Charge Registered Nurse - RN

Purpose and Scope

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. Provides 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. Supports FMCNA's mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy. Adheres to the FMCNA Compliance Program, including following all regulatory and FMS policy requirements.

Responsibilities

• General and Staff Related:
  • Provide day‑to‑day guidance, support and direction to direct patient care staff, offering informal feedback continuously and formal feedback for annual performance evaluations.
  • Participate in department staffing and appropriate hiring, firing, and disciplinary actions; recommend disciplinary action to the Clinical Manager and initiate as appropriate.
  • Ensure compliance with all company and facility approved procedures, policies, and state/federal regulations in clinics with more than 100 patients.
  • Approve or disapprove time or personnel schedule changes in the Clinical Manager’s absence, ensuring compliance with documentation requirements.
  • Participate in patient care plan meetings.
  • Maintain knowledge of current dialysis practices by attending scheduled in‑services.
  • Train and orient staff as necessary.
  • Routinely observe and guide direct patient care staff for appropriate technique and adherence to facility policies and procedures.
  • 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.
  • Co‑conduct staff meetings at least monthly (or as needed) with the Clinical Manager to inform patient care staff of changes and improvements.
  • Meet routinely with the Clinical Manager to discuss personnel and patient‑care status, issues, and information.
  • Supervise all documentation of patient information.
  • Coordinate Charge Nurse duties with Staff RNs acting in the relief charge capacity.
• Patient Care:
  • Assess daily patient care needs and develop/distribute patient care assignments appropriately.
  • Assume primary responsibility in emergency situations.
  • Assess patient needs, respond to dialysis treatments, and communicate concerns to the rounding physician.
  • Implement changes in patient care/treatment as directed.
  • Monitor and supervise all patient care activity during dialysis and assist as necessary.
  • Collaborate with the direct patient care team in decision‑making to benefit patient care.
  • Continuously monitor patients for problems and potential complications associated with dialysis.
  • Administer medications per physician orders.
  • Act as subject‑matter expert and resource for staff members.
  • Supervise and participate in completion of short‑ and long‑term care plans.
  • Admit new patients according to facility procedure.
  • Ensure educational needs of patients are met; educate patients and families about 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 all dialysis‑related and emergency equipment safely and efficiently when needed.
  • Perform required testing, verification, and initial the checklist for start‑up and shut‑down procedures as outlined in the Technical Services Manual.
  • Complete Nurse’s Technical Training Program/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 as requested.
  • Promote efficient use of medical supplies.
  • Attend and participate in monthly Quality Assurance meetings.
  • Other duties as assigned.
• Relationships:
  • Internal Contacts: Direct Patient Care Staff, Facility support staff, management teams (Clinical Manager, Area Manager, RVP).
  • External Contacts: Physicians, Back‑up Hospitals.
  • Additional responsibilities may include focus on one or more departments or locations as specified in applicable addenda.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those encountered while performing essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations will be considered. Day‑to‑day work includes desk and computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. The position requires travel between assigned facilities and various community locations, as well as travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings. The work environment is typical of a health‑care facility with temperature control and moderate noise levels, with potential exposure to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.

Supervision

Direct supervision of Direct Patient Care Staff and Ward Clerk as assigned.

Education

Graduate of an accredited school of Nursing (R.N.) with current appropriate state licensure.

Experience and Required Skills

• Minimum of 9 months nursing experience plus an additional 3 months clinical experience in dialysis.
• RN charge nurses must have one‑year clinical experience and six months dialysis experience.
• Supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Successful completion of a training course in the theory and practice of hemodialysis.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Must meet appropriate state requirements, if any.
• Fresenius Medical Care maintains a drug‑free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.