Charge Nurse RN

PACS

About The Position

The Charge Nurse RN supervises the facility’s day-to-day nursing activities during the assigned tour of duty in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations. The role helps ensure the highest quality of resident care and assists with the overall supervision and management of nursing staff. The RN is delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability needed to carry out assigned duties. The position supports nursing department administration, staffing, resident care planning and assessment, staff development, safety and infection control, equipment and supply management, and quality assurance. The Charge Nurse coordinates nursing services with other departments, communicates with residents and families, physicians, staff, and government agencies, and provides direct nursing care as needed. The role works in office and nursing-service areas, including resident rooms, and may involve interruptions, exposure to infectious materials and hazardous chemicals, and work beyond normal hours, weekends, holidays, or emergency call-back when necessary.

Requirements

Nursing degree from an accredited college or university.
Training in rehabilitative and restorative nursing practices.
At least 2 years of experience; long-term care facility experience is preferred.
Current, unencumbered, active RN license in the state.
Current CPR certification.
Maintain required continuing education and licensure, and remain in good standing with the State Board of Nursing.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English; read technical procedures and policy and procedure manuals; and present information and respond to questions effectively.
Ability to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to make independent decisions, solve practical problems, and deal tactfully with personnel, residents, families, visitors, agencies, and the public.
Leadership, supervisory, planning, organizational, and communication abilities, including the ability to develop and implement programs and procedures that support quality care.
Knowledge of nursing and medical practices and procedures, and laws, regulations, and guidelines applicable to nursing care facilities.
Knowledge and skills to provide care appropriate to residents’ age-related needs; patience, tact, enthusiasm, and willingness to work with difficult residents and incorporate new methods into nursing practice.
Ability to relate information about a resident’s condition and work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
Ability to move intermittently throughout the workday and to see and hear adequately, with prosthetics if needed.
Ability to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position and meet facility health requirements, including medical and physical examination.
Ability to push, pull, move, or lift at least 25 pounds to a height of at least 5 feet and carry or move that weight at least 50 feet; may need to assist with resident evacuation during emergencies.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a long-term care facility.
Knowledge and experience with PCC.

Responsibilities

Supervise day-to-day nursing activities during the assigned tour of duty and assist with management of nursing staff.
Assist the Director of Nursing Services with nursing department operations, policies and procedures, quality assurance, surveys, discharge planning, reports, and administrative documentation.
Coordinate nursing services with other resident services and participate in facility committees and care plan meetings.
Ensure adequate licensed nurse and certified nursing assistant staffing during the assigned tour; develop work assignments, delegate duties, monitor attendance, and report staffing or performance issues.
Make rounds to monitor nursing personnel and resident care; support employee evaluations, shift meetings, and recommendations regarding staffing and personnel matters.
Coordinate admissions, transfers, and discharges; welcome residents, help prepare rooms, and communicate admission information to nursing personnel.
Observe residents daily, consult with residents, families, and physicians about care, and notify physicians and next of kin of changes in resident condition.
Provide direct nursing care as needed, including starting IVs, collecting specimens, taking vital signs, monitoring seriously ill residents, and assisting with resident transfers and discharges.
Review nursing notes, medication records, treatment schedules, physician orders, and resident care plans for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to care requirements.
Monitor medication administration, treatments, supplies, and resident safety; authorize restraints when necessary and in accordance with facility procedures.
Participate in staff training and continuing education, including training on safety, infection control, OSHA, TB, HIPAA, and abuse prevention.
Promote safe and sanitary nursing work areas; monitor use of protective equipment, safe handling and operation of equipment, hand hygiene, infection control, and emergency preparedness procedures.
Recommend and monitor nursing department equipment and supply needs, stock levels, maintenance, and safe equipment use.
Participate in resident assessments, care plan development and review, MDS planning, and implementation of care plan recommendations.
Report accidents, incidents, suspected fraud, occupational exposures, information-security concerns, and hazardous conditions as required.
Maintain confidentiality of resident health information and facility access credentials.