Registered Nurse - Charge (Nights)

Description

The Charge Nurse for Med/Surg is a registered nurse who provides direct patient care while serving as the clinical leader during assigned shifts. The Charge Nurse is responsible for supervising nursing staff, ensuring safe and efficient patient care delivery, coordinating with the interdisciplinary teams, and supporting the Chief Nursing Officer and Assistant Chief Nursing Officer in operational and administrative tasks. Additionally, the Charge Nurse is able to perform general nursing duties in all departments with adequate supervision. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate of an accredited School of Registered Nursing; BSN preferred

• Current RN license from the Texas State Board of Nurses with renewal as required by law

• BLS required

• ACLS required within 60 days of hire/transfer date

• PALS required within 6 months of hire/transfer date

• Two (2) years of acute care experience in a medical-surgical setting is preferred 

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct patient care in accordance with nursing standards, hospital policies, and procedures.

• Oversee daily unit operations during assigned shift, including staffing, patient assignments, and workflow.

• Serve as a resource and mentor to nursing staff, addressing clinical questions and guiding evidence-based practice.

• Monitor patient care delivery to ensure safety, timeliness, and quality of services.

• Communicate effectively with physicians, patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members to coordinate care.

• Handle patient admissions, transfers, and discharges efficiently.

• Respond to and manage emergencies and escalate issues appropriately.

• Participate in performance improvement initiatives and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

• Assist with orientation, training, and ongoing development of nursing staff.

• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure charting standards are upheld.

• Collaborate with Nursing Director to evaluate staffing needs and schedule adjustments.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Demonstrates competency in the following areas:

• Ability to perform a head-to-toe assessment and reassessments on all patients as per policy.  This includes pediatric, geriatric and the general population.

• Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain.  Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques.  Educates the patient and family regarding pain management.

• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.

• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.

• Knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and their clinical condition.

• Follows the seven (7) medication rights and reduces the potential for medication errors.

• Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and hospital policy is followed.

• Ability to perform waived testing (point of care testing) per Clinical Laboratory’s and the patient care unit’s policies and procedures.

• Ability to interpret the results of waived tests; takes appropriate action on waived test results.

• Ability to revise plan of care as indicated by the patient’s response to treatment and evaluate the overall plan daily for effectiveness.

• Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning.  Family is included in teaching as appropriate.

• Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, staff, Nurse Executive and administrative team.

• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity.  Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and family.  Functions as liaison between administration, patients, physicians and other healthcare providers.

• Maintain operational aspects of the patient care units in collaboration with other service areas.

REQUIREMENTS 

• Support CMH’s mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy

• Adhere to the CMH Compliance Program

• Assures/maintains compliance with all accreditations, statutory and regulatory standards at the local, state, and federal levels      

• Comply with all organizational policies 

• Demonstrate outstanding customer service/advocacy, professionalism and integrity

• May require rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Current knowledge and skills in performing job responsibilities specific to the age and type of patient population served

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

• Strong reasoning/critical thinking skills

• Strong clinical judgment and problem-solving skills

• Ability to lead and support multidisciplinary team

• Excellent time management, collaboration, and prioritization

• Proficiency with computer skills including Microsoft Office applications 

• Proficient in EMR systems and basic computer applications

• Willingness to adapt to change and support new technologies as well as policies and procedures in a positive manner

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• High-stress environment

• Exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, radiation, and repetitive motions

• Pushing and pulling heavy objects

• Full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients

• Position requires heavy lifting and carrying up to and over 100 lbs. 

• Position requires reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, talking and/or hearing, and seeing

• Mental demands include alertness, analytic ability, memory, concentration, judgment, initiative, precision, creativity and communication.