Charge Registered Nurse - RN

Fresenius Medical Care•Charlotte, NC

10d

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, coordinates with physicians and other healthcare team members on patient care plans, and ensures safe, effective care in accordance with facility procedures, company policies, and applicable state and federal regulations. The position supports Fresenius Medical Care North America’s mission, vision, values, and customer service philosophy and follows its compliance program and regulatory requirements. The Charge RN oversees staff and shift operations, supports staff training and performance feedback, helps coordinate staffing, and participates in patient care planning and quality assurance. The role assesses patient needs, monitors care and dialysis treatments, administers prescribed medications, responds to emergencies, and provides education to patients and families. It also supervises the safe use and testing of dialysis and emergency equipment. The 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 environment is a healthcare facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise, and may involve exposure to infectious or 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. 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 any applicable state requirements.
At least 9 months of nursing experience and an additional 3 months of clinical experience in dialysis.
Charge nurses assuming responsibility for nursing and patient services in the absence of the Clinical Manager 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.
Take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.
Ability to travel between assigned facilities and various locations in the community; travel to regional, business unit, and corporate meetings may be required.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory or management experience.

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 applicable state and federal regulations, including in clinics with more than 100 patients.
In the Clinical Manager’s absence, approve or disapprove time or personnel schedule changes while ensuring compliance with applicable timekeeping requirements and policies.
Participate in patient care plan meetings and maintain current knowledge of dialysis practices by attending scheduled in-services.
Train and orient staff as needed; routinely observe and guide direct patient care staff on techniques and adherence to 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 serving in relief charge capacity.
Assess daily patient care needs and distribute patient care assignments appropriately.
Assume primary responsibility during emergencies; assess patient needs and treatment response, communicate concerns to the rounding physician, and implement directed treatment changes.
Monitor and supervise patient care during dialysis, assist as necessary, collaborate with the care team, and monitor for dialysis-related 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 completing short- and long-term care plans and admit new patients according to facility procedure.
Ensure patient education 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 and operate dialysis-related and emergency equipment when needed.
Perform required testing and verification and initial start-up and shut-down checklists 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 and assist with interviewing potential direct patient care staff as requested.
Promote efficient use of medical supplies and attend and participate in monthly Quality Assurance meetings.