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

• Provide day-to-day guidance, support, and direction to direct patient care staff, including informal and formal feedback for performance evaluations.
• Participate in department staffing, hiring, firing, and disciplinary actions; recommend and initiate disciplinary actions as appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with company and facility procedures, as well as state and federal regulations for clinics with over 100 patients.
• Approve or disapprove time or personnel schedule changes in the absence of the Clinical Manager, ensuring compliance with documentation policies.
• Participate in patient care plan meetings and maintain knowledge of current dialysis practices through scheduled in-services.
• Train and orient staff as necessary; routinely 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 or as needed to communicate changes in patient care or operations.
• Meet routinely with the Clinical Manager to discuss personnel and patient care status or issues.
• Supervise all documentation of patient information and coordinate charge nurse duties with relief staff.
• Assess daily patient care needs and develop or distribute patient care assignments appropriately.
• Assume primary responsibility in emergency situations.
• Assess patient needs, respond to dialysis treatments, and communicate concerns to physicians; implement care plan changes as directed.
• Monitor and supervise all patient care activity during dialysis and assist as necessary.
• 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/resource 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.
• Supervise the safe and effective use of all equipment involved in direct patient care.
• Operate dialysis and emergency equipment safely and efficiently when needed.
• 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.
• Assist with special projects, interviewing potential staff, and promoting 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 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.
• 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).

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 require travel to regional, business unit, and corporate meetings.
• 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.
• Employees are required to take the Ishihara’s Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; reasonable accommodations will be considered if needed.