NCH Director of Inpatient Services

Job Title: NCH Director of Inpatient Services 

Location: North Country Healthcare (NCH) 

Department: Nursing, Inpatient Services 

Position Type: Full Time, Exempt 

Reports To: NCH Chief Nursing Officer  

Job Summary: 

The NCH Director of Inpatient Services is responsible for the overall direction, leadership, and management of inpatient care services across NCH affiliate hospitals; Androscoggin Valley Hospital (AVH), Weeks Medical Center (WMC), and Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital (UCVH). This includes ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care, operational efficiency, compliance with regulatory standards, and the achievement of performance goals. The director will work closely with clinical leadership, hospital staff, and senior executives to foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement on the journey to high reliability. 

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Leadership and Oversight: 

• Lead and direct the inpatient services across multiple facilities within the healthcare system. 

• Collaborate with other department leads to ensure seamless patient care transitions and coordinated services across the continuum of care. 

• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and patient-centered care. 

1. Operational Management: 

• Develop, implement, and evaluate policies and procedures that promote efficient, high-quality inpatient care as well as standardization across hospital affiliates. 

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of inpatient departments, including patient flow, bed management, and staffing levels. 

• Oversee the implementation of electronic health records (EHR) and other technology systems that enhance patient care. 

1. Quality and Patient Safety: 

• Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, accreditation standards, and quality improvement initiatives. 

• Leads the affiliate hospitals toward high reliability, keeping the five principles at the forefront of decision-making: sensitivity to operations, preoccupation with failure, reluctance to simplify, resilience, and deference to expertise.   

• Lead efforts to monitor and improve patient outcomes, safety, and satisfaction. 

• Coordinate with quality improvement teams to address clinical issues and identify opportunities for process improvement. 

1. Budgeting and Financial Management: 

• Develop and manage budgets for inpatient services, ensuring cost-effective and resource-efficient operations. 

• Monitor departmental financial performance, identifying areas for cost savings and revenue generation. 

• Ensure financial accountability and the alignment of inpatient services with organizational financial goals. 

1. Staffing and Development: 

• Collaborate with Human Resources on recruitment, retention, and development initiatives for inpatient care staff, including nurses, physicians, and support staff. 

• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for managers and staff. 

• Evaluate staffing needs and ensure the appropriate allocation of resources to meet patient care demands. 

1. Strategic Planning and Growth: 

• Contribute to the development and execution of the organization’s strategic plan, particularly as it relates to inpatient services. 

• Identify opportunities for service line growth and expansion, ensuring that new programs align with organizational goals. 

• Monitor industry trends and make recommendations for programmatic changes or innovations. 

1. Regulatory Compliance: 

• Stay current with local, state, and federal healthcare regulations, ensuring that inpatient services comply with all applicable laws and standards. 

• Coordinate accreditation surveys and regulatory inspections, ensuring that all necessary documentation and processes are in place. 

1. Collaboration and Communication: 

• Serve as a liaison between inpatient services and other hospital departments, fostering collaboration and open communication. 

• Regularly report on the status of inpatient services to senior leadership and other stakeholders. 

• Communicate effectively with patients and their families, addressing concerns and providing updates on care and treatment plans. 

Qualifications: 

• Education: 

• A bachelor’s degree in nursing is required, a master’s degree in nursing, healthcare administration, or a related field is preferred but not required. 

• Experience: 

• A minimum of 5 years experience in inpatient nursing, with at least 2 years of leadership experience in inpatient services or hospital administration is required. 

• Licensing/Certifications: 

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license required. 

Skills: 

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams. 

• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills. 

• Solid understanding of healthcare regulations, patient safety standards, and quality improvement practices. 

• Financial acumen, with experience managing budgets and resources effectively. 

• Ability to think strategically and drive change in a complex, multi-facility environment. 

• Experience with electronic health records (EHR) and healthcare management software. 

Working Conditions: 

• Full-time position with a standard office environment. 

• Requires frequent travel between multiple healthcare facilities. 

• May require availability after hours or on weekends for urgent operational matters.