Medical Surgical Unit Charge Nurse

Position Title:  Medical Surgical Unit Charge Nurse                

Status: Full-Time

Position Summary:  Responsible for unit-specific shift operations with the goal of having the shift function at optimum performance.  Responsible for the assignment of patient care to ensure appropriate care based on patient need and staff skill/competence.  Supervises nursing staff and patient care during scheduled shifts.  Assists with staff scheduling.  Maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in CQI activities. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directs actions toward supervision of nursing care given to pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients on a medical surgical unit according to nursing principles.
• Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and hospital policy is followed.
• Continuously supervises staff to ensure quality of nursing care.
• Responsible for directing and coordinating nursing care based on established clinical nursing practices.
• Responsible for reporting changes of any type to Medical Surgical staff and reports changes to departments affected by the changes.
• Demonstrates knowledge of emergency management policies and procedures.
• Maintains records pertinent to staff and operation of the unit.  Prepares reports, i.e., utilization, performance improvement, outcome data.
• Completes other duties as assigned by Nurse Executive and Medical Surgical Unit Nurse Manager, within the Board of Registered Nurses scope of nursing practice.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety.
• Consults other departments as appropriate to provide and collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
• Performs addititioanl duties as assigned by management.

Professional Requirements:

• Completes annual education requirements.
• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
• Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
• Maintains regulatory requirements, including all federal, state, local regulations and accrediting organization standards related to the Medical Surgical Unit and, as appropriate, to the hospital.
• Maintains and ensures patient confidentiality at all times.
• Wears identification while on duty.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Ensures compliance with policies and procedures regarding department operations, fire safety, emergency management and infection prevention and control.
• Effectively and consistently communicates administrative directive to staff and encourages interactive departmental meetings and discussions.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
• Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the facility, as well as the focus statement of the department.

REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduate from an accredited school of nursing, baccalaureate degree or current enrollment in a program.
• Current state Registered Nurse Licensure.
• Three (3) or more years of previous experience in all aspects of medical surgical nursing.
• Current BCLS certification.