Clinical Coordinator - Charge Registered Nurse – Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Huntsville, AL

About The Position

The Clinical Coordinator - Charge Registered Nurse supports FMCNA’s mission, vision, core values, and customer service philosophy while following the FMCNA Compliance Program and applicable regulatory and facility policies. The role oversees daily clinical operations and continuity of care, with a focus on patient and staff safety and safe, effective, quality outcomes delivered in a cost-effective manner. The Charge Nurse guides and supports direct patient care staff, contributes to staffing and personnel decisions, trains and orients staff, and monitors adherence to clinical techniques and facility procedures. The position coordinates patient assignments and care, oversees documentation and dialysis treatment activity, responds to emergencies, administers medications as ordered, and communicates patient concerns to the rounding physician. It also supports patient education, care planning, quality assurance, safe equipment use, and efficient use of medical supplies. The role works with the Facility Administrator and the direct patient care team, may supervise assigned Ward Clerks, and may have responsibilities across more than one department or location. The position requires travel between assigned facilities and community locations; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may also be required. The work environment is a healthcare facility with temperature control and moderate noise, with possible exposure to infectious and contagious diseases or materials. Day-to-day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. Employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodation will be considered.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of Nursing (R.N.).
Registered and licensed to practice in the applicable state.
Minimum of 12 months of nursing experience.
At least 6 months of specialized experience providing clinical nursing care to dialysis patients in a chronic or acute setting.
Certified in CPR or successfully complete a CPR certification course.
Good verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Medical/surgical nursing experience preferred.
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 disciplinary action to the Facility Administrator and initiate it as appropriate.
Ensure compliance with company and facility policies and procedures and applicable state and federal regulations.
Approve or disapprove time or personnel schedule changes in the Facility Administrator’s absence, ensuring applicable requirements for documenting staff work hours are followed.
Participate in patient care plan meetings and maintain knowledge of current dialysis practices by attending scheduled in-services.
Train and orient staff and routinely observe and guide direct patient care staff on 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 Facility Administrator at least monthly or as needed, and meet routinely with the Facility Administrator about personnel and patient care matters.
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 appropriate patient care assignments.
Assume primary responsibility in an emergency.
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 care team on decisions that benefit patients.
Continuously monitor patient condition 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 procedure.
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 and operate dialysis-related and emergency equipment safely and efficiently 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/Water Quality Facility.
Assist with special projects or other duties assigned by the Facility Administrator.
Assist with interviewing potential direct patient care staff.
Promote efficient use of medical supplies.
Attend and participate in monthly Quality Assurance meetings.