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 following all regulatory and FMS policy requirements.

• Provide day‑to‑day guidance, support and direction to direct patient care staff, including informal feedback on an ongoing basis and formal feedback for annual performance evaluation.
• Participate in department staffing, hiring, firing and disciplinary actions, and recommend disciplinary action to Clinical Manager.
• Ensure compliance with all company and facility approved procedures and policies, as well as state and federal regulations, in 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.
• Participate in patient care plan meetings and maintain knowledge of current practices related to dialysis principles and techniques.
• Train and orient staff as necessary and routinely observe and guide direct patient care staff for appropriate technique and adherence to facility policies.
• Promote and assist with compliance to OSHA programs to maintain a safe and clean working environment.
• Maintain overall shift operation in a safe, efficient, and effective manner.
• Conduct staff meetings at least monthly with Clinical Manager to keep patient care staff informed of changes.
• Meet routinely with 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 the relief charge capacity.

• Assess daily patient care needs and develop and distribute patient care assignments appropriately.
• Assume primary responsibility in an emergency situation.
• Assess patient needs, respond to dialysis treatments and communicate concerns to the rounding physician.
• Implement changes in patient care/treatment as directed.
• Monitor and supervise all patient care activity during dialysis and assist as necessary.
• Collaborate with direct patient care team in making decisions to benefit patient care.
• Continuously monitor patient’s condition for problems and potential complications associated with dialysis.
• Administer medications to patients per physician's orders.
• Act as the subject matter expert and resource for staff members.
• Supervise and participate in the completion of short‑ and long‑term care plans.
• Admit new patients according to facility procedure.
• Ensure educational needs of patients are met and educate patients and family about End Stage Renal Disease, dialysis therapy, diet and medication.

• Supervise the 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 Nurse's Technical Training Program/Water Quality Facility Training.

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

• Internal contacts:
  Direct Patient Care Staff, Facility support staff, management teams (Clinical Manager, Area Manager, RVP).
• External contacts:
  Physicians, Back‑up Hospitals.

The physical demands and…