Charge Registered 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 and regulations set forth by the company, state, and federal agencies.

Supports FMCNA's mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy. Adheres to the FMCNA Compliance Program, including all regulatory and FMS policy requirements.

• Provide day‑to‑day guidance, support and direction to direct patient care staff, giving informal feedback and formal feedback for annual performance evaluations.
• Participate in the department staffing and in hiring, firing and disciplinary actions; recommend disciplinary action to the Clinical Manager and initiate as appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with all company and facility approved procedures and policies and state and federal regulations for clinics with more than 100 patients.
• Approve or disapprove time or personnel schedule changes in the absence of the Clinical Manager, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, policies and procedures for documenting work hours.
• Participate in patient care plan meetings.
• Maintain knowledge of current dialysis practices by attending all scheduled in‑services.
• Train and orient staff as necessary.
• Observe and guide direct patient care staff for proper technique and adherence to facility policies.
• Promote OSHA compliance to maintain a safe and clean working environment.
• Maintain overall shift operation in a safe, efficient, and effective manner.
• Conduct mandatory staff meetings monthly or as needed with the Clinical Manager to inform staff of changes in patient care or operations.
• Meet routinely with the Clinical Manager to discuss personnel and patient care status, issues, and information.
• Supervise all documentation of patient information.
• Coordinate Charge Nurse duties with staff RNs acting in relief charge capacity.

• Assess daily patient care needs and distribute patient care assignments appropriately.
• Assume primary responsibility in an emergency situation.
• Respond to dialysis treatments and communicate concerns to the rounding physician; implement changes in patient care or treatment as directed.
• Monitor and supervise all patient care activities during dialysis and assist as necessary.
• Collaborate with the direct patient care team to make decisions that benefit patient care.
• Continuously monitor patient condition for problems and potential complications associated with dialysis.
• Administer medications to patients per physician orders.
• Serve as subject‑matter expert and resource for staff members.
• Supervise and participate in completion of short‑ and long‑term care plans.
• Admit new patients according to facility procedures.
• Ensure patients and families receive education about End Stage Renal Disease, dialysis therapy, diet and medication.

• Supervise safe and effective use of all equipment involved in direct patient care.
• Operate all dialysis‑related and emergency equipment safely and efficiently when needed.
• Perform required testing and verification, and initial the checklist for start‑up and shut‑down procedures as outlined in the Technical Services Manual.
• Complete the Nurse’s Technical Training Program/Water Quality Facility Training.

• Assist with special projects or other duties as assigned by the Clinical Manager.
• Assist with interview of potential direct patient care staff as requested.
• Promote efficient use of medical supplies.
• Attend and participate in monthly Quality Assurance meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Internal:
  Direct patient care staff, facility support staff, management teams (Clinical Manager, Area Manager, RVP).
• External:
  Physicians, Back‑up Hospitals.

Additional responsibilities may include a focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for…