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 company'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 disciplinary action to the Clinical Manager and initiate as appropriate.
  • Ensure compliance with all company and facility-approved procedures and policies, 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 regulations and policies for documenting work hours.
  • Participate in patient care plan meetings and maintain knowledge of current practices related to dialysis principles and techniques through scheduled in-services.
  • Train and orient staff as necessary; routinely observe and guide direct patient care staff for proper technique and adherence to policies.
  • Promote and assist with OSHA program compliance to maintain a safe and clean working environment.
  • Maintain overall shift operation in a safe, efficient, and effective manner.
  • Conduct staff meetings at least monthly, or as needed, with the Clinical Manager to discuss personnel and patient care status.
  • Supervise all documentation of patient information and coordinate charge nurse duties with staff RNs in relief capacity.
• Patient Care:
  • Assess daily patient care needs and develop and 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 and monitor all patient care activity during dialysis, assisting as necessary.
  • Collaborate with the direct patient care team in decision-making to benefit patient care.
  • Continuously monitor patient conditions for problems and potential complications associated with dialysis.
  • Administer medications to patients per physician’s orders.
  • Act as a subject matter expert and resource for staff members.
  • Supervise and participate in the completion of short- and long-term care plans.
  • Admit new patients according to facility procedures.
  • Ensure educational needs of patients are met, including educating 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 and verification, and initial checklists for start-up and shut-down procedures as outlined in the Technical Services Manual.
  • Complete the 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 as requested.
  • 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 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, both verbal and written.
• Must meet appropriate state requirements (if any).

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Day-to-day work includes desk and personal computer tasks, 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 characteristic of a healthcare facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise levels. Exposure to infectious and contagious diseases/materials may occur.

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

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