Charge Registered Nurse - RN

Fresenius Medical Care•Georgetown, SC

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, effective patient care in compliance with facility procedures and company, state, and federal requirements, and supports Fresenius Medical Care’s mission, vision, values, and customer service philosophy. The position oversees shift operations, staff guidance and training, patient assessments and care assignments, dialysis treatment monitoring, medication administration, patient and family education, and safe operation of dialysis and emergency equipment. It may include travel between assigned facilities and community locations, as well as attendance at regional, Business Unit, or Corporate meetings. The work environment is a healthcare facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise, with possible exposure to infectious or contagious diseases and materials. The role 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 compliance with applicable state requirements.
At least 9 months of nursing experience and an additional 3 months of clinical 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 may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory or management experience is 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.
Approve or disapprove staff time or schedule changes in the Clinical Manager’s absence, ensuring work hours are documented according to applicable requirements.
Participate in patient care plan meetings and supervise documentation of patient information.
Maintain current dialysis practice knowledge through scheduled in-services; train and orient staff as needed.
Observe and guide direct patient care staff on appropriate techniques and compliance with facility policies and procedures.
Promote compliance with OSHA programs and maintain a safe, 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.
Coordinate Charge Nurse duties with Staff RNs serving in a relief charge capacity.
Assess daily patient care needs and distribute patient care assignments appropriately.
Assume primary responsibility in emergencies.
Assess patient needs and responses to dialysis treatments, communicate concerns to the rounding physician, and implement directed treatment changes.
Monitor and supervise patient care during dialysis and assist as needed; collaborate with the direct patient care team on 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 completing short- and long-term care plans.
Admit new patients according to facility procedures.
Ensure patients’ 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 when needed.
Perform required testing and verification and initial checklists for start-up and shut-down procedures as specified 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 potential direct patient care staff when requested.
Promote efficient use of medical supplies.
Attend and participate in monthly Quality Assurance meetings.