Charge Nurse - LPN/LVN, SAU

Kindred Hospital Greensboro is a 101-bed long-term acute care hospital treating chronically, critically ill patients who require an extended stay in a hospital setting with individualized care plans. We offer a 6-bed ICU and seven negative pressure rooms. We are accessible via I-85 expressway, nestled between Clinton Heights and Lincoln Heights Neighborhoods for your convenience.

Job Summary

Under direct supervision of Registered Nurse, provides nursing care within the scope of licensure for assigned patients according to established nursing standards and hospital policies and procedures. The LPN/LVN Charge Nurse manages a designated group of nursing employees on a nursing unit and assures smooth operations of the unit for a designated shift. Could encompass one or more units depending upon size and clinical programs. The scope of work may be modified by State specific rules under the Nurse Practice Act. 
 
Essential Functions 

• Assesses, plans, coordinates and evaluates patients’ care along with members of the interdisciplinary team. 
• Documents the patient’s condition and nursing needs accurately and in a timely manner in the patient’s EHR. 
• Reports pertinent observations and reactions regarding patients promptly to clinical leader and Physician as necessary. 
• Receives and records physicians’ orders. 
• Communicates staffing problems and needs to nursing leadership. Provides input on staffing ratios and deployment. Provides oncoming shift and supervisors with accurate and complete patient status report. 
• Develops work assignments for RNs, LPN/LVNs, and Nurse Aides as directed. 
• Supervises, directs and evaluates staff (i.e. RNs, LPN/LVNs) as directed. 
• Participates in counseling, disciplinary action and termination of staff to the extent permitted by state practice act. 
• Assures compliance with policies and procedures. Reports problems and complaints timely to the nursing leadership. 
• Provides feedback to clinical leadership regarding performance of RNs, LPN/LVNs and Nurse Aides. 
• Provides input in hiring and selection of RNs, LPN/LVNs and Nurse Aides. Gives feedback and participates in performance appraisals as assigned. Supervises nursing assignment, which includes directing assigned nursing staff to the extent permitted by state practice act. 
• Coordinates and performs admission, transfer and discharge for patients. Completes all appropriate assessments relative to the patient’s status. 
• Maintains positive working relationships between nursing and other departments. 
• Assures that inventory and supplies are maintained in a clean and safe manner on the unit, are utilized economically and communicates need for housekeeping, maintenance or nutritional services assistance. Supports and participates in the center’s Performance Improvement initiatives. 
• Adheres to professional codes of ethics, ScionHealth’s Code of Conduct and maintains PHI confidentiality in the center and in external locations, including electronic social networks. 
• Provides direct care and/or assists with care as directed and consistent with their scope of practice and competency. 
• Initiate the SBAR process and collaborate with the staff for assessment and recommendations. 
• Make rounds with physicians and other team members as needed. 
• Assist physicians and consultants with special tests or procedures within the scope of state specific nurse practice act and personal clinical competency. 
• Coordinates patient assessments, recognizes the need to review and revise patients’ assessments as needed based upon patient condition. 
• Coordinates patients’ care activities and communicates changes to other team members and patient family/significant other. 
• Provides appropriate pain management techniques and educates the patient and family regarding pain management. 
• Administers medication following the standards of medication administration within scope of practice. 
• Assists with the rehabilitation and treatment of patients in accordance with the medical plan of care, updates, and revises plan of care under the supervision of Registered Nurse. 
• Assists physicians with examinations, treatments and special procedures and performs services requiring technical and manual skills as directed by the Registered Nurse. 
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families. 
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care. 
• Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patient and family; communicates with social Services/Discharge Planner regarding both in-hospital/unit and post discharge needs. 
• Interprets data about the patient’s status to identify each patient’s age specific needs and provide care needed by the patient group. 
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Skilled in directing and motivating the workforce. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients and their family members, and at all levels of the organization. 
• Ability to react decisively and quickly in emergency situations. 
• Ability to organize and prioritize. 
• Knowledge of training techniques for clinical staff. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality. 
• Approximate percent of time required to travel: 0-10% 
• Must read, write and speak fluent English. 
• Must have good and regular attendance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education

• Graduate of accredited school of nursing. 

Licenses/Certification 

• Valid LPN/LVN license in the state employed. 
• BLS Certification. 
• ALS Certification preferred. 
• IV Certification preferred. 

Experience 

• 2-3 years’ experience in nursing. 
• One year of supervisory is preferred.