RN Night

MedSurg RN Charge Nurse Job Description
Job Title: MedSurg RN Charge Nurse
Department: Medical-Surgical Unit
Reports To: MedSurg Department Director / Chief Nursing Officer
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Type: Full-Time
Position Summary:
     The MedSurg RN Charge Nurse is responsible for providing clinical leadership during assigned shifts within the Medical-Surgical Unit. This role ensures the delivery of safe, effective, and high-quality patient care while supporting nursing staff, facilitating workflow, and acting as a liaison between staff and hospital leadership. The Charge Nurse is expected to lead by example, promote teamwork, coordinate patient care assignments, and provide hands-on clinical care within scope.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•    Serve as the clinical lead on the MedSurg unit during assigned shifts.
•    Coordinate staffing assignments based on patient acuity, census, and staff competencies.
•    Provide direct patient care as needed, including administering medications, conducting assessments, developing care plans, and evaluating outcomes.
•    Oversee and assist with admissions, discharges, and transfers to ensure accurate, timely documentation and communication.
•    Promote adherence to infection control practices, safety protocols, and patient care standards.
•    Monitor documentation compliance and provide real-time coaching to staff on charting best practices.
•    Respond to emergencies and unusual patient conditions, escalating issues appropriately.
•    Collaborate with physicians, interdisciplinary teams, and ancillary departments to optimize patient outcomes.
•    Act as a preceptor for new nursing staff and mentor for team development.
•    Identify opportunities for quality improvement and communicate observations to nursing leadership.
•    Participate in audits, shift huddles, and daily safety briefings.
•    Monitor supply usage and equipment functionality, ensuring availability for clinical needs.
•    Report staffing, clinical, or operational concerns to the MedSurg Manager and/or CNO.
Minimum Qualifications:
•    Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Arkansas (or compact state).
•    Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
•    Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required or obtained within 6 months of hire.•    Minimum 1 years of recent acute care experience
•    Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to manage staff during high-pressure situations.
•    Proficient in EMR systems and clinical documentation practices.
Preferred Qualifications:
•    Prior experience in a charge nurse or leadership capacity.
•    NIH Stroke Scale certification.
•    Experience in a Critical Access Hospital setting.
Physical Requirements:
•    Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting.
•    Must be able to lift and support at least 50 lbs.
•    Ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies.
Work Environment:
•    Fast-paced, team-oriented acute care hospital unit.
•    Exposure to bodily fluids, infectious diseases, and biohazards.
Schedule:
•    12-hour shifts, rotating weekends and holidays as needed.
Core Values:
•    Commitment to patient safety, quality care, and service excellence.
•    Teamwork, accountability, and respect for patients and peers.