Heritage Lakes Nursing and Rehab Job Description Position Title:

Charge Nurse Date:

Sept 2026

Company:

Heritage Lakes Nursing and Rehab Status:

Non-exempt Reports To:

Director of Nursing Position Objective:

A Charge Nurse is a registered nurse (RN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN) who assumes responsibility for the overall nursing care delivered on a specific unit within a nursing facility. They oversee the daily operations of the unit, coordinate staff assignments, and ensure quality patient care.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Patient Care Oversight:

Monitor the quality of nursing care provided by staff. Conduct rounds to assess patient conditions and needs. Respond to patient emergencies and coordinate appropriate interventions. Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare providers to develop and implement patient care plans.

Staff Management:

Assign staff to patients based on their skills and experience. Monitor staff performance and provide feedback and coaching. Address staff concerns and resolve conflicts. Ensure adequate staffing levels to meet patient needs.

Quality Assurance:

Implement quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care. Monitor and analyze quality indicators. Participate in performance improvement activities.

Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, including TXHHS, HIPAA and OSHA. Maintain accurate and timely documentation. Participate in surveys and inspections.

Communication:

Effectively communicate with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals. Provide clear and concise shift reports. Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings. Performs other related duties as required or requested.

Other Key Responsibilities:

Provide leadership, mentoring, and coaching to nursing staff, fostering a positive and supportive work environment. Manage staff timecards, shift scheduling, and staffing levels to ensure adequate coverage at all times, including addressing staffing shortages or adjustments in care needs. Participate in audits and reviews of patient care, ensuring adherence to all applicable healthcare regulations and facility policies. Report any incidents, accidents, or violations to the appropriate authorities in a timely manner. Serve as a key decision-maker for patient care, ensuring individualized care plans are updated and executed as per physician orders. Address and manage emergency situations such as falls, medical complications, or sudden changes in patient conditions. Perform clinical assessments and reassessments on patients, ensuring timely documentation and adjustment of care plans as necessary. Collaborate with physicians to review treatment plans and ensure accurate medication orders and interventions are in place. Maintain open communication with residents and their families regarding changes in care, health status, and treatment plans. Provide emotional support and counseling to residents and families dealing with difficult health conditions or end-of-life issues. Assist in facilitating care plan meetings, providing valuable input regarding residents' progress, needs, and concerns. Conduct or assist with in-service training for nursing staff on various clinical topics, new protocols, or regulatory changes. Stay current on best practices in nursing and healthcare regulations, attending training sessions or conferences as necessary. Lead or assist in conducting performance evaluations for nursing staff, identifying areas for development and ensuring ongoing education to improve skills and patient care. Ensure proper medication administration and management, including overseeing the dispensing of medications, ensuring accuracy, and checking for potential drug interactions. Advocate for the well-being and comfort of residents, ensuring their rights are upheld and their preferences are incorporated into care plans. Ensure that residents are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion at all times. Report and address any concerns regarding the treatment of residents or the quality of care. Promptly report drug diversion events to proper management. Assist in discharge planning for residents transitioning to home care, rehabilitation, or other care settings, ensuring a smooth and coordinated process. Communicate with families and external healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care post-discharge. Participate in creating and implementing plans to ensure effective care for residents returning to the facility after hospitalizations or transfers. By effectively managing these responsibilities, Charge Nurses play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of a nursing unit and the delivery of high-quality patient care. Participate in all fire, disaster, evacuation, and elopement drills with nursing team in conjunction with emergency coordinator.

Qualifications:

Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) licensure in the state of Texas. Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) preferred. Minimum of 2 years of experience in a nursing facility or acute care setting. Strong leadership and organizational skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to make sound clinical judgments and problem-solve. Knowledge of regulatory standards and quality improvement principles. Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand

English Physical Requirements:

"Occasionally" equals approximately 1% to 33% of the workday, "frequently" equals approximately 34% to 66% of the workday, and "continuously" equals approximately 67% to 100% of the workday (typical full-time workday is 8 hours). 1)

Job Requirements:

A) Sit occasionally B) Stand continuously C) Walk continuously 2)

Movements:

A) Bend/Stoop occasionally B) Squat/Crouch/Kneel occasionally C) Crawl occasionally D) Reaching frequently E) Balancing occasionally F) Pushing/Pulling occasionally 3)

Weight Carried:

A) Up to 34 pounds occasionally B) 35 to 50 pounds occasionally C) 51 to 100 pounds occasionally with assistance

• 4) Meets health assessment requirements (as required)
• Assistance can include mechanical devices, equipment, or human assistance

Work Environment:

This position requires standing, walking, lifting, and assisting residents throughout shifts. The Charge Nurse may work varied hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on facility needs.

Key Competencies:

Leadership

• Demonstrates or models behavior that rallies others around a common cause and builds a shared sense of purpose. Problem Solving
• Analyzes relevant aspects of a situation before reaching a conclusion; does not hesitate to take action when required. Drive for Results
• Focuses on and achieves results. Takes actions that have a positive impact on profitability. Takes calculated risks that are likely to provide good business results. Holds self and others accountable for impact on the bottom line. Commitment
• Provides a sustained effort and dedication to getting the job done well, works continuously to produce superior work regardless of obstacles or setbacks. Displays personal concern, interest, pride, and accountability in all areas of responsibility. § Organization
• Plans and organizes multiple tasks and projects to meet deadlines. Oral and Written Communication
• Able to clearly present information through the spoken or written word; read and interpret complex information; talk with customers or clients; listens well. Teamwork
• Actively seeks to contribute to the positive morale, attitude, and effectiveness of their work environment.

Heritage Lakes Nursing and Rehab is an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer. It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of Heritage Lakes Nursing and Rehab not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination."

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

License/Certification:

LVN (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person