RN Charge Nurse

Essential Duties

• Aid the Director of Nursing Services in directing the day-to-day functions of the nursing activities.
• Develop and maintain written policies and procedures for the nursing service department.
• Maintain current reference material at nurses' stations.
• Recommend written material to assist the nursing service department.
• Maintain the Nursing Service Procedures Manual.
• Maintain compliance with nursing service personnel.
• Make written and oral reports to the Director as necessary.
• Review and update departmental policies, procedures, manuals, and job descriptions.
• Coordinate nursing services with other resident services.
• Maintain compliance with nursing service personnel job descriptions.
• Participate in the quality assurance program for the nursing service department.
• Prepare and implement resident discharge plans.
• Plan and coordinate nursing services with other departments.
• Admit, transfer, and discharge residents as required.
• Complete accident/incident reports as necessary.
• Interpret departmental policies and procedures to personnel, residents, visitors, and government agencies.
• Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies, charting, etc.
• Ensure compliance with privacy and security policies regarding resident information.
• Report unauthorized attempts to access facility information systems.

Committee Functions

• Attend various committee meetings of the facility.
• Prepare and submit written and/or oral reports of nursing service programs and activities to committees.
• Provide information to the Quality Assurance and Assessment Committee.
• Develop the agenda for Care Plan Committee meetings.
• Review and update resident discharge plans.
• Implement recommendations from established committees.

Personnel Functions

• Ensure sufficient nursing and support staff are available.
• Enroll nursing assistants in approved training programs.
• Supervise nursing assistants under direct supervision of licensed nurses.
• Monitor and report on staff attendance and performance.
• Administer disciplinary actions fairly.
• Report occupational exposures and incidents of fraud.
• Ensure proper use of computer workstations.

Nursing Care Functions

• Inform nursing service personnel of new admissions.
• Greet newly admitted residents and escort them to their rooms.
• Consult with residents, families, and physicians about care plans.
• Visit residents daily to assess their physical and emotional status.
• Ensure direct nursing care is provided by licensed nurses, CNAs, or trainees.
• Review nurses' notes for accuracy and compliance.
• Provide direct nursing care as necessary.
• Administer medications and treatments according to orders.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of treatment areas.
• Check on residents unable to call for help.
• Assist in arranging transportation for discharged residents.
• Inform family members of resident deaths and contact funeral homes.

Staff Development

• Develop and conduct in-service training classes.
• Create and maintain annual facility in-service training programs.
• Plan and supervise clinical supervision for nurse aide trainees.
• Attend and participate in continuing education programs.

Safety and Sanitation

• Develop safety standards for the nursing service department.
• Evaluate and classify routine and job-related functions for potential exposure to blood/body fluids.
• Train personnel on appropriate procedures for handling personal protective equipment.
• Monitor personnel for compliance with safety regulations.
• Ensure compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of nursing service work areas.