POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for the delivery of patient care through the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. To insure quality patient care consistent with the philosophy and objectives of the organization. This position provides direct operational support for the department on a shift basis, acts as a clinical resource person for the staff and acts as a liaison between staff and management, assisting the Director of Nursing in determining staffing needs and identifying problems in the department. The charge nurse provides the communication link between Director of Nursing, staff, patient, physicians and others. The position facilitates problem resolution and collaborates with the Director of Nursing in assessing quality of care provided, identifying staff strengths and weaknesses, and in evaluation of staff performance. Operational issues are identified by this position and the individual works to take action and correct problems. Readily available to provide immediate care for all types of emergencies and outpatients entering this department. He/she is expected to adhere to and abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Demonstrates knowledge of CCGH standards of practice, policies and procedures, emergency operations and other department specific guidelines.
• Communicates with off going shift through patient report.
• Organizes tasks effectively prior to beginning work according to priority of patient needs.
• Continually assesses patients physical, psychological, social and educational needs to determine levels and types of care.
• Delivers care based on acuity level, identified needs, and physician orders.
• Assesses patient/family education needs. Performs patient/family teaching as needed and/or coordinates patient/family education with other departments as appropriate.
• Ascertains that diagnostic tests have been carried out as ordered. Reviews results of tests and integrates information in plan of care. Notifies physician of abnormal findings.
• Provides routine patient care according to hospital nursing policy.
• Demonstrates the ability to completely provide individualized, goal-directed nursing care to patients through use of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation from admission to discharge.
• Accurately administers medications and performs treatments in accordance with the medical plan of care; signs out all narcotics.
• Assists physicians with special tests and procedures within the department.
• Accurately interprets telemetry strips. Acts as a resource person for interpretation, rational and treatment of arrhythmias. Notifies physician promptly of changes and documents all pertinent information.
• Demonstrates complete familiarity with crash cart functions, medications, and supplies; orders supplies to ensure a proper amount are on hand at all times.
• Instructs co-workers in skills and use of equipment, troubleshoots equipment, as necessary.
• Assists with the orientation of nursing personnel to include assisting with performance evaluations.
• Assists in developing, reviewing and revising policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates an ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and responds to Code situations within the hospital, using ACLS protocol.
• Assesses patient within 8 hours of admission.
• Completes admission forms in entirety.
• Notes physician orders and initiates treatments, medications, and procedures in a timely manner.
• Transcribes orders to patient kardex accurately. Communicates orders to other department as required. Documents date, time, signature and title. Clarifies any order which is unclear.
• Completes discharge instructions in entirety.
• Demonstrates the ability to appropriately delegate tasks to nursing personnel in a fair manner.
• Monitor staff behavior in public areas and intervening if indicated, so the patient, physician, family or other customers only see appropriate behavior.
• Interface with upset customers to problem-solve for good resolution of issues.
• Coordinate resources for staff with clinical questions, to assure the patient care is being completed, call lights answered, medications given, physician questions answered, and patient care coordinated.
• Communicate unit needs effectively to other leadership staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Must obtain State RN License