Charge Registered Nurse - RN

About the Role

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 physicians and other healthcare team members to interpret, adjust, and complete patient care plans. Ensures safe, effective delivery of patient care in compliance with facility procedure manuals and regulations set by company, state, and federal agencies. Supports the organization's mission, vision, core values, and customer service philosophy. Adheres to the compliance program, including all regulatory and policy requirements.

Responsibilities

• General and Staff Related:
  • Provide day-to-day guidance, support, and direction to direct patient care staff, including informal feedback and formal input for annual performance evaluations.
  • Participate in department staffing, hiring, firing, and disciplinary actions; recommend and initiate disciplinary actions as appropriate.
  • Ensure compliance with company, facility, and regulatory policies, especially in clinics with over 100 patients.
  • Approve or disapprove time or personnel schedule changes in the absence of the Clinical Manager, ensuring compliance with regulations and policies.
  • Participate in patient care plan meetings and maintain knowledge of current dialysis practices through in-services.
  • Train and orient staff as necessary; observe and guide staff for proper technique and policy adherence.
  • Promote and assist with OSHA compliance to maintain a safe and clean working environment.
  • Maintain overall shift operation in a safe, efficient, and effective manner.
  • Conduct monthly staff meetings with the Clinical Manager to discuss personnel, patient care status, and operational changes.
  • Supervise all documentation of patient information and coordinate charge nurse duties with relief staff.
• Patient Care:
  • Assess daily patient care needs and develop appropriate patient care assignments.
  • Assume primary responsibility in emergency situations.
  • Assess patient needs, respond to dialysis treatments, and communicate concerns to physicians.
  • Implement changes in patient care or treatment as directed and monitor patient care during dialysis.
  • Collaborate with the care team to make decisions benefiting patient care.
  • Continuously monitor patient conditions for complications associated with dialysis.
  • Administer medications per physician orders and act as a subject matter expert for staff.
  • Supervise and participate in completing short- and long-term care plans.
  • Admit new patients according to facility procedures.
  • Ensure educational needs of patients are met, including education on 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 dialysis-related and emergency equipment safely and efficiently.
  • Perform required testing, verification, and initial checklists for start-up and shut-down procedures.
  • Complete Nurse's Technical Training Program and 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.
  • Promote efficient use of medical supplies.
  • Attend and participate in monthly Quality Assurance meetings.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited school of Nursing (R.N.).
• Current appropriate state licensure.
• Minimum of 9 months of nursing experience and an additional 3 months of clinical experience in dialysis.
• RN charge nurses assuming responsibility in the absence of the Clinical Manager must have one year of clinical experience and six months of dialysis experience.
• Supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Successfully complete a training course in the theory and practice of hemodialysis.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Must meet any applicable state requirements.

Working Conditions

• Day-to-day work includes desk and personal computer tasks, interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians.
• Requires travel between assigned facilities and various community locations; may include travel to regional, business unit, and corporate meetings.
• Work environment is characteristic of a healthcare facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise levels.
• Potential exposure to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.
• Employees must take the Ishihara's Color Blindness test; failure does not preclude employment but may require reasonable accommodations.

Supervision

Directly supervises direct patient care staff and ward clerks as assigned.