Charge Nurse (2020)

US Heart & Vascular•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

US Heart and Vascular is seeking a Charge Nurse to join our team at Houston Cardiovascular Associates in Houston, TX. Position Summary The Charge Nurse oversees daily clinical operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high‑quality patient care throughout the perioperative continuum. This role provides leadership, coordination, and hands‑on clinical support to nursing staff while serving as the central point of communication for physicians, anesthesia providers, vendors, administration, and patient families. The Charge Nurse promotes patient safety, regulatory compliance, and smooth patient flow, acting as both a clinical expert and operational leader.

Requirements

Strong clinical expertise in perioperative or procedural care settings.
Ability to lead, mentor, and support nursing staff in a fast‑paced clinical environment.
Skills in communication with multidisciplinary teams and patient families.
Ability to think critically and problem‑solve, especially under pressure.
Proficiency in patient flow coordination and operational efficiency.
Knowledge of regulatory and accreditation standards applicable to ambulatory surgery centers.
Ability to troubleshoot medical equipment and support clinical emergencies.
High level of professionalism, fairness, and sound decision‑making.
Knowledge of patient care principles and practices.
Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with patients and collaborate effectively with healthcare team members.
Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHR) and other relevant medical software.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Commitment to providing compassionate and patient-centered care.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, statutes, regulations, codes, and standards related to the area of responsibility.
Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and theories relevant to the assigned functional area.
Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing in English, to various audiences.
Ability to manage time, organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, and follow up on work assignments with minimal supervision.
Ability to work independently, and as a team, to complete daily activities according to the work schedule.
Working knowledge of Office 365 programs such as Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, etc.
Working knowledge of EMR systems.
Supports the Mission, Vision and Values of USHV and the practices.
An associate's degree in nursing.
Current Registered Nurse (RN) license valid in the State of Practice.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
Two (2) years of clinical nursing experience in perioperative, critical care, Cath Lab, or related specialty.
Demonstrated leadership or charge experience.
If the individual in the role will drive for work purposes, a current valid state driver’s license and required minimum auto insurance coverage.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Previous experience in an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) environment.
Additional leadership, preceptor, or supervisory experience.
Experience with Cath Lab operations.
Familiarity with ASC accreditation processes and compliance standards.

Responsibilities

Manages patient flow and coordination.
Manages efficient patient movement through Pre‑Op → Cath Lab → PACU → Discharge.
Monitors room turnover times, address delays, and document for KPI reporting.
Anticipates scheduling conflicts or bottlenecks and proactively resolves issues in collaboration with staff and physicians.
Balances schedule efficiency with safety, including on‑time starts and minimizing staff overtime.
Serves as clinical leader and resource for staff throughout the shift.
Creates and posts staffing and room assignments in advance.
Ensures appropriate patient handoffs across perioperative care areas.
Addresses staff concerns, conflicts, and performance issues promptly and fairly.
Acts as the central point of communication for physicians, anesthesia providers, vendors, administration, and patient families.
Provides timely communication to staff regarding updates via group text or other channels.
Coordinates with vendors regarding case start times and requirements.
Communicates schedule changes to all relevant parties.
Keeps leadership informed of staffing issues, delays, incidents, and resource needs.
Provide hands‑on clinical support by taking on Pre‑Op, Circulating RN, or PACU roles when needed.
Provides break and lunch coverage for staff.
Assists with troubleshooting equipment or connecting staff with appropriate resources.
Participates in clinical management during patient complications (e.g., airway issues, hypotension, codes).
Coordinates higher‑level care transfers, including calling EMS, giving reports, and preparing documentation.
Ensures staff follow policies, standards, and accreditation requirements.
Verifies accuracy of consents and time‑outs; coaches staff as needed.
Ensures emergency equipment (crash carts, airway equipment, pacemakers) is current and operational.
Identifies and reports safety concerns, incidents, and near misses; participates in required reporting.
Completes audits, chart reviews, and compliance checks.
Collaborates with leadership to maintain knowledge of ASC accreditation requirements.
Performs other duties as assigned.