Charge Registered Nurse - RN

Fresenius Medical Care•Brandon, FL

16h

About The Position

The Charge Registered Nurse functions as the hemodialysis team leader in providing chronic hemodialysis care and treatment. The role provides day-to-day direction and supervision to assigned direct patient care staff, collaborates with physicians and other healthcare team members to interpret and adjust patient care plans, and ensures safe, effective care in compliance with facility procedures, company requirements, and state and federal regulations. The position supports Fresenius Medical Care North America’s mission, vision, core values, and customer service philosophy, and follows its compliance program and policies. The Charge RN coordinates shift operations and patient assignments, supervises and participates in patient care and care planning, responds to emergencies, administers medications as ordered, and helps patients and families understand end-stage renal disease, dialysis therapy, diet, and medications. The role also oversees safe use of dialysis and emergency equipment, required testing and checklists, staff training and orientation, documentation, and quality assurance activities. The position supervises direct patient care staff and a Ward Clerk as assigned. Work includes desk and computer tasks and interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. Travel between assigned facilities and community locations is required; travel to regional, Business Unit, and corporate meetings may also be required. The work environment is characteristic of a healthcare facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise, with possible exposure to infectious and contagious diseases or materials. Employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of Nursing (R.N.).
Current appropriate state licensure and compliance with applicable state requirements.
At least 9 months of nursing experience and an additional 3 months of clinical experience in dialysis.
For charge nurses assuming responsibility for nursing and patient services in the absence of the Clinical Manager: one year of clinical experience and six months of dialysis experience.
Successfully complete a training course in the theory and practice of hemodialysis.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory or management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day guidance, support, and direction to direct patient care staff, including ongoing feedback and input to annual performance evaluations.
Participate in department staffing and appropriate hiring, firing, and disciplinary actions; recommend disciplinary action to the Clinical Manager and initiate it as appropriate.
Ensure compliance with company and facility procedures and policies and applicable state and federal regulations.
In the Clinical Manager’s absence, approve or disapprove time and personnel schedule changes while ensuring compliance with requirements for documenting staff work hours.
Participate in patient care plan meetings and keep current with dialysis practices by attending scheduled in-services.
Train and orient staff as needed; observe and guide staff to promote appropriate techniques and adherence to facility policies and procedures.
Promote and assist with OSHA program compliance to maintain a safe and clean working environment.
Maintain safe, efficient, and effective shift operations; conduct staff meetings with the Clinical Manager at least monthly or as needed and meet routinely with the Clinical Manager about personnel and patient care matters.
Supervise documentation of patient information and coordinate Charge Nurse duties with Staff RNs providing relief charge coverage.
Assess daily patient care needs and distribute patient care assignments appropriately.
Assume primary responsibility in emergencies; assess patient needs and responses to dialysis, communicate concerns to the rounding physician, and implement directed treatment changes.
Monitor and supervise patient care during dialysis, assist as needed, collaborate with the care team, and monitor patients for problems and potential complications.
Administer medications according to physician orders and serve as a subject-matter expert and resource for staff.
Supervise and participate in short- and long-term care planning and admit new patients according to facility procedures.
Ensure patient education needs are met and educate patients and families about end-stage renal disease, dialysis therapy, diet, and medication.
Supervise safe and effective use of equipment for direct patient care; operate dialysis-related and emergency equipment safely and efficiently when needed.
Perform required testing and verification and initial start-up and shut-down checklists according to the Technical Services Manual.
Complete the Nurse’s Technical Training Program and Water Quality Facility Training.
Assist with special projects and other duties assigned by the Clinical Manager; assist with interviewing potential direct patient care staff when requested.
Promote efficient use of medical supplies and attend and participate in monthly Quality Assurance meetings.