American Red Cross Nursing Network

One Nurse At A Time has updated the American Red Cross in our online directory of volunteer organizations to reflect the current nursing needs of the American Red Cross.  Several states are in need of a State Nurse Leader.  If you are a nurse and are able to volunteer your time with the Red Cross, please visit our online directory for contact information.  The following is the job description for the State Nurse Leader Position. 

American Red Cross Nursing Network

State Nurse Leader (SNL) Position Description - VOLUNTEER

Purpose and Organizational Alignment:

The State Nurse Leader (SNL) provides state level leadership to build and sustain the Regional Nurse (RN) Network for Red Cross. This primarily “virtual” network is designed to recruit, receive, retain, and recognize Red Cross nurses so they can better develop regional and chapter capacity.  SNLs translate nursing and health direction, working within the nursing network and its guidance.  The whole of the nursing network includes the National Nursing Committee, Office of the Chief Nurse, and business line and focus area Nurse Consultants.  

The work of an SNL is about statewide relationships and network building and regional support of Regional Nurse Leaders (see separate RNL Position Description).  SNLs provide operational guidance, coaching, and clear support to their assigned RNLs.  SNLs consistently assure that there is a full complement of RNLs across the states so as to achieve Red Cross health integration and nursing network goals.  The SNL is the external face of nursing across all business lines at the State level, partnering at the state and regional level to assure Red Cross nursing and health integration is effective integrated a the chapter and SAF/blood region unit to ensure local capacity.   The SNL develops and sustains the State Nurse Network Roster (SNNR).

Unique to the SNL position is that they work within state geographic boundaries to facilitate practice parameters established by regulatory boards and support regions, helping them build their health professional capacity, achieve their mission, and develop and sustain healthy partnerships.  One of the primary relationship points of the SNL is at the state health organization and education levels:  public health, nursing boards, nursing programs, and nursing organizations.   

As a part of the Red Cross nursing leadership, SNLs work directly with the DNLs and Nurse Consultants in the nursing network, and other state level Red Cross Partners (e.g., Health Service Advisors and Disaster Mental Health Advisors) as well as other non-health partners.  The National Nursing Committee (NNC) provides strategic priorities based on the business line goals of Biomedical Services, Disaster Services, Preparedness, Health, and Safety Services (PHSS), Service to Armed Forces (SAF) and International Services.  In addition, the Office of the Chief Nurse sets direction for the nursing network through the Chief Nurse Initiatives.  How Nursing Works in the Red Cross, provides a pictorial layout of Red Cross nursing organization.  

Time Commitment, Reporting Requirements, and Term:

Approximately 6 -8 hours per week are required to carry out SNL leadership and support functions. This workload may increase when recruiting and orienting new RNLs.

Although travel may sometimes be required to network with Red Cross units and

external nursing organizations, most work is done by email, phone, and on the Nursing Neighborhood (a shared announcement, document, and discussion site only available with a Red Cross CrossNet account).  Nursing network team success is measured by a quarterly report on selected metrics, reported via an online questionnaire (March, June, September, and December).  SNL participation is an integral part of Division meetings and All Hands Leader Development calls.  Ongoing communication with RNLs (e.g. monthly statewide meetings and Nursing Neighborhood postings) is required to align operations, strategic goals, and update information.  Also, partnering and networking at the statewide level to accomplish Red Cross services is expected.  

The initial SNL appointment is a two-year term with two (2) additional 2-year appointments possible (i.e., six years maximum) per the DNL recommendation.  SNLs are expected to bench build (i.e., recruit and mentor their own replacement).

Qualifications:

• Current, unencumbered active licensure as a Registered Nurse
• Knowledge of Red Cross structure, governance system, and programs/services
• Track record as an experienced nurse leader
• Willingness to work across ALL Red Cross business lines
• Solid interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to manage projects, collaborate, lead change, and motivate others
• Familiarity with computer technology, basic office software (e.g., Powerpoint, Excel) and social media (e.g., Facebook) for virtual interaction
• Ability to research and know state regulation in nursing practice and education

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain State Nurse Network Roster (SNNR), a roster of the RNLs and other key individuals (nurses and non-nurses) who help get the Red Cross job done.
• Provide assistance to RNLs to coordinate projects and meet with the Regional Nurse Core Workgroup, a group of individuals that the RNL can call together for advice and/or project management.  
• Proactively support and guide Red Cross units as they recruit, receive, retain, and recognize nurses to build health capacity and full integration
• Increase Red Cross nurse and health professional involvement, partnerships, and service delivery in the community
• Act as a resource for nursing and health in the assigned state for Red Cross
• Actively promote nurse and health professional involvement in all business lines of services and at all levels of the organization
• Assist/assure health programming and projects as well as training

Benefits:

• Personally make a difference in the American Red Cross
• Provide nurse leadership for the American Red Cross in assigned state
• Strengthen communities, building resiliency through health component
• Develop personal leadership skills in a highly recognized NGO
• Gain additional leadership opportunities made available through the SNL position