This night-shift post on the cardiac ward pairs patient care with mentoring new nurses. The Charge Nurse promotes good health, prevents illness, and educates patients and the public on medical conditions, while also providing advice and emotional support to patients' families. The role involves using considerable judgment in providing a wide variety of services and focuses on the overall care of patients by administering medications under doctor supervision and maintaining records of symptoms and progress.
Responsibilities
Educate patients and the public about various medical conditions
Treat patients and assist in their rehabilitation
Provide advice and emotional support to patients' families
Administer medications under the supervision of doctors
Keep records of symptoms and progress
Supervise Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), other Registered Nurses (RNs), and Patient Care Techs (PCTs)
Make room and nurse assignments for patients
Ensure all patients have received a daily RN assessment
Provide direct patient care as needed
Assign lunches and breaks as needed for staff
Ensure smooth and efficient patient flow within the unit
Anticipate and address physician needs and concerns
Communicate problems involving personnel, medical staff, patients, families, and the general public to appropriate management personnel
Make assignments according to the needs of the patient and the capabilities and needs of staff
Display a positive attitude that contributes to the overall customer service program in place at the hospital
Assess and diagnose patient and family needs to provide quality care to assigned patients
Perform admission assessment in accordance with specific unit standards
Identify and document patient/family/significant other teaching needs on admission
Identify discharge planning needs of patient/family/significant other on admission
Verify patient identity, allergies, and NPO status
Check current history and physical, laboratory results, execution of pre-procedure orders, and results of ordered diagnostics, if applicable
Develop, discuss, and communicate a realistic problem list (plan of care) in collaboration with each patient/family/significant other
Include nursing diagnosis statement for each identified problem in the plan of care
Develop patient/family/significant other teaching and discharge plan as per unit standard
Assemble necessary supplies/equipment prior to start of case
Check for availability and proper condition of necessary supplies and equipment
Demonstrate the skills and judgment necessary to implement medical plan of care, nursing interventions, and procedures
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Demonstrate knowledge of hospital policies and procedures for administering, transcribing, and recording medications
Demonstrate knowledge of commonly used medications: action, dose, and side effects
Observe five RN's for administering medications: right patient, right drug, right dose, right method, right time
Demonstrate proper procedures in all methods of medication administration
Administer blood and blood products following hospital policy and procedures
Initiate and maintain IV access according to hospital policy and procedures
Assess and document IV site per unit standard
Identify priorities and execute nursing care appropriately
Provide emotional support and comfort measures
Correctly collect and accurately label specimens
Evaluate and reassess identified problems, care provided, and patient's responses
Reassess plan of care per unit standard
Assess the patient/significant other's response to teaching plan to evaluate its effectiveness
Modify the plan of care based on reassessment to meet identified needs
Document outcomes of patient care
Maintain up to date and accurate documentation of nursing care provided
Ensure nursing assessment is complete and accurate per unit standard
Ensure day surgery record/form accurately reflects nursing interventions and medical plan of care
Ensure discharge plan and documentation accurately reflects patient and/or significant other's ability to manage care after discharge
Make referrals based on identified needs
Ensure interagency communication referral forms are complete and accurate
Document use of narcotics according to hospital policy and procedure
Accurately and promptly document unusual occurrences notes during the patient stay
Maintain current knowledge/certification/licensure and pursue professional growth and development
Practice within legal boundaries of nurse practice act and according to hospital policy and procedures
Attend continuing education programs to maintain licensure
Attend hospital-sponsored training programs as required by department
Perform all responsibilities/duties required by the unit/department as defined in the scope of service
Demonstrate the ability to rapidly assess the patient, differentiating between long and short-term needs
Ensure patients are discharged from the unit/department with consideration given to age and mobility
Ensure discharge instructions are thorough and clear and signatures obtained as per policy
Demonstrate knowledge of conscious sedation agents, techniques, and actions
Prepare patients for their procedure(s) and complete charts in a timely manner
Properly demonstrate ability to recognize cardiac rhythms and to treat arrhythmias appropriately
Attend all required safety training programs and describe responsibilities related to general safety, department/service safety, and specific job-related hazards
Meet clinical competencies for age-specific competencies as evidenced during skill competency check-offs
Follow the hospital exposure control plans/blood borne and airborne pathogens
Demonstrate knowledge of techniques, procedures, and correct use of protective barrier equipment
Attend annual education programs
Wear and/or use appropriate safety equipment
Demonstrate respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees
Interact with all in a considerate, helpful, and courteous manner
Foster mature professional relationships with fellow employees in a courteous, friendly manner
Maintain professional composure and confidence during stressful situations
Maintain open communication using appropriate chain of command regarding issues
Conduct all work activities with respect for rights and wishes of patients, visitors, families, and fellow employees
Maintain confidentiality of all hospital and patient information at all times
Present neat appearance in proper attire and identification as required by hospital policy
Assume all other duties and responsibilities as necessary
Requirements
Excellent customer service skills
Reads and understands the English language
Ability to think critically and analytically with little or no supervision
Ability to work effectively in situations of high stress and conflict and communicate goals and outcomes
Ability to process information and prioritize
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Independent work habits, self-reliant and self-directed
Ability to learn, adapt, and change as required by the job functions
Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality of material and information accessed and reviewed
Basic computer literacy
Ability to move freely, reach, bend, and complete light lifting
Ability to use good body mechanics while performing daily job functions and ability to follow specific OSHA guidelines
Ability to maintain attendance to meet standard job practices
Attends 75% of scheduled unit conferences
Attends 50% of Shared Governance meetings
Proficient in Ultrasound IV insertion and care
RN – Associate Degree
Licensed in good standing with the Georgia Board of Nursing and EKG Course
BLS certification
ACLS certification
PALS certification
Heavy: Exert 50 – 100 lb. of force occasionally and/or up to 30 lb. of force frequently - >75%
Nice to have:
BSN
1 - 2 years’ experience
Important Details
Schedule: Full-time charge nurses will be required to work a 48/36 hour a week rotation unless in times of low census or PTO is used