Charge Registered Nurse - RN

Fresenius Medical Care•Charlotte, NC

12d

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 and coordinates with physicians and other healthcare team members to interpret, adjust, and complete patient care plans. The nurse ensures safe and effective care in accordance with facility procedures, company policies, and state and federal regulations, while supporting Fresenius Medical Care’s mission, vision, core values, customer service philosophy, and compliance program. The position oversees staff and shift operations, including guidance, training, performance feedback, staffing participation, scheduling approvals when the Clinical Manager is absent, and supervision of patient documentation. It assesses patient needs, coordinates assignments, monitors treatments and potential complications, administers medications as ordered, supports emergencies, and ensures patients and families receive education. The nurse also oversees dialysis and emergency equipment, completes required testing and checklists, and participates in quality assurance and other assigned projects. The role includes desk and computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. Travel between assigned facilities and community locations is required; travel to regional, Business Unit, or Corporate meetings may also be required. The work environment is that of a healthcare facility, with controlled air temperature and moderate noise, and possible exposure to infectious or contagious diseases and materials. The position supervises direct patient care staff and a Ward Clerk as assigned.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of Nursing (R.N.).
Current appropriate state licensure and any applicable state requirements.
At least 9 months of nursing experience and an additional 3 months of clinical dialysis experience.
Charge nurses assuming responsibility for nursing and patient services in the Clinical Manager’s absence must have 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.
Employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations will 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 for annual performance evaluations.
Participate in department staffing and appropriate hiring, firing, and disciplinary actions; recommend or initiate disciplinary action as appropriate.
Ensure compliance with company and facility procedures and policies and applicable state and federal regulations.
Approve or disapprove time or personnel schedule changes in the Clinical Manager’s absence, ensuring appropriate documentation of staff work hours.
Participate in patient care plan meetings and routinely meet with the Clinical Manager regarding personnel and patient-care matters.
Maintain current dialysis practice knowledge by attending scheduled in-services; train and orient staff as needed.
Observe and guide staff on appropriate techniques and adherence to facility policies and procedures.
Promote compliance with OSHA programs and maintain a safe, clean, efficient, and effective shift operation.
Conduct staff meetings with the Clinical Manager at least monthly or as needed to communicate changes and improve care delivery.
Supervise documentation of patient information and coordinate Charge Nurse duties with relief-charge Staff RNs.
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 and assist as necessary; collaborate with the care team to support patient-care decisions.
Continuously monitor patients for problems and potential dialysis-related complications.
Administer medications according to physician orders.
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 educational 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 involved in direct patient care; operate dialysis-related and emergency equipment as needed.
Perform required testing and verification and initial startup and shutdown checklists as outlined in 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 direct patient care staff as requested.
Promote efficient use of medical supplies.
Attend and participate in monthly Quality Assurance meetings.