Charge Registered Nurse - RN

This role is with our Home Therapies Team. Candidate must have hemodialysis (HT) experience; home hemodialysis (HHD) is preferred and peritoneal dialysis (PD) is required.

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 the physician and other members of the healthcare team to interpret, adjust, and complete patient care plans. Ensures safe, effective delivery of patient care in compliance with standards outlined in the facility procedure manual, as well as regulations set forth by the company, state, and federal agencies.

Responsibilities

• General and Staff Related:
  • Provides day-to-day guidance, support, and direction to direct patient care staff, offering informal feedback on an ongoing basis and formal feedback for annual performance evaluations.
  • Participates in department staffing, including hiring, firing, and disciplinary actions. Recommends disciplinary action to the Clinical Manager and initiates as appropriate.
  • Ensures compliance with all company and facility-approved procedures and policies, as well as regulations set forth by state and federal agencies in clinics with more than 100 patients.
  • Approves or disapproves time or personnel schedule changes in the absence of the Clinical Manager, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures for documenting work hours.
  • Participates in patient care plan meetings.
  • Maintains knowledge of current practices related to the principles and techniques of dialysis by participating in all scheduled in-services.
  • Trains and orients staff as necessary.
  • Routinely observes and guides direct patient care staff for appropriate technique and adherence to facility policies and procedures.
  • Promotes and assists with compliance to OSHA programs to maintain a safe and clean working environment.
  • Maintains overall shift operation in a safe, efficient, and effective manner.
  • Conducts staff meetings with the Clinical Manager at least monthly or as needed to keep patient care staff informed of changes in patient care needs or operations.
  • Meets routinely with the Clinical Manager to discuss personnel and patient care status, issues, and information.
  • Supervises all documentation of patient information.
  • Coordinates Charge Nurse duties with Staff RNs acting in a relief charge capacity.
• Patient Care:
  • Assesses daily patient care needs and develops and distributes patient care assignments appropriately.
  • Assesses patient needs, responds to dialysis treatments, and communicates concerns to the rounding physician. Implements changes in patient care/treatment as directed.
  • Assumes primary responsibility in emergency situations.
  • Monitors and supervises all patient care activity during dialysis and assists as necessary.
  • Collaborates with the direct patient care team in making decisions to benefit patient care.
  • Continuously monitors the patient’s condition with regard to problems and potential complications associated with dialysis.
  • Administers medications to patients per physician’s orders.
  • Acts as the subject matter expert and resource for staff members.
• Technical:
  • Supervises and participates in the completion of short- and long-term care plans.
  • Admits new patients according to facility procedure.
  • Ensures educational needs of patients are met and educates patients and families about End Stage Renal Disease, dialysis therapy, diet, and medication.
  • Supervises the safe and effective use of all equipment involved in direct patient care.
  • Operates all dialysis-related and emergency equipment safely and efficiently when needed.
  • Performs required testing and verification and initials the checklist for start-up and shut-down procedures as outlined in the Technical Services Manual.
  • Completes Nurse’s Technical Training Program/Water Quality Facility Training.
• Other:
  • Assists with special projects or other duties as assigned by the Clinical Manager and participates in the interviewing of potential direct patient care staff as requested.
  • Promotes efficient use of medical supplies.
  • Attends and participates in monthly Quality Assurance meetings.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree; Advanced Degree from an accredited school of Nursing (R.N.) desirable or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 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 for nursing and patient services 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 communication skills – verbal and written.
• Must meet appropriate state requirements (if any).

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Day-to-day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians.
• The position requires travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community. Travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may be required.
• Employees are required to take the Ishihara’s Color Blindness test as a condition of employment. Note that failing the Ishihara Test for Color Blindness does not preclude employment. The Company will consider whether reasonable accommodation can be made.

Supervision

Direct Patient Care Staff and Ward Clerk as assigned.

Pay

Hourly Rate: $23 - $69, depending on the successful candidate’s work location and qualifications, including relevant education, work experience, skills, and competencies.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off.
• Parental leave.