Although broadly defined, the director of patient care services is a supervisor position that combines administrative skills with nursing knowledge. Individuals who hold this position are responsible for maintaining high levels of patient care. In short, the director of patient care services is in charge of ensuring that patient care runs smoothly while remaining within the parameters of an established budget.
Roles and Responsibilities of the Director of Patient Care Services
The director of patient care and services has a variety of roles and responsibilities that must be fulfilled to ensure the smooth functioning of the medical facility she or he represents. Some of them include:
•handling questions and complaints from patients and/or their loved ones
•supervising patient admission
•maintaining precise and detailed patient records (which will include information about visits and interactions)
•evaluating employee performance
•hiring and training new employees
•coordinating a cost-conscious, effective budget
•maintaining compliance with established in-house, state, and federal regulations
Educational Requirements
If you wish to become a director of patient care services, you must earn a college degree in a related subject. Some of the related subjects can include:
- administration
- management
- nursing
Although an associate’s degree is almost always required, earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree can make you a more marketable job candidate.
Resource: Top 10 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Degree Programs
Qualifications
To become a director of patient care services, you must have an RN (registered nurse) license. Additionally, employers tend to favor candidates who have supervisory or management experience. Finally, work experience in a hospital or in home health is generally preferred.
Opportunities For Advancement
A director of patient care services has the ability to move into an executive-level position. Additionally, she or he can transfer to a lager medical facility after gaining substantive experience.
Salary Expectations
The average annual income of a director of patient care services is about $82,000. However, this income is subject to change based on many factors such as:
- education
- experience
- location
For example, Indeed.com reports that an individual working in North Carolina can expect to earn about $64,000 while one in California can bring in $71,000 annually. If you are interested in commanding a higher salary, note that earning additional education is a fairly safe and effective way to accomplish this objective.
If you are interested in pursuing a career within the health sector, you should know that working as a director of patient care services can bring you a variety of personal and professional rewards.