Charge 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 standards outlined in the facility procedure manual, as well as regulations set forth by the company, state, and federal agencies.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

General and Staff Related

• Provide day to day guidance, support and direction to direct patient care staff, providing informal feedback on an ongoing basis and formal feedback input for the annual performance evaluation.
• Participate in the department staffing and the appropriate hiring, firing and disciplinary actions. Recommend disciplinary action to Clinical Manager and initiate as appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with all company and facility approved procedures and policies as well as regulations set forth by state and federal agencies in clinics with more than 100 patients.
• Approve or disapprove time or personnel schedule changes in the absence of the Clinical Manager ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, policies and procedures for documenting time of work hours for staff members on assigned shift.
• Participate in patient care plan meetings.
• Maintain knowledge in the current practices related to the principles and techniques of dialysis by participating in all scheduled in-services.
• Train and orient staff as necessary.
• Routinely observe and guide direct patient care staff for appropriate technique and adherence to facility policies and procedures.
• Promote and assist with compliance to OSHA programs in order to maintain a safe and clean working environment.
• Maintain overall shift operation in a safe, efficient, and effective manner.
• With Clinical Manager conduct staff meetings at least monthly or as needed to keep patient care staff informed of changes in patient care needs or operations to improve delivery of care.
• Meet routinely with the Clinical Manager to discuss personnel and patient care status, issues, and information.
• Supervise all documentation of patient information.
• Coordinate Charge Nurse duties with Staff RNs acting in the relief charge capacity.

Patient Care

• Assess daily patient care needs and develop and distribute patient care assignments appropriately.
• 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 with regards to problems and potential complications associated with dialysis.
• Administer medications to patients per physician's orders.
• Act as the subject matter expert and as a 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 the 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 as outlined in the Technical Services Manual.
• 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 the interviewing of potential direct patient care staff as requested.
• Promote efficient use of medical supplies.
• Attend and participate in monthly Quality Assurance meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision

Direct Patient Care Staff, Ward Clerk as assigned.

Education

Graduate of an accredited school of Nursing (R.N.). Current appropriate state licensure.

Experience and Required Skills

• Minimum of 9 months of nursing experience and an additional 3 months of clinical experience in dialysis.
• RN charge nurses assuming responsibility for nursing and patient services in the absence of the Clinical Manager must have one-year clinical experience and six months dialysis experience.
• Supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Successfully complete a training course in the theory and practice of hemodialysis.
• Good communication skills - verbal and written.
• Must meet appropriate state requirements (if any).