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.
The Charge Nurse is responsible for the coordination and supervision of unit activities, nursing care of unit patients, and for the day-to-day supervision of clinical activities in the department. The Charge Nurse has some oversight of the department staffing and proactively communicates staffing needs to the manager/director or Patient Care Supervisor as needed, using professional and supervisory discretion. The Charge Nurse will use nursing skills for assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation in their patient care delivery. The Charge Nurse actively participates in the triage, immediate care, and discharge planning process. The Charge Nurse sets the example for staff members and is available to staff as a resource to de-escalate, troubleshoot and solve front-line issues. The Charge Nurse promotes teamwork and is the primary liaison between departments. These activities are carried out using sound judgment and critical thinking skills. The Charge Nurse handles all these functions and makes resources available to the doctors and the patients to ensure proper functioning of the hospital.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Demonstrate appropriate assessment and knowledge of the critically ill patient. Demonstrate the ability to assist providers with procedures that include but are not limited to: conscious sedation, central line placement, rapid sequence intubation, etc. Implement patient care according to planned interventions to attain the patient's optimal level of function and documents according to policy. Demonstrate positive customer service relations; routinely participates in Quality assurance and performance improvement projects and encourages department to continuously improve. Assist co-workers as needed/requested. Support the Medical Center's Mission/Vision/Philosophy positively. Demonstrate the understanding of efficiently and appropriately staffing the unit.
Key concepts:
Staffing levels throughout the day as census changes; utilizes resources efficiently Maintain regular and predictable attendance. Expected to serve as sitters as needed, following the successful completion of designated sitter education and training provided. Perform other essential duties as assigned.
High school diploma or equivalent. Graduate of accredited school of professional nursing. Currently licensed to practice as a professional Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Missouri. This individual should be knowledgeable regarding growth and development and assessing the physical and psychological needs of patients in the following stages of life: neonatal, infant, pediatric, adolescents, adults, and geriatric. Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) preferred. Have immediate experience of working in the Emergency Department for 1 year. Current American Heart Association (AHA) BLS required. Current American Heart Association (AHA) ACLS or obtained within 6 months. Current TNCC or obtained within 6 months. Current PALS or obtained within 6 months. Must be self-motivated and have the ability to work within the established policies, procedures and practices prescribed by the hospital/clinic.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to sit and stand, intermittent 12 hours a day. Must be able to use standard office equipment, including the telephone and computer keyboard. Continuously works under pressure of near 100% accuracy while meeting inflexible deadlines. Continuously utilizes manual/bi-manual dexterity, near vision, speech, and hearing. Frequently stands, walks, sits and utilizes eye/hand coordination and color definition. Occasionally reaches above shoulder, regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 35 lbs. Occasionally walks on uneven surfaces.
