Head of Neurology
Albert Schweitzer Hospital
“Experienced department head with forward energy, committed to a highly professional, dynamic and unpredictable service environment”
Organization and situation
“Care with the head, heart and soul” is the motto of the Albert Schweitzer hospital (ASz). The hospital offers high-level clinical care and (basic) care close to the people; this combination makes it a unique hospital. With three locations and an outpatient clinic, Albert Schweitzer Hospital is the healthcare partner for residents of the South Holland region. The intense collaboration with other (care) partners allows to continue to develop and innovate. Albert Schweitzer hospital is also a university hospital.
Neurology is the specialty that deals with the research and treatment of disorders of the brain, nerves, spinal cord and muscles. The specialization has a wide range of different sub-specializations and areas of interest.
“The field of neurology has really taken off in the last 20 years: we have a vital department and we can offer our patients more and more perspectives in ASz with innovative treatments”, neurologist Isotta.
Neurology is a fascinating field. It is acute, 24/7 care. There is a wide range of patients who usually go to the ER via the ER with conditions such as: a CVA (a stroke) or a TIA (a (possible ) precursor of a stroke), hernia, spinal cord injury, epilepsy, sclerosis (MS), sleep disturbances, memory disturbances, headache, Parkinson’s disease, movement disorders.
‘We have such a wide range of patients – this is what makes my work so interesting. Every day is different here, I really enjoy going to work ‘, Nurse Maartje.
The ward has 32 beds (some of which are now closed due to lack of staff) of which 8 beds for stroke with 24-hour monitoring (average assistance). The team is made up of 34 FTEs: nurses, health assistants, students and medical assistants. Nurses usually have a major in neurology, cardiology and / or geriatrics and may perform the role of ASPD (extra coordination duties) and / or the function of responsible nurse (quality improvements) and / or research.
Observations from nurses are crucial for professionals – there are short lines with neurologists, and nurses are asked to provide active inputs. These patients need expert eyes and hands around them 24/7. constantly vigilant, pay attention to (subtle) indications and be in contact with the patient and family to interpret the signals.
‘Nursing here goes far beyond performing nursing procedures; nurses are a social and emotional beacon for the patient and the family ‘, medical assistant Eska.
As a treatment in the acute phase, there are procedures in the Angio room (IAT treatment), where a clot in the brain can be removed through the groin. The nurse is directly involved in this process.
“Each patient is another conundrum: brains are so complex, everyone has a different heart attack, in behavior and physiology”, nurse Celine.
The position of Head of Neurology will be vacant starting from January 1st.
On the position of Chief of Neurology
As a department head, you are responsible for the day-to-day management of the department. You are the point of contact for the various employees of your department and the doctors involved in order to optimally coordinate patient care. Ensure an open and safe working and learning climate. You manage professionals and you know how to train and develop them in an inspiring way. You will also foster a stronger connection and cooperation between the ward, the doctor’s office and the emergency room.
There are also regular tasks such as purchasing and replacing equipment, optimizing work processes, renovating environments, etc. An advisory body has been set up in the department: the Forum. This includes nurses, caregivers, ASPs, and nurses who are happy to actively contribute ideas on departmental improvements and assist the department head with advice and assistance.
Important topics for the next period are:
- Beware of people. The period of Covid has required a lot from all those who work in the health sector and it is important that attention and appreciation remain for this;
- Also, team development can use an extra boost; the employee of the Neurology department is generally alert and assertive at work, but there is room for improving mutual communication within the team;
- Transfer of “medically ready” patients to a follow-up location (long-term hospitalization, rehabilitation, VVT, home with support / monitoring);
- The shortage of nurses, while it is such an interesting field: this should be promoted more actively;
- The ‘IG Nursing’ pilot as an opportunity to increase capacity in the ward.
As Head of the Department of Neurology, you are directly responsible to the Head of the RvE Clinic and you periodically coordinate with the Head of RvE Neurology. The medical manager of Neurology is an important sparring partner for you, as are the other department heads within the CoE Clinic. You also have regular consultations with your P&O and Finance advisor.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR FOR ASz
We are looking for an experienced manager with experience in healthcare, preferably in care (experience in Neurology is an advantage). Someone who wants to engage with the department and team for a longer period of time, so that together you can build even better care in an even more enjoyable working atmosphere.
Your leadership needs to live up to this ward, where an assertive team that needs to be able to work independently deals with unpredictable care. It is therefore a vital and sometimes unpredictable environment that gives you energy. And it is precisely in this self-employment that a manager visible on the work plan is important for mutual connection.
You recognize yourself in your enthusiasm for health care, but you also carry a sober and professional vision of it. Your professional way of thinking completes the team.
The care is intense and impactful, for patients and employees, so we ask a manager with some life experience: firmly in his shoes, with empathy and reflective capacity, who knows how to act awake, clear and fast at the same time in practice. A determined and spirited department head is also appropriate for an energetic and spirited team.
You have at least an HBO level of work and thinking.
The offer FOR the best candidate
The ASz department head is a crucial tactical position in a relatively flat and informal hospital organization. Your management will have an impact on the quality of care provided to patients in the ward – it is work of great value.
This is a position for 32-36 hours per week (4×9 hours is possible).
The position is valued in line with the market: do not hesitate to contact Philip Backx (see below).
Procedure and response
FOR was asked to carry out the recruitment and pre-selection for this vacancy. Philip Backx is responsible for this. The vacancy will be made vacant internally and externally at the same time. All applicants are welcome to apply via FOR.
If you are interested in this position, I would like to receive your motivation and an updated CV via the form attached to this position on the FOR website: https://voor.nl/vacatures/1072/afdelingshoofd-neurologie
Before inviting candidates for a personal selection interview, I would like to get acquainted via video call.
A sponsor search is part of the procedure. As a condition for employment, a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) must be presented. The ASz bears the costs of the appeal.
A development assessment can also take place by appointment.
