Charge Nurse OR

Description

SUMMARY:

The primary responsibilities of this position include the direction of nursing care and all related activities which result in patient and physician satisfaction, coordinating the availability of all equipment needs according to physician requests, providing for maintenance of adequate drugs and supplies, education and supervision of personnel, and environmental control. 

POSITION DUTIES

A. Supervises and directs nursing care given to patients within the department, according to nursing principles.

1.  Coordinates flow of patients through the department.

2.  Communicates intra- and inter-departmentally:

     i.  Cancellations and add-on cases

     ii.  Patient/visitor/surgeon complaints or problems

     iii.  Information necessary to promote safe continuity of care throughout patient’s stay in facility

     iv.  Need for materials and supplies to ensure the operation of the recovery phase

     v.  Late start cases

3.  Develops and implements plans for increased efficiency and for ensuring communication of policies/procedures/protocols          and physician preferences among staff in the department

4.  Communicates and promotes a continuous quality improvement commitment to staff through critical thinking process

  5.  Maintains continuity of care in accordance with facility policies through communications with Administrator, Anesthesia, Medical Director and Board of Managers

  6.  Maintains appropriate standing physician’s orders and ensures staff education regarding their use

  7.  Maintains physician preference files and provides the staff education regarding their use

8.  Continuously monitors staff to provide for quality of nursing care and improvement opportunities

B. Provides optimal qualified personnel for the center

  1.  Staffs the department appropriately based on the caseload and other department activities

  2.  Plans and directs daily personnel assignments, delegating specific duties and tasks, monitoring their completion

C. Assists in the provision and control of supplies and equipment needed for optimal operation.

  1.  Assists in control of inventory, drugs, supplies and equipment

  2.  Assists in inventory management and control of narcotic substances

  3.  Maintains a record log of all area equipment, including maintenance and repair records

  4.  Supervises care and cleanliness of equipment, maintaining in good working order

  5.  Observes and communicates needs for new or different items in the department

  6.  Observes use and handling of supplies to decrease waste, mishandling, or incorrect methods and educates staff when necessary

D. Promotes educational opportunities and staff development

  1.  Identifies need for and conducts in-service education as appropriate

  2.  Facilitates staff attendance at facility educational programs as well as outside seminars by coordinating staff

  3.  Encourages staff towards self-improvement and education and monitors progress toward department goals of performance

  4.  Provides comprehensive orientation program to new personnel

  5.  Conducts monthly staff meetings and maintains minute

E. Maintains a safe environment for patients and personnel

  1.  Ensures measures to provide safe and adequate care and transportation of patients

  2.  Monitors utilization and care of physical plant, supplies, and equipment to provide for cleanliness and operational ability at all times

F. Assists with administrative duties

  1.  Adheres to national standards in policy decisions

  2.  Assists in formation and evaluation of department philosophy, objectives, procedures and policies

  3.  Performs performance evaluations on all department employees

  4.  Counsels employees as needed and makes recommendations for salary adjustments, promotions, and/or termination

  5.  Reports changes of any type to Administrator

  6.  Represents department in meetings with management

  7.  Utilizes computer system in work activities as appropriate

  8.  Monitors and responds to physician, patient, and staff complaints

  9.  Monitors and acts to enhance physician, patient and staff satisfaction

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

A.  Immediate Supervisor:   Administrator

B.  Positions to be supervised: Operating Room Nursing Personnel

CONTACT WITH OTHERS

A.  Internal: Board of Managers, Medical Staff, Business Office, Anesthesia, and Management Staff.

B.  External: Patients, families and escorts, physicians, physician offices staff, equipment sales and supply representatives.

Requirements

POSITION CHARACTERISTICS

It may occasionally be necessary to work beyond normal shift hours to meet the needs of the caseload and maintain other responsibilities. Staff members scheduled late in the day may call after hours for advice. It is a position of responsibility and accountability, requiring problem-solving and decision-making skills, and can be hectic and stressful.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Physical and mental-requires extensive mobility, walking, and standing. Pushing, pulling, lifting, turning, and assisting patients. Potential exists for exposure to blood and body fluids as well as other hazardous materials. Personal protective equipment should be utilized as needed. Employee must be able to work independently as well as within a team. Employee must be objective in view of employees and department processes. Employee must have excellent interpersonal relations and communications skills as well as organizational abilities. Must present and maintain professional image and leadership qualities. Employee must be willing to take responsibilities, and assertiveness. Must be able to re-assess priorities and have the ability to handle periods of stress.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

The Nurse Manager must be a graduate of an accredited School of Nursing and currently licensed to practice nursing in the state. Two years’ experience, Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and/or management preferred.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.