Assistant Head Nurse

Responsibilities

• Performs Charge Nurse responsibilities for an assigned shift.
• Maintains open channel of communication between all shifts to share pertinent information regarding patient’s continuity and quality of patient care.
• Directs staff in manner that provides optimum care to the patients.
• Assists in the coordination of unit-based Q.A. & I activities.
• Collects data and provides analysis and evaluation to the Nurse Manager and shares performance improvement results with staff.
• Assigns appropriate professional and ancillary nursing staff based on Nursing Policy & Procedure (see Nursing Administrative Manual).
• Ensures the maintenance of all unit operations including: Routine shift check of crash cart, 02, suction machine, defibrillator, medication cabinet and refrigerator (expired coeds and temperature), pantry refrigerator and narcotic count.
• Serves as a member of the interdisciplinary team to review / implement discharge planning needs of all patients/families.
• Participates in unit orientation of new staff members.
• Administers direct nursing care to an assigned patient load.
• Maintains a clean and safe patient care environment.
• Collaborates with members of the health care team, assesses and evaluates the patients' response to treatment and readiness for discharge.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing.
• Attends a minimum of 2 continuing education seminars/year.
• Experience: Minimum 2-3 years experience in clinical specialty.
• Licenses, Certifications: Current NY State RN License required. Basic Life Support (BLS) required. Additional certifications may be required based on specialty.