Charge Registered Nurse - RN

Fresenius Medical Care • Parsippany, NJ

5d • $90,000 - $151,000

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 works with physicians and other healthcare team members to interpret, adjust, and complete patient care plans and ensures safe, effective care in accordance with facility procedures, company requirements, and 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 policies.

The Charge RN guides and trains staff, helps maintain staffing and shift operations, supervises patient care and documentation, and participates in care planning and quality activities. The nurse assesses patient needs and responses to dialysis, communicates concerns to physicians, administers prescribed medications, responds to emergencies, and educates patients and families about end-stage renal disease, dialysis, diet, and medication. The role also oversees safe use of dialysis and emergency equipment and completes required technical training and procedures.

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 work environment is characteristic of 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 will be considered. Direct supervision may include direct patient care staff and an assigned ward clerk.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing (R.N.).
• Current appropriate state licensure.
• 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.
• Meet applicable state requirements, if any.
• Take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failure 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 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 time or personnel schedule changes in the Clinical Manager’s absence, ensuring compliance with applicable requirements for recording staff work hours.
• Participate in patient care plan meetings.
• Maintain current knowledge of dialysis principles and techniques by attending scheduled in-services.
• Train and orient staff as necessary; routinely observe and guide staff on appropriate techniques 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, and meet routinely with the Clinical Manager to discuss personnel and patient care matters.
• Supervise documentation of patient information.
• Coordinate Charge Nurse duties with Staff RNs serving in a relief charge capacity.
• Assess daily patient care needs and develop and distribute patient care assignments.
• Assume primary responsibility during emergency situations.
• Assess patient needs and responses to dialysis, communicate concerns to the rounding physician, and implement directed changes to care or treatment.
• Monitor and supervise patient care during dialysis and assist as needed.
• Collaborate with the direct patient care team on decisions to benefit patient care.
• 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 developing and completing short- and long-term care plans.
• Admit new patients according to facility procedures.
• 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; operate dialysis-related and emergency equipment safely and efficiently when needed.
• Perform required testing and verification and initial the checklist for startup and shutdown 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.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Potential performance-based bonuses for eligible positions, depending on company and individual performance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree