Job Summary
The RN Charge oversees the operations of a nursing unit during assigned shifts, ensuring effective and efficient delivery of high-quality patient care. This role supervises nursing staff, coordinates care with healthcare teams, and maintains compliance with healthcare regulations and hospital policies while fostering a positive work environment and promoting professional development.
Essential Functions
- Supervises and supports nursing and support staff, delegating tasks and responsibilities to appropriate personnel.
- Evaluates staff performance, providing feedback and coaching to maintain high standards of care.
- Oversees the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care, ensuring patient care plans are followed and adjusted as needed.
- Collaborates with healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care and resolve issues related to patient flow or care delivery.
- Ensures effective communication among physicians, patients, families, and hospital departments, including managing shift handoffs and unit huddles.
- Monitors patient flow, manages bed assignments, and optimizes resource utilization within the unit.
- Conducts employee and patient rounding to evaluate care delivery and satisfaction.
- Monitors adherence to safety standards, infection control protocols, and hospital policies, addressing non-compliance promptly.
- Participates in quality improvement initiatives and audits to enhance patient outcomes and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Ensures necessary medical supplies are available and properly utilized while maintaining cost-effective resource management.
- Facilitates ongoing education and professional development for nursing staff and ensures training needs are met.
- Leads efforts in infection prevention by conducting audits, educating staff, and ensuring adherence to protocols for hand hygiene, sterilization, and use of PPE.
- Responds to emergencies within the unit, providing leadership and direct care as necessary.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
Qualifications
- 1-2 years of clinical nursing experience required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong clinical knowledge and ability to oversee complex patient care.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills to coordinate with interdisciplinary teams.
- Leadership and mentoring skills to manage staff and promote a positive work environment.
- Ability to assess, prioritize, and manage multiple patients and tasks.
- Proficiency in using hospital information systems and clinical documentation tools.
- Knowledge of infection control protocols, safety standards, and quality improvement practices.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills for addressing unit challenges and emergencies.
Licenses and Certifications
- RN
- Registered Nurse
- State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required
- BLS
- Basic Life Support required
- ACLS
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred