Charge Nurse - Chemotherapy Infusion

Responsible for assisting the Manager, coordinator, and/or director with the overall management of the chemotherapy suite. Responsible for daily operations of the unit. Acts as a role model in the implementation of the nursing process. Directs nursing staff to meet the nursing requirements for the assigned shift and plans, if necessary, for the next shift. Coordinates activities to ensure effective communication. Responsible for quality patient care and the professional growth, development, and satisfaction of the staff. This position does not routinely take a patient assignment. 

Qualifications:

• Minimum Requirements: Graduate from accredited school of nursing. Current NC or Multistate RN license; CPR; ACLS. Demonstrates excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Diplomacy, tact, and a positive approach to problem solving are required to be successful. Organizational skills are a must. Fosters a teamwork environment. Must be able to communicate with patients, customers, other departments, and staff in an articulate manner. 

• Preferred at Hire: Nationally recognized certification in Oncology Nursing. 3 years RN experience in oncology setting, preferably chemotherapy infusion, Bachelor's degree in Nursing perferred.  

Charge RN Responsibilities 

• Assesses the number and level of personnel needed and assists the coordinator in maintaining adequate staffing for all shifts. 

• Organizes patient assignments, taking into account the skill level of associates present each day. 

• Serves on hospital committees when relevant. 

• Directs and assists with orientation of new associates, making sure each new associate has an assigned preceptor. 

• Coordinates assignment of breaks and meals. 

• Attends required educational classes and/or conferences. 

• Serves as role model for professional nursing. 

• Leads and participates in Performance Improvement activities for the unit. Maintains knowledge of all ongoing PI monitoring. 

• Evaluates any patient and/or family complaints and ensures that appropriate actions are taken to resolve problems causing dissatisfaction or complaints. 

• Serves as a consultant to staff in clinical, technical, ethical, or professional matters. 

• Assists in evaluating the performance of each associate in the department. 

• Promotes harmonious relationships and favorable attitudes among physicians and all other members of the health care team. 

• Maintains current knowledge r/t JCAHO Standards…complies with all JCAHO Standards. 

• Complies with federal, state and local laws and regulations including abuse, patient's rights and licensure. 

• Can perform duties of Chemotherapy RNs as needed. 

• Develops professional relationships with unit staff that will promote retention of staff. 

• Provides coaching to staff on regular basis that promotes growth and development of the staff. 

• At all times maintains a positive environment on the unit. 

• Staff RN Responsibilities 

• Demonstrates expertise in the application of the nursing process: 

• Age Specific Competency: Staff members will have knowledge of human growth and development though the life span of the patient and have the ability to meet the needs of and provide care of these patients. The age categories to be included are: Young Adult/Adult 18-64 years; Adult/Middle Aged 65-79 years; Geriatric 80 years 

• Performs and documents an in-depth nursing history to include, but not limit, chief complaint, health care status, allergies, meds, past medical history, treatment prior to arrival, and other pertinent information. This will be evaluated by random chart audit. 

• Reassesses patient status at established time frames, and as indicated by the patient’s status. 

• Assesses teaching needs for the patient and family based on the nursing actions, patient outcomes, and patient goals.  

• Develops an individualized approach with patient input to deliver nursing care to the patient in a manner that is appropriate to the patient’s age, physical ability and intellectual development: 

• Collaborates with interdisciplinary team to develop an integrated plan consistent with the medical plan of care in a way that considers patient dignity, privacy, comfort and safety in accordance with the patient’s Bill of Rights. 

• Ensures the plan of care and desired outcomes are mutually agreed upon by the patient, family and significant other.  

• Performs nursing actions and interventions according to recognized patient care needs, an established plan and in accordance with policy and procedure. 

• Performs nursing care according to the medical provider’s orders and nursing plan of care within the scope of hospital and nursing department policies and procedures. 

• Facilitates continuity of care by assuring the needs of the patients are recognized and addressed throughout coordination with other health care team members. 

• Evaluates and documents effectiveness of treatment in the medical record. 

• Anticipates potential patient problems and performs nursing actions to minimize those problems in a timely manner to ensure safety. 

• Communicates appropriate data to the physician, and provides documentation for same 

• Provides calm, supportive and therapeutic environment for patients and their families. 

• Delivers care in a non-judgmental and non-discriminatory manner, being sensitive to patient and cultural diversities. 

• Demonstrates competency in performing nursing care actions and interventions as evidenced by completion of competency requirements and department skills checklist. 

• Administers medications (including IV fluids) according to hospital policy and procedures and practices safety techniques (e.g. observes for side effects, appropriate rate of administration, aware of common drug interactions) as evidenced by compliance with medication error policy. 

• Accepts responsibility for intervention in an emergency situation as evidenced by documentation of actions taken and peer evaluation. Is able to recognize and function appropriately under stress or in a crisis situation. 

• Assures open and timely communication with emergency patients, their significant others, and team members to ensure the occurrence of effective therapeutic interventions. 

• Communicates with physicians, other nurses, attending physicians, team members, and resource personnel concerning patient care status effectively and in a timely manner to maintain optimal patient flow within the department. 

• Acts as a liaison to the patient and family by providing accurate and timely information to assist patient and family participation in Cancer Center. 

• Gives report on patients admitted to the hospital or being transferred to another department from the Cancer Center to other health care members with accurate information, including patient care given and patient condition, to maintain continuity of care. 

• Positively represents the hospital in all interactions with the public.  

• Ensures accuracy and relevancy of patient records and other hospital documents. 

• Maintains thorough, accurate, complete and legible documentation, as evidenced by chart review.  

• Maintains an environment which promotes safety for both the hospital associate and the patient. 

• Demonstrates knowledge of the patients who are at high risk for falls or injury. 

• Always utilizes patient ID bracelet system.  

• Adhere to standards of practice within the department, recognizing learning needs to maximize level of knowledge and expertise. 

• Develops new knowledge and skills in the use of equipment and new procedures as evidenced by competency checklist completion and personal record of continuing education. 

• Demonstrates willingness and ability to assist other staff with work load in a positive manner. 

• Displays a willingness to adjust own schedule to meet department needs. 

• Functions independently, works well with little supervision. 

• Understands and initiates policies and procedures specific to Cancer Center. 

• Reviews and signs off patient chart at end of shift.