CHARGE NURSE Step Down Unit

About the Role

Laredo Medical Center is currently hiring a Charge Nurse for the Step Down Unit. This role oversees the operations of a nursing unit during assigned shifts, ensuring effective and efficient delivery of high-quality patient care. The position supervises nursing staff, coordinates care with healthcare teams, and maintains compliance with healthcare regulations and hospital policies while fostering a positive work environment and promoting professional development.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and supports nursing and support staff, delegating tasks and responsibilities to appropriate personnel
• Evaluates staff performance, providing feedback and coaching to maintain high standards of care
• Oversees the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care, ensuring patient care plans are followed and adjusted as needed
• Collaborates with healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care and resolve issues related to patient flow or care delivery
• Ensures effective communication among physicians, patients, families, and hospital departments, including managing shift handoffs and unit huddles
• Monitors patient flow, manages bed assignments, and optimizes resource utilization within the unit
• Conducts employee and patient rounding to evaluate care delivery and satisfaction
• Monitors adherence to safety standards, infection control protocols, and hospital policies, addressing non-compliance promptly
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives and audits to enhance patient outcomes and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations
• Ensures necessary medical supplies are available and properly utilized while maintaining cost-effective resource management
• Facilitates ongoing education and professional development for nursing staff and ensures training needs are met
• Leads efforts in infection prevention by conducting audits, educating staff, and ensuring adherence to protocols for hand hygiene, sterilization, and use of PPE
• Responds to emergencies within the unit, providing leadership and direct care as necessary
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance
• Complies with all policies and standards

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of clinical nursing experience required

Skills

• Strong clinical knowledge and ability to oversee complex patient care
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to coordinate with interdisciplinary teams
• Leadership and mentoring skills to manage staff and promote a positive work environment
• Ability to assess, prioritize, and manage multiple patients and tasks
• Proficiency in using hospital information systems and clinical documentation tools
• Knowledge of infection control protocols, safety standards, and quality improvement practices
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills for addressing unit challenges and emergencies

Licenses and Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required
• BLS - Basic Life Support required
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Competitive Pay
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Life Insurance & Disability Coverage
• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• Holidays
• Personal Day
• Family Medical Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Loan Forgiveness
• Internal Promotion Opportunities

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer.