Charge Nurse - ICU​/PCU

Critical Care Nurse

The Medical-Surgical Intensive Care Unit (MSICU) at Tri Health Bethesda North Hospital is a state-of-the-art critical care environment specializing in complex and high-acuity patient care. The Unit is split into 14 beds for PCU and 28 beds for ICU. Our MSICU is integral to our Level III Trauma Program and Comprehensive Stroke Program, providing cutting-edge treatments for trauma and stroke patients.

We offer a range of advanced critical care services, including Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) for patients requiring extended dialysis and soon will offer care for patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVAD). Additionally, we utilize Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Intravenous (USGPIV) techniques for optimal patient care and comfort. Our unit is committed to the professional growth of our nurses, offering a Critical Care Nurse Development Program, designed to provide continuous education and hands-on experience for those looking to advance their expertise in the critical care field.

With a strong emphasis on collaboration, technology, and education, the MSICU PCU at Bethesda North Hospital provides exceptional care for critically ill patients in a dynamic and supportive environment.

This position is delegated the responsibility and accountability to coordinate the patient care delivered on a shift, through assigned nursing personnel, on a specific unit(s). The Charge Nurse functions in a non-management capacity and often has a patient assignment.

Assists in coordinating the delivery of patient care in collaboration with others. Communicates with the unit staff, and acts as a resource concerning standards of care, policies, and procedures. Identifies actual/potential problems. Cooperates with instructors and students from various programs and creates assignments and work schedules to match patient needs and staff abilities. Actively supports the work of unit and organizational committees.

Participates on teams to evaluate clinical practice or health services and implements ongoing quality changes in nursing practice. Promotes the review of current literature/research and facilitates implementation of best practices. Acts as a clinical resource for unit personnel. Performs nursing technical skills in compliance with unit/Tri Health policies. Performs specialty/unit-specific skills and competencies. Interprets and executes physician orders accurately. Directs unit activities in which safe, clinically competent care is given to patients.

Delegates care to other team members within the scope of nursing practice. Shares clinical information with appropriate health care team members including physicians. Maintains and improves current knowledge in area of practice through activities such as continuing education, formal education, professional organization membership, and/or certification. Acts as a role model for efficient, effective, comprehensive patient care. Assists in overall department operations.

Provides for the orientation of float, temporarily reassigned, or agency nurses to the routine of the unit and the designated shift. Demonstrates critical thinking in the decision-making process. Accepts accountability for actions taken. Utilizes the chain of command appropriately. Facilitates patient movement through the system toward desired outcomes. Remains prepared to deal with rapidly changing workload, i.e., able to transfer and admit patients quickly.

Maintains open communications in a timely and appropriate manner to all customers. Builds collegial relationships with physicians and other members of the health care team. Encourages formal and informal continuing education. Promotes clinical ladder as a form of peer review and clinical advancement. Develops, guides, and coaches nursing staff daily to function within their job description. Identifies and plans to meet learning needs of self and staff together with nurse manager and/or nurse educators.

Mentors staff in problem resolution. Provides feedback to evaluate the performance of personnel. Functions as a clinical resource and professional role model for staff. Provides input for progressive discipline on a fair and consistent basis.

Bending
- Frequently Climbing
- Rarely Concentrating
- Consistently Continuous Learning
- Consistently Hearing:
Conversation
- Consistently Hearing:
Other Sounds
- Consistently Interpersonal Communication
- Consistently Kneeling
- Occasionally Lifting