RN-Med Surg Charge

Description

The job description reflects the general details considered necessary to fulfill the essential job functions and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements inherent in this position. Other specific job-related knowledge and skill may be required.

Essential Job Functions:

Communications

1. Keeps Manager and staff on assigned shift updated and informed on matters which are of importance to the well-being of the Nursing Department, the hospital, and the Med/Surg/Swing Unit.
2. Attends supervisory meetings as well as other staff meetings and assures that Med/Surg/Swing personnel on assigned shift are updated on information provided.
3. Has established good rapport with physicians/practitioners as well as other healthcare providers and collaborates with them to address patient care needs (interdisciplinary team).
4. Informs Manager of actual or anticipated problems to include staffing, performance, or patient-related concerns. (This would apply to Manager of Inpatient Services; additionally when functioning as House Supervisor in absence of other department directors and administration personnel, would apply to department director and/or administration as indicated).
5. Listens attentively and requests clarification and/or feedback as indicated.
6. Gives clear statements of direction, both in verbal and written form.
7. Checks out assumptions and/or gets all information necessary before taking action.
8. Encourages and empowers staff members through appropriate delegation.
9. Solves problems in the manner that is in the best interest of Ohio County Hospital and the patient.
10. High availability and visibility to Med/Surg/Swing staff on assigned shift for guidance, direction, and oversight. Conducts staff meetings as assigned by Inpatient Manager.
11. Keeps Emergency Department updated on bed availability.
12. High availability and visibility to patients/family members on assigned shift assuring supervision of care and assisting with questions/concerns as needed.
13. In House Supervisor position, is responsible for instituting process in situations of “High Census Alert” or “Diversion”.

Assist in Management and Control of Med/Surg/Swing Budget

1. Makes recommendations to the Department Manager regarding capital equipment, operations, and staffing needs for budget preparation.
2. Maintains staffing levels consistent with the manhours required by the staffing matrix guideline, patient needs, and staffing mix. Submits staffing reports to the Department Manager. Assures that 24 hour census report is completed accurately for shift.
3. Justifies overtime for self and Med/Surg/Swing nursing staff on assigned shift when occurs.
4. Updates master staffing schedule as changes occur (low census days, sick, assignment to different area, etc.)
5. Assures that patient charge items are charged appropriately.
6. Reduces waste and “rework”.
7. Assures that staff members are productive.

Supervises and Provides Patient Care to Patients in All Age Groups

1. Supervises the safe, efficient delivery of patient care to patients in all age groups on the Med/Surg/Swing unit on assigned shift. In capacity of House Supervisor in Department Director/Administration’s absence, supervises the safe, efficient delivery of patient care and services throughout the hospital.
2. Interprets and enforces current standards of practice, policies and procedures, including legal compliance policies at OCH.
3. Interprets and enforces all hospital wide policies and procedures to include Infection and Exposure Control plans, safety/Environment of Care and emergency operations plan, personnel policies, employee health policies, and Administrative policies.
4. Delegates responsibility according to the scope of practice of the staff as designed by licensure requirements and training, competencies, and education of staff.
5. Actively participates in OCH’s performance improvement program / initiatives by identification of improvement projects, data collection, being a team member or leader, assisting in data analysis, development of action plan and evaluation of process improvement.
6. Assures the department has needed supplies and equipment for operation.
7. Assures the nursing process is used to identify the patients’ nursing problems; in addition, assures that the patient is involved in the plan of care and that appropriate nursing actions are implemented, that the reasons of the patient is evaluated and documented appropriately. Performs random periodic checks for appropriate documentation of such.
8. Receives hand off communication and makes complete patient rounds at least once per shift; demonstrates general knowledge of all patients on assigned unit. On occasions, accepts direct patient care assignment in order to achieve appropriate staffing.
9. Demonstrates knowledge of normal growth and development.
10. Intervenes as necessary in delivery of care/services for patient safety.
11. Aware of location and need for Malignant hyperthermia cart.
12. Pain management

Evaluates Med/Surg/Swing Nursing Staff Members’ Performance and Counsels as Appropriate

1. Completes performance appraisals on Med/Surg/Swing staff normally working assigned shift. Consults with the Department Manager regarding evaluations of staff prior to reviewing the performance with the individual. All performance appraisals are to include a personal work improvement plan developed in collaboration with the employee, which is consistent with OCH’s purpose, vision and values. These are to be completed by the date designated by Personnel.
2. Identifies learning needs of staff and assists in the development and implementation of learning opportunities. Provides at least one in-service per year for staff.
3. Counsels/coaches nursing employees on assigned unit and shift as indicated and gives employee specific expectations and date follow up will be done. Collaborates with the Department Manager regarding counseling.
4. When serving in capacity of House Supervisor, provides coaching/counseling to employees as indicated (may need to speak with Department Manager prior to or immediately after counseling/coaching, or may report actions taken afterwards; would be dependent on severity of situation).
5. Makes recommendations for termination of nursing personnel to Department Manager.
6. Assures privacy of staff when individual recommendations for improvement are given.
7. May give input to Department Manager re: staff performance during times of department managers’ absence.

 Maintains Safe and Therapeutic Environment for Patients in All Age Groups

1. Makes appropriate request to Department Manager for personnel, supplies or equipment needs.
2. Collaborates with Department Manager to assure that appropriate par levels and supplies are maintained.
3. Collaborates with nursing staff and maintenance department to assure that faulty equipment is removed from service until repaired or replaced. Responsible for informing Department Manager of such occurrences and assisting with follow up on such equipment.
4. Assists in the evaluation of patient care products for purchase as assigned by Department Manager.
5. Occurrence reports are completed as necessary, documentation is complete and accurate, with “factual” information. Appropriate actions are taken and information is forwarded to the appropriate Department Director. Department Manager, CNO, and Quality Supervisor are notified immediately of any occurrence with significant liability concerns.
6. Knowledgeable of the Integrated Patient Safety policy and supervises care and the environment accordingly. Aware of role and other’s roles during event
7. Responds to Code Blue situations.
8. Acts as liaison between medical staff and nursing staff when a Med/Surg/Swing nurse questions medical care of a patient. Notifies the Department Manager and initiates the peer review process if a resolution is not immediately reached.
9. Assures that discharge planning and teaching needs of the patients have been met through concurrent review of the medical record, review of the medical record, review of the patient’s plan of care and actions taken, and by regular patient rounds.
10. Applies pediatric safety guidelines as appropriate. Assures Kangaband is applied and wt is in Kilo
11. Assists with orientation of new employees / students. Encourages staff to welcome new employees / students and assist with their orientation, including preceptorships.
12. Accountable for ensuring patient safety during the course of performing his/her duties.
13. Aware of Emergency Response and role and roles of others in an event.  Run, Hide, Fight
14. Understands and communicates need of Infection Control; i.e.. Hand washing, decontamination of hands.  Understands and can communicate point of care sterilization of instruments and procedure for getting these instruments to needed location of further service.  Understands waste segregation and enforces such

 Upholds Standards of Nursing Practice of All Age Groups and Code of Ethics

1. Code of Ethics and Standards of Nursing Practice are continually met.
2. Performs all nursing procedures according to the established policies and procedures of OCH Nursing Department; adheres to legal compliance policies.
3. Meets licensure requirements.
4. Reports to assigned area immediately if occurrence of Mass Disaster.
5. Recognizes and supports the Patient’s Bill of Rights and maintains confidentiality in all hospital matters.
6. Acts as a role model for staff, providing leadership and direction consistent with the purpose, vision, and values of OCH as well as all policies and regulatory requirements.
7. Actively participates in review and revision of nursing policies and procedures as well as in the development of new policies.
8. Can locate and describe use of Healthcare Values hotline

Professional Self-Development

1. Attends in-services that pertain to assigned areas and that are applicable to RN’s, at least 6 per year. These in-services shall include fire, safety, mass disaster, and infection control (exposure control plan, HIV, TB, and other infectious diseases). Must complete mandatory annual in-services.
2. Must maintain BLS, ACLS and PALS provider status.
3. Maintains contact hours in nursing CE required for licensure.
4. Maintains clinical skills as evidenced through competency testing.
5. Has desire to learn new skills/information relating to job duties and does so.
6. Attends 80% of staff/supervisory meetings per year.
7. Aware of OCHu and on line offerings

 Exhibits Positive Human Relations

1. Demonstrates  a cooperative attitude in interactions with others.
2. Tactful- maintains composure and is diplomatic in all situations.
3. Treats all hospital associates, patients, visitors with courtesy and respect. Exhibits caring attitude towards co-workers.
4. Shows enthusiasm for the job and supports the hospital, the hospital’s purpose, vision, and values, as well as policies.
5. Shows evidence of prompt and thorough response in handling correspondence, reports, and special projects as assigned.
6. Uses time effectively and sets appropriate priorities.
7. Follows up on all patient concerns referred by staff or Department Manager in an effective manner immediately and communicates the findings to the Department Manager. (Patient concern report, occurrence report completed and submitted within 24 hours of complaint.)
8. Demonstrates reliability and dependability in attendance and punctuality.

• Perfect attendance
• Absent 1-5 occurrences – meets requirements
• Absent 6 or more occurrences – needs improvement; does not meet requirement

        9. Cooperates with staffing needs; assists with covering open shifts when needed.

       10. Supports organizational accountability and demonstrates such through work.

       11. May be requested to be member of QI team.

Frequently accesses email to stay up to date on information within the organization and provides a way of communication between staff members.

Qualifications

Current active RN license in the state of KY (or compact state); BSN level education preferred with two years experience in Med-Surg Nursing or RN with 4 years experience (two years of it in Med-Surg); one year charge nurse/supervisory experience preferred; experience in more than one area of nursing practice preferred; BLS Provider or equivalent knowledge; ACLS provider or obtains within 6 months of employment; PALS provider certified or will obtain within 6 months of employment. Experience with computerized health information record preferred; basic computer and keyboarding skills required.