Charge Nurse

Summary

In cooperation with Nursing Administration, the Charge Nurse (LVN or RN) ensures that a consistently high level of care is delivered throughout their assigned unit/ hall(s)/resident assignment group. The position requires competency to provide care and procedures with unusual situations and the exercise of initiative and good judgement.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Collaborates with Nursing Supervisor (DON/ADON) daily to exchange information regarding resident's care, conditions, and all matters affecting resident well-being and assists in making recommendations directed at resident care.

2. Plans, assigns, and directs work of the unit/hall(s)/resident group.

3. Makes rounds, throughout assigned shift, to assess resident conditions giving special attention to critically ill residents.

4. Ensures that nursing staff (CNAs, CMAs) are making the required rounds to provide care to meet resident's needs.

5. Ensures that all resident's call lights are answered as promptly as possible by nursing staff.

6. Ensures that the individual nursing care plan is followed.

7. Ensures appropriate training of nursing staff to carry out special needs prior to delegation.

8. Helps oversee orientation of new nursing staff.

9. Documents in the resident's medical record care provided, notifications, evaluations, and other delegated responsibilities related to care.

10. Initials and/or signs documents related to assigned nursing care per facility requirements.

11. Directly supervises all nursing staff (CNAs, CMAs) in accordance with corporation and facility's policies and procedure; disciplines as appropriate.

12. Utilizes effectively the general principles of leadership and supervision.

13. Admits, transfers, discharges all residents according to policy.

14. Contacts the attending physician for initial orders on each admission unless orders accompany the resident in writing, then will verify orders are current and correct with the assigned physician if different from discharging physician.

15. Oversees resident medication, which includes ensuring that refills/renewals are ordered s necessary and that all medications are handled in accordance to policy.

16. Performs treatments and dispenses medication in accordance with policy.

17. Ensures residents are receiving special ordered diets, where applicable.

18. Reports problems and incidents as soon as possible to the DON and Administrator or designee(s).

19. Oversees charting process for each resident including that of CNAs and CMAs.

20. Assumes responsibility for the identification of potential safety hazards and for the identification of noncompliance with corporate guidelines.

21. Ensures that residents and families receive the highest quality of service in caring and compassionate atmosphere which recognizes the individuals' needs and rights.

22. Performs other duties as requested or delegated.

23. Must have thorough knowledge of nursing theory.

24. Must have knowledge of dietetic, sanitation, and person hygiene.

25. Must have knowledge of specialized procedures applied and equipment use in the area to which assigned.

26. Must have knowledge of medications, their proper dosage, and expected results.

27. Must be able to coordinate and supervise the nursing functions in as effective manner.

28. Must be able to maintain an empathetic attitude toward residents and family members and to gain their confidence in order to work with them effectively.

29. Must be able to understand and follow oral and written instructions of a technical nature.

30. Must be able to train subordinates in work procedures and to organize and direct training carried out by staff.

31. Must possess the ability to positively interact with staff, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies, and the general public.

Other Duties

1. The Charge Nurse interacts with residents, families, visitors, facility and corporate staff

2. Carries out other tasks as requested in situations where hands-on intervention/participation may be required.

3. May be required to work rotating shifts, holidays, weekends, to work in different units, in different positions, and to work overtimes as the facility's need require.

4. Must practice good personal hygiene and follow the dress code requirements.

5. Must provide upon hire and annually verification of a negative TB skin test as required.

Qualifications

1. Current LVN or RN state or compact license with no restrictions

Key Competencies

Compassion: Genuinely care about people; is concerned about their work and non-work problems; is available and ready to help; is sympathetic to the plight of others not as fortunate; demonstrate real empathy with the joys and pains of others

Composure: Is cool under pressure; does not become defensive or irritated when times are tough; is considered mature; can be counted on to hold things together during tough times; can handle stress; is not knocked off balance by the unexpected; doesn't show frustration when resisted or blocked; is a settling influence in a crisis.

Resident Focus: Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external residents; gets first-hand resident information and uses it for improvements in care; acts with residents/family members in mind; establishes and maintains effective relationships with residents/family members and gains their trust and respect.

Decision Quality: Makes good decisions (without considering how much time it takes) based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgement; most of his/her solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time; sought out by other for advice and solutions.

Directing Others: Is good at establishing clear directions; set stretching objectives; distributes the workload appropriately; lays out work in a well-planned and organized manner; maintains two-way dialogue with others on work and results; brings out the best in people; is a clear communicator.

Fairness to Direct Reports: Treats direct reports equitably; acts fairly; had candid discussions; doesn't have a hidden agenda; doesn't give preferential treatment.

Functional/Technical Skills: Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishments.

Integrity and Trust: Is widely trusted; is seen as direct, truthful individual; can present the unvarnished truth in an appropriate and helpful manner; keeps confidences; admits mistakes; doesn't misrepresent him/herself for personal gain.

Listening: Practices attentive and active listening; has the patience to hear people out; can accurately restate the opinions of others even when he/she disagrees.

Managerial Courage: Doesn't hold back anything that needs to be said; provides current, direct, complete, and "actionable" positive and corrective feedback to others; lets people know where they stand; faces up to people problems on any person or situation (not including direct reports) quickly and directly; is not afraid to take negative action when necessary.

Motivating Others: Creates a climate in which people want to do their best; can motivate many kinds of direct reports and team or project members; can assess each person's hot button and use it to get the best out of him/her; pushes tasks and decisions down; empowers others; invites input from each person and shares ownership and visibility makes each individual feel his/her work is important is someone people like working for and with.

Organizational Agility: Knowledge about how organizations work; know how to get things done both through formal channels and informal network; understand the origin and reasoning behind key policies, practices and procedures; understands the culture of organizations.

Problem Solving: Uses rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions; probes all fruitful sources for answers; can see hidden problems; is excellent at honest analysis; looks beyond the obvious and doesn't stop at the first answer.

Drive for Results: Can be counted on to exceed goals successfully; is constantly and consistently one of the top performers; very bottom-line-oriented; steadfastly pushes self and others for results.

Managing Vision and Purpose: Communicates a compelling and inspired vision or sense of core purpose; talks about possibilities; is optimistic; creates mileposts and symbols to rally support behind the vision; makes the vision sharable by everyone; can inspire and motivate entire units or organizations.

Language Skills

1. Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

2. Ability to relate positively, effectively and appropriately with patients, families, community members, volunteers and other staff on a daily basis. Possess special interest in, and a positive attitude about, working with long term care residents and the elderly.

Other Requirements

1. Must possess a current, unencumbered license to practice nursing in this state.

2. Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

3. Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when necessary.

4. Must be able to relate information concerning a resident's/patient's condition