Charge Nurse

Rahway, United States | Posted on 03/13/2025

The Charge Nurse provides leadership, coordination, and supervision for nursing staff during an assigned shift, ensuring high-quality patient care, efficient workflow, and adherence to facility policies and standards.

• Oversee daily operations of the nursing unit, including patient assignments, staff scheduling, and resource allocation
• Coordinate patient admissions, transfers, and discharges in collaboration with other departments
• Supervise and support nursing staff, providing guidance, mentorship, and assistance as needed
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and make adjustments as required to maintain patient safety
• Conduct shift hand-off reports and maintain clear communication across shifts
• Respond to and coordinate emergency situations according to established protocols
• Serve as a clinical resource for staff and participate in direct patient care when necessary
• Monitor compliance with regulatory requirements, policies, and procedures
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation according to facility standards
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members
• Identify and address potential issues before they escalate into problems
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and committees as assigned

• Current Registered Nurse license in good standing
• Minimum of 2-3 years of clinical nursing experience
• BLS certification required; ACLS and other specialty certifications may be required
• Previous charge or leadership experience preferred
• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
• Ability to prioritize multiple demands in a fast-paced environment
• Computer proficiency with electronic health record systems

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Capacity to assist with patient mobility and positioning
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to observe patient conditions
• Manual dexterity to perform clinical procedures

• May work varying shifts including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Fast-paced healthcare environment requiring adaptability and stress management
• Exposure to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, and potentially hazardous materials with appropriate PPE and safety protocols

The Charge Nurse is a critical leadership position that requires clinical expertise, strong organizational abilities, and effective interpersonal skills to ensure optimal patient outcomes and staff performance.

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing
• BSN preferred, though ADN with sufficient experience may be considered
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification often required
• Specialty certifications relevant to the unit may be required or preferred

• Minimum of 2-3 years of clinical nursing experience
• Prior experience in the relevant specialty area (e.g., medical-surgical, ICU, ED)
• Previous leadership experience is preferred, even in an informal capacity.

• Strong assessment and clinical judgment abilities
• Proficiency in nursing procedures and protocols
• Knowledge of current evidence-based practices
• Ability to recognize and respond to emergency situations

• Decision-making capabilities under pressure
• Staff mentoring and development
• Team-building aptitude

• Clear verbal and written communication
• Inter-professional collaboration
• Patient and family education
• Tactful handling of difficult situations
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) system navigation
• Basic computer literacy
• Understanding of medical equipment and technology
• Documentation compliance

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Time management and organizational abilities
• Adaptability to changing situations
• Ethical decision-making
• Professional appearance and demeanor

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Capacity to lift, position, and transfer patients
• Manual dexterity for clinical procedures
• Visual and auditory acuity

• Willingness to work various shifts (days, evenings, nights)
• Flexibility for weekend and holiday coverage
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• Understanding of regulatory requirements (e.g., HIPAA, Joint Commission standards)

• Dental and vision coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Competitive salary with charge nurse differential
• Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends
• Retirement plans (401k/403b) often with employer matching
• Annual merit-based salary increases
• Paid overtime opportunities
• Potential for performance-based bonuses

• Sick leave
• Personal days
• Paid holidays
• Jury duty coverage

• Tuition…