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 physicians 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.

General and Staff Related:

• Provides day‑to‑day guidance, support, and direction to direct patient care staff, offering informal feedback ongoing and formal feedback for annual performance evaluations.
• Participates in department staffing and appropriate hiring, firing, and disciplinary actions. Recommends disciplinary action to the Clinical Manager and initiates it as appropriate.
• Ensures compliance with all company, facility‑approved procedures, and policies as well as state and federal regulations in clinics with more than 100 patients.
• Approves or disapproves time or personnel schedule changes in the absence of the Clinical Manager, ensuring compliance with regulations, policies, and documentation requirements for staff work hours.
• Participates in patient care plan meetings.
• Maintains knowledge of current dialysis practices by attending all scheduled in‑services.
• Trains and orients staff as necessary.
• Observes and guides direct patient care staff for appropriate technique and adherence to facility policies.
• Promotes compliance with OSHA programs to maintain a safe working environment.
• Maintains overall shift operations in a safe, efficient, and effective manner.
• Conducts monthly staff meetings with the Clinical Manager to keep staff informed of changes in patient care needs or operations.
• Meets regularly with the Clinical Manager to discuss personnel and patient care status, issues, and information.
• Supervises documentation of patient information.
• Coordinates Charge Nurse duties with Staff RNs acting in relief charge capacity.

Patient Care:

• Assesses daily patient care needs and distributes patient care assignments appropriately. Holds responsibilities for patient response to dialysis treatments and communicates concerns to the rounding physician.
• Assumes primary responsibility in emergency situations.
• Monitors and supervises all patient care activity during dialysis and provides assistance as necessary.
• Collaborates with the direct patient care team to make decisions that benefit patient care.
• Continuously monitors patients’ conditions for problems and potential complications associated with dialysis.
• Administers medications to patients per physician orders.
• Acts as the subject‑matter expert and a resource for staff members.

Technical:

• Supervises and participates in the completion of short‑ and long‑term care plans.
• Admits new patients according to facility procedure.
• Ensures educational needs of patients are met and educates patients and families about End Stage Renal Disease, dialysis therapy, diet, and medication.
• Supervises safe and effective use of all equipment involved in direct patient care.
• Operates all dialysis‑related and emergency equipment safely and efficiently when needed.
• Performs required testing, verification, and signs the checklist for start‑up and shut‑down procedures as outlined in the Technical Services Manual.
• Completes the Nurse’s Technical Training Program/Water Quality Facility Training.

Other:

• Assists with special projects or duties as assigned by the Clinical Manager and participates in interviewing potential direct patient care staff as requested.
• Promotes efficient use of medical supplies.
• Attends and participates in monthly Quality Assurance meetings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Day‑to‑day work…