Post Anesthesia Care Unit Charge RN

About the role

Plans, coordinates and directs the daily operations of a specific shift on a clinical unit. Supervises staff and facilitates communication with physicians and internal administrators to provide optimal patient and family-centered care. Recognized as a change agent and routinely leads efforts to strengthen organizational systems that support the mission, vision, and values of the department.

Responsibilities

• Mentors other Registered Nurses to the role and functions of Charge Nurse.
• Leads and coordinates team behavior between staff members and actively fosters the development of leadership skills in others.
• Provides direction and guidance to less experienced staff concerning policies, scheduling, assignments, organizational skills and daily operations.
• Completes performance reviews with Nurse Manager input as appropriate.
• Incorporates Synergy model for care in nurse/patient assignments.
• Evaluates the use of resources and cost containment activities.
• Captures managerial problems and initiates tests of change.
• Participates in preparation of regulatory agency reviews.
• Affords assistance in administrative activities such as budget planning, identifying means of cost containment, coordinating unit staffing schedules, and ensuring communication regarding areas of concern to the Nurse Manager.
• Evaluates the impact of policies on daily operations.
• Supports administrative decisions and facilitates daily operational issues with the staff.
• Ensures compliance with educational requirements through scheduling, planning, and support.
• Exhibits desire to hear and understand another's point of view.
• Demonstrates and role models effective communication skills.
• Takes a leadership role in building and maintaining an environment which fosters open and candid communication.
• Serves as an arbitrator in resolution of conflicts between nursing staff.
• Takes appropriate action to correct unacceptable communication/behavior as needed.
• Takes appropriate action to counsel employees (i.e., verbal warnings for attendance & performance issues).
• Aware of and supports units and colleagues needs through supportive and non-judgmental behaviors.
• Actively empowers and advocates for nurses.
• Takes appropriate action to address customer concerns and complaints (i.e., appropriate follow-up with Nurse Manager and risk management).
• Addresses escalated patient issues and refers issues to Nurse Manager or Patient Advocate when unable to resolve.
• Maintains monitoring of issues and their resolution.
• Challenges and shapes systems on the unit and hospital wide to achieve best possible outcomes.
• Implements innovative approaches to meet the needs of patients and families.
• Identifies, recognizes and responds to the needs of unit staff to ensure that staff has the resources and tools available to meet patient and family needs.
• Develops management/leadership focused in-services (e.g., time management, team building, conflict resolution, budget, leadership activities).
• Demonstrates current evidence-based practice and disseminates information.
• Questions management practice as it relates to research.

Qualifications

• Minimum Required:
  • Education - Graduate of an accredited prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Experience - 1 year of recent post-graduation nursing experience.
  • Licensure - A valid, unencumbered Registered Nursing License approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Education - MSN or DNP

Physical Requirements

(Medium-Heavy) 36-75 lbs., 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 20-35 lbs., 34-66% of the workday; (frequently); 10-20 lbs., 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 75 lbs. max; Carrying of objects up to 35 lbs.; Occasional to frequent standing & walking; Occasional sitting; Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing); Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

Environmental Factors

Factors affecting environmental conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure; Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors; Communicable diseases; Electrical shock; Floor Surfaces; Hot/Cold Temperatures; Indoor/Outdoor conditions; Latex; Lighting; Patient care/handling injuries; Radiation; Shift work; Travel may be required; Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators; environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.