Charge Nurse - RN

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

Functions as the hemodialysis team leader in the provision of chronic hemodialysis care and treatment.

Provides day to day direction and supervision to assigned direct patient care staff.

Communicates with the physician and other members of the healthcare team to interpret, adjust, and complete patient care plans.

Provides safe, effective delivery of patient care in compliance with standards outlined in the facility procedure manual, as well as regulations set forth by the company, state, and federal agencies.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

General and Staff Related:


* Provides day to day guidance, support and direction to direct patient care staff, providing informal feedback on an ongoing basis and formal feedback input for the annual performance evaluation.

Participates in the department staffing and the appropriate hiring, firing and disciplinary actions.

Recommends disciplinary action to Clinical Manager and initiate as appropriate.


* Ensures compliance with all company and facility approved procedures and policies as well as regulations set forth by state and federal agencies in clinics with more than 100 patients.


* Approves or disapproves time or personnel schedule changes in the absence on the Clinical Manager ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, policies and procedures for documenting time of work hours for staff members on assigned shift.


* Participates in patient care plan meetings.


* Maintains knowledge in the current practices related to the principles and techniques of dialysis by participating in all scheduled inservices.


* Trains and orients staff as necessary.


* Routinely observes and guides direct patient care staff for appropriate technique and adherence to facility policies and procedures.


* Promotes and assists with compliance to OSHA programs in order to maintain a safe and clean working environment.


* Maintains overall shift operation in a safe, efficient, and effective matter.


* Conducts staff meeting with Clinical Manager at least monthly or as needed to keep patient care staff informed of changes in patient care needs or operations to improve delivery of care.


* Meets routinely with the Clinical Manager to discuss personnel and patient care status, issues, and information.


* Supervise all documentation of patient information.


* Coordinates Charge Nurse duties with Staff RNs acting in the relief charge capacity.

Patient Care:


* Assesses daily patient care needs and develop and distribute patient care assignments appropriately.

Assesses patient needs, respond to dialysis treatments, and communicate concerns to rounding physician.

Implement changes inpatient care/treatment as directed.


* Assumes primary responsibility in an emergency situation.


* Monitors and supervises all patient care activity during dialysis and assist as necessary.


* Collaborates with direct patient care team in making d...