Charge Registered Nurse - RN

About the Role

The Inpatient Services Charge Nurse is an additional responsibility assigned to the Inpatient Services RN for a limited period. This role ensures the appropriate provision of acute dialysis services and treatments within assigned hospitals/facilities by coordinating, scheduling, and directing acute patient care staff, as well as performing acute treatments as needed or directed by the Program Manager. The Charge Nurse is responsible for delivering quality patient care efficiently in accordance with company policy and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Act as a subject matter expert and resource for staff members on the assigned inpatient center treatment floor.
• Coordinate and schedule direct patient care staff to provide coverage for acute dialysis treatments in contracted hospitals/facilities, ensuring efficient patient scheduling and staff utilization using the TAP scheduling tool.
• Maintain and review the daily TAP tool for all hospitals/facilities under supervision and submit results to the Program Manager.
• Ensure all acute treatments are performed according to established policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure accurate documentation of patient treatment information in ACES during treatment and monitor ACES compliance daily.
• Perform Quality Assessment and Improvement (QAI) Program audits to ensure quality patient care and compliance with Joint Commission requirements; participate in QAI meetings as requested.
• Assess daily patient care needs, communicate concerns to attending physicians, and implement changes in patient care/treatment in collaboration with prescribing physicians.
• Perform acute treatments according to current Charge Nurse Guidance recommendations and oversee dialysis-related medical and emergency functions.
• Communicate with physicians and healthcare team members to interpret, adjust, triage, and complete patient care plans efficiently and safely.
• Coordinate with technical staff to ensure preventative maintenance, timely repair of machines, infection control measures, water testing, and supply transportation.
• Serve as a liaison between hospital/facility administrative staff and the Program Manager.
• Practice cost containment strategies, including medical supply inventory and personnel management.
• Review and comply with the Code of Business Conduct, company policies, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Assist with various projects as assigned by the Program Manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Current appropriate state licensure.
• Current or successful completion of CPR BLS Certification.
• Must meet the practice requirements in all states employed.
• Minimum of 9 months of nursing experience, plus 3 months of specialized experience providing clinical nursing care to dialysis patients in an acute or chronic setting.
• 6 months of dialysis experience in an acute setting preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies and skills, including continuous quality improvement, relationship development, results orientation, team building, motivating employees, performance management, and decision-making.
• Demonstrated management skills necessary to provide leadership in the supervision of dialysis personnel and ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, and customer service skills.

Physical Demands and 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; travel to meetings may be required.
• Work environment is characteristic of a healthcare facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise levels; may be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.
• Involves direct patient care, including heavy lifting and moving of patients, and assisting with ambulation. Equipment aids or coworkers may provide assistance.
• Requires frequent, prolonged periods of standing and bending over.
• May occasionally move machines and equipment of up to 200 lbs. with assistance and lift chemical and water solutions of up to 30 lbs. as high as 5 feet.
• Employees are required to take the Ishihara's Color Blindness test as a condition of employment. Failing the test does not preclude employment; reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Supervision

Supervises Inpatient Services RNs and Inpatient Services Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) at assigned facilities.