Charge Registered Nurse - RN

Fresenius Medical Care•Georgetown, SC

About The Position

The Charge Registered Nurse functions as the hemodialysis team leader, providing chronic hemodialysis care and treatment and day-to-day direction and supervision to assigned direct patient care staff. The role coordinates with physicians and other healthcare team members to interpret, adjust, and complete patient care plans, and ensures safe and effective care in compliance with facility procedures, company policies, and state and federal regulations. The nurse supports the organization’s mission, vision, values, and customer service philosophy and follows its compliance program and regulatory requirements. The position oversees shift operations, staffing support, staff training and performance feedback, patient assessments and treatment, care-plan implementation, documentation, and use of dialysis and emergency equipment. It also supports quality assurance, safety, education, and efficient use of medical supplies. The role may include responsibilities for additional departments or locations, as specified by an applicable addendum.

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.
For 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.
Employees are required to 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 informal 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 staff compliance with company and facility procedures, policies, and applicable state and federal regulations.
Approve or disapprove time or personnel schedule changes in the Clinical Manager’s absence, while ensuring compliance with applicable requirements.
Participate in patient care plan meetings and maintain current knowledge of dialysis practices through scheduled in-services.
Train and orient staff as needed; observe and guide staff on technique 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, and routinely discuss personnel and patient-care matters with the Clinical Manager.
Supervise patient information documentation and coordinate Charge Nurse duties with Staff RNs acting in a relief charge capacity.
Assess daily patient-care needs and distribute assignments appropriately.
Assume primary responsibility during emergency situations; assess patient needs and responses to dialysis, and communicate concerns to the rounding physician.
Implement directed changes in patient care and treatment; monitor and supervise care during dialysis and assist as necessary.
Collaborate with the direct patient-care team and continuously monitor patients for problems and potential dialysis complications.
Administer medications according to physician orders and serve as a subject-matter expert and resource for staff.
Supervise and participate in completing short- and long-term care plans and admit new patients according to facility procedure.
Educate patients and families about end-stage renal disease, dialysis therapy, diet, and medication, and ensure patient educational needs are met.
Supervise safe and effective use of equipment used 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 outlined in the Technical Services Manual.
Complete the Nurse’s Technical Training Program and Water Quality Facility Training.
Assist with special projects, interviewing prospective direct patient-care staff when requested, and other duties assigned by the Clinical Manager.
Promote efficient use of medical supplies and attend and participate in monthly Quality Assurance meetings.
Travel between assigned facilities and community locations, and attend regional, Business Unit, or Corporate meetings when required.