Job Description

Position Summary

The Assistant/Alternate Director of Nursing (ADON) plays a pivotal leadership role in delivering exceptional, family-centered pediatric care within the PPECC environment. Under the guidance of the Director of Nursing and in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, the ADON ensures the highest quality nursing services, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. This position serves as the alternate DON in their absence, providing both clinical expertise and strong leadership to staff.

Qualifications

Required:

• Current, unrestricted RN license in Texas per Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 301, with no disciplinary actions.
• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred:

• Minimum of two (2) years of supervision and management experience in a pediatric setting, caring for medically or technologically dependent children.
• Advanced pediatric certifications (PALS, ACLS, NRP) as applicable.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership & Patient Care

• Oversee daily clinical operations, including admissions, discharges, patient assignments, and continuity of care.
• Serve as the primary decision-maker in the DONs absence, ensuring adherence to nursing best practices and individualized plans of care.
• Monitor patient status, respond to changes promptly, and ensure patient comfort and safety.
• Review, approve, and maintain accurate EMR documentation for all patients.
• Facilitate recertification processes, medication reconciliation, and quality assurance chart reviews.

Staff Supervision & Development

• Provide direct supervision and mentorship to nursing staff, including RNs, LVNs, and support personnel.
• Conduct performance evaluations, coach for improvement, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Lead orientation, training programs, and professional development initiatives for new and existing staff.
• Coordinate daily huddles to communicate assignments, updates, and priorities.

Administrative Oversight

• Develop staffing schedules and ensure adequate coverage at all times.
• Maintain inventory of medical supplies and equipment, ordering as necessary.
• Participate in IDT calls, monthly leadership meetings, and multidisciplinary treatment planning sessions.
• Manage patient transportation schedules and coordinate with transport staff.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure all nursing care adheres to the Texas Nursing Practice Act, PPECC policies, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Conduct regular site walkthroughs to verify cleanliness, safety, and readiness.
• Document incidents and infections per protocol in KanTime.
• Promote health education, disease prevention, and caregiver engagement.

Emergency & Special Situations

• Provide or arrange for immediate emergency care as needed.
• Accompany patients to hospitals via ambulance and remain until caregivers arrive.
• Serve as a liaison between the healthcare team, patients, families, and community resources.

Core Competencies

• Clinical Excellence: Demonstrates expert-level pediatric nursing skills.
• Leadership: Inspires trust, fosters collaboration, and drives team performance.
• Communication: Delivers clear, compassionate, and timely communication to staff, patients, and families.
• Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing patient needs and operational demands.
• Problem-Solving: Anticipates challenges and implements effective solutions.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Work primarily performed in a clinical environment with potential exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous materials; adherence to PPE protocols required.
• Occasional off-site duties and participation in community events.
• Ability to lift, position, and assist patients as necessary.