The CN is an entry-level management position responsible for the coordination of care on designated shifts. He/she will provide leadership to the staff members of the unit in the area of patient care.

• As a Registered nurse, he/she implements the nursing process for each patient regardless of age (i.e. infancy to geriatric) assigned to his/her care and is responsible for the patient’s care within the parameters of the Kentucky Nurse Practice Act. The charge nurse promotes positive patient outcomes, quality of care and initiates change through active involvement in unit-based and hospital shared-governance councils.

• National Professional Nursing Standards serve as guidelines for the charge nurse as he/she utilizes critical thinking skills and exercises appropriate nursing judgment. The charge nurse will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to improve patient outcomes. Also, the charge nurse will serve as a role model by actively participating in the process of continuous professional development, teaching and learning across the healthcare continuum.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The following is a summary of the major functions of this position. Registered nurses may perform other duties, not specified in this document and specific functions may change as professional practice and standards evolve.

1. Assists the Nurse Manager with operational activities of unit

2. Assists the Nurse Manager with management of patient care delivery on the unit

3. Demonstrates Clinical proficiency utilizing the nursing process

4. Demonstrates organizational skills in providing patient care

5. Collaborates with the nurse manager to support performance improvement activities

6. Participates in development of nursing staff

7. Leadership and critical thinking

Minimum Education, Training, and Experience

A. Active Kentucky RN license