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 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 facility procedure manuals and 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

• 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 company and facility policies and state/federal regulations in clinics with more than 100 patients.
• Approve or disapprove time or personnel schedule changes in the absence of the Clinical Manager, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and 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 direct patient care staff for appropriate technique and adherence to facility policies.
• Promote and assist with OSHA compliance to maintain a safe working environment.
• Maintain overall shift operations in a safe, efficient, and effective manner.
• Conduct staff meetings at least monthly or as needed to inform patient care staff of changes and improve care delivery.
• Meet routinely with the Clinical Manager to discuss personnel and patient care status, issues, and information.
• Supervise all documentation of patient information and coordinate Charge Nurse duties with Staff RNs acting in relief charge capacity.
• Assess daily patient care needs and develop/distribute patient care assignments; 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 on decisions benefiting patient care.
• Continuously monitor patients 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 procedure.
• Ensure educational needs of patients are met and educate patients and families about 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-related and emergency equipment safely and efficiently when needed.
• Perform required testing and 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 and Water Quality Facility Training.
• Assist with special projects or other duties as assigned by the Clinical Manager.
• Assist with the interviewing of 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.
• 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

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, including travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings. The work environment is characteristic of a healthcare facility with air temperature control 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. Failing the test does not preclude employment; the Company will consider whether reasonable accommodations can be made.

Supervision

Direct Patient Care Staff, Ward Clerk as assigned.