Charge Nurse

Position Summary

The Inpatient Rehabilitation Charge Nurse is responsible for providing direct patient care while serving as a key member of the nursing team. In accordance with the Nurse Practice Act, the Charge Nurse utilizes the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care to promote the restoration and maintenance of each patient's physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being and achieve established care goals. During the assigned shift, the Charge Nurse serves as the clinical leader for the unit, ensuring efficient operations and the seamless coordination of patient care and unit workflow.

In addition to providing direct patient care for assigned patients, the Charge Nurse is responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

• Providing direct patient care as assigned.
• Coordinating patient admissions and discharges.
• Facilitating patient transfers for surgeries, procedures, diagnostic testing, follow-up appointments, and transfers to other facilities.
• Managing telemetry monitoring and ensuring telemetry strips are reviewed and documented as required.
• Preparing shift assignments and coordinating staffing needs, including coverage for call-ins and emergencies.
• Providing a comprehensive end-of-shift report to the oncoming Charge Nurse and Director of Nursing (DON).
• Ensuring patient baths are completed as assigned.
• Performing or verifying daily crash cart checks on the day shift.
• Ensuring all ordered laboratory specimens are collected, properly labeled, and sent to the appropriate laboratory.
• Reviewing laboratory results and ensuring critical or abnormal findings are communicated promptly to the physician or appropriate provider.
• Performing or delegating administrative responsibilities, including chart maintenance, filing, and restocking unit supplies and forms.
• Conducting routine patient rounds to promote quality patient care, safety, and patient satisfaction.
• Addressing patient and family questions, concerns, and complaints, and notifying or escalating all patient concerns to the Director of Nursing as appropriate.
• Participating in Joint Commission readiness activities and audits as needed.
• Coordinating interdisciplinary patient care with the nursing team, physicians, Respiratory Therapy (RT), Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Therapy (ST), Pharmacy, Case Management, and other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity and quality of care.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current, active, and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of employment required.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification required within six (6) months of hire.
• Minimum of one (1) year of inpatient rehabilitation nursing experience required.

Preferred Qualifications/Skills

• Previous acute care nursing experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrates a professional demeanor and the ability to represent the organization positively.
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory, accreditation, and compliance standards.
• Strong organizational, time management, prioritization, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Proficient in the use of computer systems, electronic health records (EHR), and software applications required to perform job responsibilities effectively.