Lead Charge Nurse

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

Supports FMCNA's mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy. Adheres to the FMCNA Compliance Program, including following all regulatory and FMS policy requirements. Ensures quality patient care while maintaining cost-effective clinical operations in accordance with all legal, compliance, and regulatory requirements and programs. As the Charge Nurse, manages the daily decisions to ensure continuity of care to maintain patient and staff safety and oversees the delivery of safe effective quality outcomes.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides day to day guidance, support and direction to direct patient care staff, providing informal feedback on an ongoing basis and formal feedback input for the annual performance evaluation. Participates in the department staffing and the appropriate hiring, firing and disciplinary actions. Recommends disciplinary action to Facility Administrator and initiates as appropriate.
• Ensures compliance with all company and facility approved procedures and policies as well as regulations set forth by state and federal agencies.
• Approves or disapproves time or personnel schedule changes in the absence on the Facility Administrator ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, policies and procedures for documenting time of work hours for staff members on assigned shift.
• Participates in patient care plan meetings.
• Maintains knowledge in the current practices related to the principles and techniques of dialysis by participating in all scheduled in-services.
• Trains and orientates staff as necessary.
• Routinely observes and guides direct patient care staff for appropriate technique and adherence to facility policies and procedures.
• Promotes and assists with compliance to OSHA programs in order to maintain a safe and clean working environment.
• Maintains overall shift operation in a safe, efficient, and effective manner.
• With Facility Administrator conducts staff meetings at least monthly or as needed to keep patient care staff informed of changes in patient care needs or operations to improve delivery of care.
• Meets routinely with the Facility Administrator to discuss personnel and patient care status, issues, and information.
• Supervises all documentation of patient information.
• Coordinates Charge Nurse duties with Staff RNs acting in the relief charge capacity.
• Assesses daily patient care needs and develops and distributes patient care assignments appropriately.
• Assumes primary responsibility in an emergency situation.
• Assesses patient needs, responds to dialysis treatments, and communicates concerns to rounding physician. Implements changes in patient care/treatment as directed.
• Monitors and supervises all patient care activity during dialysis and assists as necessary.
• Collaborates with direct patient care team in making decisions to benefit patient care.
• Continuously monitors patient's condition with regards to problems and potential complications associated with dialysis.
• Administers medications to patients per physician's orders.
• Supervises and participates in completion of short and long term care plans.
• Admits new patients according to facility procedure.
• Ensures educational needs of patients are met and educates the patient and family about End Stage Renal Disease, dialysis therapy, diet and medication.
• Supervises the safe and effective use of all equipment involved in direct patient care.
• Operates all dialysis related and emergency equipment safely and efficiently when needed.
• Performs required testing and verification and initials the checklist for start-up and shut-down procedures as outlined in the Technical Services Manual.
• Completes Nurse's Technical Training Program/Water Quality Facility
• Assists with special projects or other duties as assigned by the Facility Administrator
• Assists with the interviewing of potential direct patient care staff
• Promotes efficient use of medical supplies.
• Attends and participates in monthly Quality Assurance meetings.

Additional responsibilities may include focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location specific functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Day to day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff and physicians. The position requires travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community.
  • The work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.
• Employees are required to take the Ishihara's Color Blindness test as a condition of employment. Note that: Failing the

Fresenius Medical Care North America maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

SUPERVISION:

• Direct Patient Care Staff, Ward Clerks assigned.

EDUCATION:

• Graduate of an accredited school of Nursing (R.N.)
• Must be registered and licensed to practice in the applicable State.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Minimum of 12 months of nursing experience, plus 6 months of specialized experience providing clinical nursing care to dialysis patients, in either a chronic or acute setting.
• Medical/surgical nursing preferred.
• Supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Certified in CPR or successfully complete course in CPR certification.

Good communication skills – verbal and written.

Starting Annual Rate: $90,724-116,645.

Benefit Overview: This position offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, parental leave and potential for performance-based bonuses depending on company and individual performance.

Fresenius Medical Care North America maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

EO/AA Employer: Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Salary : $90,724 - $116,645