Charge Registered Nurse - RN

Fresenius Medical Care•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

Functions as the hemodialysis team leader in providing chronic hemodialysis care and treatment. Provides day-to-day direction and supervision to assigned direct patient care staff, and communicates with physicians and other healthcare team members to interpret, adjust, and complete patient care plans. Delivers safe and effective patient care in accordance with facility procedures, company policies, and state and federal regulations. Supports Fresenius Medical Care’s mission, vision, core values, customer service philosophy, and compliance program. The role oversees shift operations and staff activities, participates in staffing and performance processes, trains and orients staff, and helps ensure adherence to policies, regulatory requirements, and safety programs. It also includes assessing patient needs, monitoring dialysis treatments and patient conditions, administering prescribed medications, coordinating care plans, educating patients and families, and responding to emergencies. The Charge Registered Nurse supervises and operates dialysis-related and emergency equipment as needed, performs required testing and verification, and completes required training. The position may involve assigned responsibilities across departments or locations, travel between facilities and community locations, and attendance at regional, Business Unit, or Corporate meetings. The work environment is a healthcare facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise; exposure to infectious and contagious diseases or materials may occur. Employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment, though failing the test does not preclude employment and reasonable accommodations will be considered.

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.
For RN charge nurses assuming responsibility for nursing and patient services in the Clinical Manager’s absence: 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.
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 is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day guidance, support, and direction to direct patient care staff, including ongoing informal feedback and input for 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 with state and federal regulations in clinics with more than 100 patients.
In the Clinical Manager’s absence, approve or disapprove time or personnel schedule changes for the assigned shift and ensure work hours are documented in accordance with applicable requirements.
Participate in patient care plan meetings.
Maintain knowledge of current dialysis practices and techniques by attending scheduled in-services.
Train and orient staff as necessary.
Observe and guide direct patient care staff to support appropriate technique 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 to communicate changes in patient care needs or operations.
Meet routinely with the Clinical Manager to discuss personnel and patient care status, issues, and information.
Supervise documentation of patient information.
Coordinate Charge Nurse duties with Staff RNs acting in a relief charge capacity.
Assess daily patient care needs and develop and distribute patient care assignments.
Assume primary responsibility in emergency situations.
Assess patient needs and responses to dialysis treatments, communicate concerns to the rounding physician, and implement directed changes in care or treatment.
Monitor and supervise patient care during dialysis and assist as necessary.
Collaborate with the direct patient care team on decisions that benefit patient care.
Continuously monitor patients for problems and potential complications associated with dialysis.
Administer medications according to physician orders.
Serve as a subject matter expert and resource for staff members.
Supervise and participate in developing and 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 the safe and effective use of equipment involved in direct patient care.
Operate dialysis-related and emergency equipment safely and efficiently when needed.
Perform required testing and verification and initial the checklist for start-up and shut-down procedures as outlined in the Technical Services Manual.
Complete the Nurse’s Technical Training Program and Water Quality Facility Training.
Assist with special projects or other duties assigned by the Clinical Manager.
Assist with interviewing potential direct patient care staff as requested.
Promote efficient use of medical supplies.
Attend and participate in monthly Quality Assurance meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned.