A Charge Nurse supervises and supports a nursing staff, while also treating a limited number of patients. Evaluates other nurses and acts as an educational resource for nurses. Provides guidance on administering care to new patients or those with special needs and answers questions regarding protocol. Directs admission, discharge and general flow of patients.
Coordinates nursing care for patients on the unit in order to ensure the provision of quality care and maintaining the standards for professional nursing practice in the clinical setting. The primary patient population that care is provided for on the Med-Surg Unit is adults and geriatric patients. The Charge Nurse must be competent in the assessment of adult/senior patients for appropriate behavior, motor skills and psychological norms. He/she must be competent in providing standard patient care and treatment to the adult/senior patient on a medical surgical unit. He/she must be knowledgeable in recognizing signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect, and cognizant of safety issues, both environmental and medical. Pediatric patients are occasionally admitted; therefore, the Charge Nurse must also be competent in the assessment and care of children, including age-appropriate behavior, motor skills, and physiological/psychological developmental norms. He/she must be cognizant of safety, treatment/medication, and immunization concerns of this age group as well as adults. The Charge Nurse must be knowledgeable in the use of the equipment and monitoring devices utilized on the Medical/Surgical Unit.
REQUIREMENTS
Graduate from a school of nursing with diploma, associate degree, or BSN. Current BLS & NIHSS/Stroke Scale Certification. Basic Dysrhythmia Recognition Training or equivalent. Two years prior experience in an acute care setting preferred. Organizational, leadership and problem-solving skills. Effective communication skills, including conflict resolution. Basic computer skills. Maintenance of well-rounded knowledge of nursing care.
PAY / BENEFITS
• Estimated pay is based on qualifications (including but not limited to experience, education, certifications, and licensure where applicable). • Benefits may include medical, dental, vision, basic life and AD&D, optional supplemental life (employee, spouse, and/or child coverage), flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent care), 403b retirement with dollar for dollar match up to 5%, paid time off, and more available depending on employment status.
