Charge Registered Nurse - RN

Purpose and Scope

Functions as the hemodialysis team leader in the provision of chronic hemodialysis care and treatment. Provides day to day direction and supervision to assigned direct patient care staff. Communicates with the physician and other members of the healthcare team to interpret, adjust, and complete patient care plans. Provides safe, effective delivery of patient care in compliance with facility procedure manual and state and federal regulations.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide day to day guidance, support and direction to direct patient care staff, including informal feedback and formal feedback input for annual performance evaluations
• Participate in department staffing and appropriate hiring, firing and disciplinary actions; recommend disciplinary action to Clinical Manager
• Ensure compliance with company and facility procedures and policies as well as state and federal regulations
• Approve or disapprove time or personnel schedule changes in the absence of the Clinical Manager
• Participate in patient care plan meetings
• Maintain knowledge of current dialysis principles and techniques by participating in scheduled in-services
• Train and orient staff as necessary
• Observe and guide direct patient care staff for appropriate technique and adherence to facility policies
• Promote and assist with compliance to OSHA programs
• Maintain overall shift operation in a safe, efficient, and effective manner
• Conduct staff meetings with the Clinical Manager at least monthly
• Supervise all documentation of patient information
• Coordinate Charge Nurse duties with Staff RNs acting in relief charge capacity

Patient Care

• Assess daily patient care needs and develop and distribute patient care assignments
• Assume primary responsibility in an emergency situation
• Assess patient needs, respond to dialysis treatments, and communicate concerns to rounding physician
• Implement changes in patient care/treatment as directed
• Monitor and supervise all patient care activity during dialysis and assist as necessary
• Collaborate with direct patient care team in making decisions to benefit patient care
• Continuously monitor patient's condition for problems and potential complications associated with dialysis
• Administer medications to patients per physician's orders
• Act as subject matter expert and resource for staff members
• Supervise and participate in completion of short- and long-term care plans
• Admit new patients according to facility procedure
• Ensure educational needs of patients are met and educate patient and family about End Stage Renal Disease, dialysis therapy, diet and medication

Technical

• Supervise the safe and effective use of all equipment involved in direct patient care
• Operate all dialysis related and emergency equipment safely and efficiently when needed
• Perform required testing and verification and initial the checklist for start-up and shut-down procedures
• Complete Nurse's Technical Training Program/Water Quality Facility Training

Other

• Assist with special projects or other duties as assigned by the Clinical Manager
• Assist with interviewing potential direct patient care staff as requested
• Promote efficient use of medical supplies
• Attend and participate in monthly Quality Assurance meetings

Supervision

Direct Patient Care Staff, Ward Clerk as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Day to day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff and physicians. The position requires travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community. Travel to regional, Business Unit and Corporate meetings may be required. The work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials. Employees are required to take the Ishihara's Color Blindness test as a condition of employment.