SMRMC Full Time 1848-RN Surgical Service Single Unit-6217 ASC

Charge Nurse

Under general supervision of the Chief Nursing Officer, Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Nurse Manager and direct supervision RN-1, the Charge Nurse uses the nursing and management process to safely supervise the shift-to-shift performance of patient care and education, data/charge entry, accurate completion of physician orders, and customer complaint follow up. Collaborates with Nurse Manager, physicians, peers, nursing staff, and administration. At all times, charge nurse assignments will be determined by nursing management directives.

The Charge Nurse uses the clinical nursing process to safely coordinate total patient care and education for an assigned number of patients. The Charge Nurse uses the clinical nursing process to safely administer medications, monitor patients and operate essential equipment used in treating and diagnosing patient's conditions. At all times, patient assignments will be determined by adjustment of department patient census and current staffing levels for the overall patient care which are reviewed shift-to-shift.

The Charge Nurse will be assigned up to 40 hours per week according to the needs of the unit and staff. The Charge Nurse is expected to function within the scope of approved policies, procedures, and regulations for the department and organization. Will be responsible to assist with orientation, preceptorship, and management of personnel assigned to unit. Must be able to work and relate in a professional, non-defensive manner with peers, providers, mid-level providers, administration, patients, and visitors.

Will be responsible to document total care given, review and maintain patient medical record per policy, and assist with accurate and timely entry of patient data, orders, and charges into computer system. Charge Nurse demonstrates responsibility for the assessing, monitoring and management of patients, administering medication and treatments as prescribed. Maintains clinical competence, continually learning to perform any job duty within the scope of RN practice.

Demonstrates knowledge of and administers all medications safely and according to provider's order and hospital policy adhering to the 6 rights of medication administration: (i.e. Right Patient, Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Time, Right Route, Right Documentation), Demonstrates knowledge of high risk and critical medications. Documents adverse drug reactions and reports per departmental and pharmacy policy. Performs IV therapy while demonstrating skill and accuracy per provider's order and hospital policy.

Monitors and documents the patient's level of consciousness. Promotes unit and organizational philosophy and goals. Assists with establishment of departmental policies and procedures that reflect the services provided by the department. Participates in organizational committees as assigned. Provides important information on trends related to patient outcomes to Manager. Demonstrates professionalism and reinforces professional behavior of staff members. Maintains current knowledge of regulatory requirements: IFC, CDC, DNV, MSDH, MSBN, Baby Friendly, Quality initiatives and CMS.

Demonstrates knowledge and skill related to patient throughput and customer service / satisfaction providing kind, compassionate care to all patient types. Nurses are required to float between departments. The successful candidate will have to pass a pharmacology test for this position. Complete the yearly mandatory in-service (YMI) requirements is nonnegotiable and will be the responsibility of the employee to arrange, attend sessions and maintain current on Health Stream assignments.