadership to provide access for all patients in need of Duke acute care. This position will provide administrative oversight and set the strategic direction for these teams across the health system.

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

• Direct and coordinate work of Life Flight and CAREhub nurse managers, ensuring their work aligns with acute care and individual hospital objectives related to patient flow and overall care delivery
• In collaboration with patient flow leadership, set the strategic and operational plan for the CAREhub and Life Flight teams. Communicate plan to team members and continuously evaluate opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure that all Life Flight and CAREhub policies and procedures and personnel management align with health system policies and practice; serve as health system leader for budgetary preparation and control.
• Travel amongst patient flow team locations to collaborate with local acute care leadership, Life Flight leaders, and CAREhub leaders. Ensure clinical operations are well-coordinated with adequate staffing, space, and facilities for each team. Foster accountability within the teams and establish a clear escalation pathway for raising concerns.
• Develop and communicate vision for day to day management and facilitate ongoing refinement of such models.
• Determine and recommend necessary space, equipment, supplies and support systems to ensure effective functioning of CAREhub and Life Flight. Ensure safe environment of care for all staff. Ensure effective processes for staff development, recruitment and retention. Support overall patient flow shared governance structure. Assure staff participation in departmental and organizational structures.
• Continually assess direct reports competency and growth opportunities to aid their continued professional development.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Education:

• Bachelor or higher degree in Nursing and Master's Degree in related field

Experience:

• Five years of nursing experience is required including at least 2 years of experience in a management role.

Desired Leadership Competencies

• Ability to manage multiple organization missions. Facilitation, consensus-building, and negotiation skills
• Sensitivity for and understanding of clinical disciplines and issues.
• Understand cost containment and managed care systems.
• The ability to work with all types of individuals in multiple settings and locations and to promote diversity in the workplace.
• Knowledge of necessary regulatory bodies including North Carolina Nurse Practice Act.
• Expert communication skills.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification:

• Must have current or compact RN licensure in the state of North Carolina.
• BLS certification required.