Charge Nurse - BHCC

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Charge Nurse to oversee day-to-day operations of a 24/7 Behavioral Health Crisis Center. This position will report directly to the Nurse Manager and be responsible for the coordination of unit activities, ensuring quality patient care, and managing staff during their shift. The Charge Nurse will demonstrate strong leadership skills and play a critical role in crisis management, maintaining order in a high-pressure environment, and collaborating effectively with the nursing team, Nurse Practitioners, and other healthcare providers. While the Charge Nurse will have primary responsibility for the unit during their shift, they must adhere to the guidance and leadership of the Nurse Practitioners on-site. In the absence of the Nurse Practitioner, the Charge Nurse will be responsible for contacting the on-call MD for further guidance.

Job Responsibilities and Performance Standards:

Client Flow Management & Assessment:

Unit Coordination and Leadership:

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Behavioral Health Crisis Center, ensuring smooth workflow and patient care delivery.
• Serve as the lead nurse on shift, directing nursing staff and coordinating care delivery while ensuring adequate coverage and staffing.
• Maintain unit organization, monitor workflow, and adjust staff assignments as needed to ensure patient needs are met efficiently and effectively.
• Actively engage with nursing staff, providing guidance, support, and supervision to ensure safe and effective care for all patients.
• Ensure that all staff members adhere to agency policies and procedures and maintain high standards of patient care.
• Coordinate staff to ensure timely start to treatment for all patients upon admission, and ensure that care plans are appropriately followed throughout the shift.
• Assign the appropriate nurse to complete the nurse assessment for crisis walk-in patients, ensuring all necessary evaluations are conducted promptly and thoroughly.
• Collaborate with the Nurse Manager to address staffing issues, including scheduling, performance concerns, and coverage gaps.
• Provide leadership during challenging situations and crises, managing complex cases, and ensuring that patients receive appropriate care.
• Create and foster a positive relationship with techs, ensuring a collaborative, respectful, and supportive work environment.
• Investigate and address any concerns or issues raised by techs in a timely manner, ensuring their concerns are heard and resolved appropriately.

Crisis Management and Problem-Solving:

• Lead crisis management efforts for patients exhibiting aggressive behaviors or other urgent situations, ensuring the safety of patients and staff while de-escalating high-stress situations.
• Use advanced crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to maintain order in emergency situations, making quick and effective decisions to minimize risk.
• Oversee the implementation of the Care Partners protocol and other crisis management procedures as needed.
• Lead the team in responding to patient emergencies, making decisions quickly, and providing guidance on the appropriate course of action.
• Ensure that any crisis situations are managed in an efficient, calm, and controlled manner, prioritizing patient and staff safety.
• Remain calm and composed under pressure, effectively directing the team and ensuring patient safety at all times.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work collaboratively with the Nurse Practitioners (NPs) on-site, ensuring smooth communication and clinical guidance. While the Charge Nurse oversees daily operations, the NP is the lead for clinical decisions.
• In the absence of the Nurse Practitioner, the Charge Nurse will escalate clinical issues to the on-call MD, ensuring timely care decisions and interventions.
• Facilitate communication between nursing staff, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care and address patient needs.
• Participate in team meetings and shift handoffs, providing detailed updates on patient care, staffing concerns, and operational issues.
• Maintain strong working relationships with the Nurse Manager, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives and addressing unit needs.

Staff Development and Support:

• Provide mentorship and support to nursing staff, offering guidance and feedback to ensure the professional growth of team members.
• Act as a resource for staff, answering clinical questions and offering advice on best practices.
• Ensure all staff adhere to agency policies and procedures, providing support and education where needed.
• Address any concerns or conflicts within the team and take appropriate actions to resolve issues and maintain a positive work environment.
• Support the training and development of new staff, ensuring they are properly onboarded and equipped to handle the unit's demands.

Patient Care Oversight:

• Ensure that patients receive high-quality care throughout the shift, monitoring patient progress and making adjustments to care plans as necessary.
• Oversee the delivery of care, ensuring that all procedures and protocols are followed and that documentation is accurate and timely.
• Review patient charts and care plans, ensuring that all treatments and medications are appropriately managed.
• Take leadership in ensuring that patient safety and comfort are prioritized at all times.

Emergency Preparedness and Drills:

• Coordinate and lead practice emergency drills to ensure that staff are prepared for potential crisis situations and respond appropriately in real-life scenarios.
• Ensure that staff are well-versed in emergency protocols, particularly for managing aggressive or violent behaviors, and provide regular training to reinforce these procedures.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of drills, gather feedback, and work with the Nurse Manager to implement improvements as needed.
• Maintain preparedness for all emergency situations, ensuring that necessary resources, equipment, and plans are in place to effectively manage crises.

Administrative Tasks:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on all patients and staff during the shift.
• Ensure compliance with state regulations, facility policies, and clinical guidelines.
• Assist the Nurse Manager with administrative tasks, such as documentation audits, incident reviews, and quality assurance activities.
• Review EMAR (Electronic Medication Administration Record) and address any medication variances.
• Ensure the completion of required drills and safety training during the shift.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Registered Nurse (RN) License: Must hold a current and valid Registered Nurse license.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
• Extensive experience in crisis management and behavioral health settings.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to direct and support nursing staff effectively.
• Proven experience in crisis intervention, including de-escalation techniques and emergency management.
• Ability to make quick, well-informed decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Knowledge of state regulations and unit protocols related to patient care in a behavioral health crisis setting.
• Strong collaborative skills, with experience working closely with physicians, Nurse Practitioners, and other healthcare providers.
• Ability to motivate, mentor, and support staff in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Previous experience in a charge nurse or leadership role is a plus.

Licenses and Certificates:

Must hold a current and valid Registered Nurse license.