RN, Inpatient Charge OFN

About the role

The Charge Nurse, under the direct and indirect supervision of the Nursing Unit Coordinator, Assistant Coordinator and/or Hospital Supervisor, facilitates and assists with all levels of nursing care being provided to a group of patients within one nursing unit during the period of one working shift. In addition to these responsibilities, the Charge Nurse frequently assumes all or partial staff nurse responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the interviewing process of applicants for posted positions and makes recommendations to the Coordinator. Support organizational goals and objectives. Provide input into staff evaluations.
• Monitor performance of staff and provide documentation of performance problems to the Coordinator. Provide input into the development and maintenance of staffing patterns for the patient care unit and helps to monitor day-to-day staffing and utilization of nursing resources. Coordinate staff meetings under the direction of the Coordinator.
• Contribute to overall functioning of the Unit by monitoring resources. Identify and communicate to the Coordinator systems problems that interfere with effective client care and convey risk situations to the Coordinator. Assist with materials management, ensuring availability of supplies needed. Provide direction during emergency situations as delegated.
• Participate in the development and implementation of standards of client care, policies and procedures and protocols. Coordinate and participate in the delivery of patient care on a specific unit. Utilizing the nursing process: 1. Assess need and priorities of patient. 2. Assist in the implementation of nursing care. 3. Evaluate effectiveness of nursing care. Participate in the development and ongoing monitoring of quality assurance activities. Provide input into and participate in development and achievement of departmental goals and objectives. Participate in multi-disciplinary patient care conferences and discharge planning activities as appropriate. Identify and assist in problem-solving both intrashift and intershift. Keep Coordinators Hospital Supervisors informed of problems/resolutions.
• Function as an educator for other health care professionals and clients. Assist in development and presentation of in-service programs. Participate in clinical orientation to the nursing unit. Participate in the planning and provision of education/teaching to patients and their families. Serve as a resource to other departments in area of specialty.
• Participate in professional activities for self and others. Support departmental and organizational philosophy, goals, objectives, policies and procedures. Participate in meetings, special projects, and committees as designated. Support and/or participate in research programs approved by the Department of Nursing as designated. Promote interdepartmental and intradepartmental communications. Foster good public relations. Assume responsibility for own continuing education and development.

Requirements

• Three (3) years of Registered Nurse experience, one year in clinical specialty.
• Nine (9) months of recent Med/Surg RN or Mental Health RN experience.
• Graduate of accredited school of nursing.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Registered Nurse License (Oregon).
• Basic Life Support.

Qualifications

• Knowledge about medications used for chemical dependency and psychiatric and emotional disorders.
• Knowledge of motivational interviewing principles and process skills.
• Knowledge of treatment modalities for the treatment of mental health disorder.
• Baccalaureate degree in nursing.
• Two (2) years of recent experience working within a Mental Health setting preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work with Mental Health disorders and care of the patient preferred.