Float Charge Nurse

POSITION SUMMARY
Provides nursing care utilizing the nursing process; provides direction and supervision of other nurses and health care personnel; adheres to performance standards designated for this position. This position supports the mission, vision and philosophy of West River Health Services.

The Float Charge nurse provides administrative representation and clinical direction/assistance to staff within his/her designated department 24hours per day/7 days/week. They are responsible for knowing the expectations, duties and roles, and appropriate care standards of each of the nursing departments. They are responsible for the status of patients and staffing within the department and providing direction for all department staff. They will promote administrative decisions to physicians, staff, patients, and families and act as a positive change agent. Be an advocate for physicians, staff, patients, and families’, as well as a resource person and educator. Monitor quality of care issues as it pertains to staff and physician practices and encourages adherence to hospital policies. Assist in keeping the lines of communication open between administration, physicians, and staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Initiates and revises the plan of care according to policy and individual patient needs
• Participates in discharge planning per policy.
• Assesses patient per policy and need in an appropriate manner.
• Teaches patient and family about treatments, diagnosis, care, medications and discharge plan.
• Adapts nursing care to specific age group. When unfamiliar, consults resources necessary.
• Documents accurately and timely (at the time of occurrence) in the medical record the following: Assessments, Teaching, Family Involvement, Interventions, Patient response, Discharge plan, Implementation of MD orders, and medication.
• Assists Chief Nursing Officer in other related duties as required and assigned.

Daily Responsibilities of Charge Nurse (unless otherwise noted)

• Admits medical, surgical, and pediatric patients.
• Has skill and ability to assist with: IV starts, injections, port accessing and care, PICC line care and central line blood draws.
• Attends and actively participates in discharge planning.
• Makes patient placement decisions based on patient acuity and staff ability.
• Supervises CNAs, LPNs, RNs, WCs
• Acts as a resource to nursing staff for patient care and nursing skills.
• Demonstrates ability to confront co-workers and takes appropriate, constructive action when concerns arise.
• Monitors and participates in quality and performance improvement projects on a daily basis.
• May assist in performance appraisals for a designated group of staff. (Annually)
• Will be responsible for coordinating staffing each shift between all departments. Charge nurse assesses staffing needs according to activity level, nursing skill mix, and patient’s geographic location as well as patient’s and family’s needs.
• Communicates effectively with all members of the health care team, patients and families.
• Reports critical incidents to Administrative staff. (As they arise)
• Serves as a primary care coordinator of all disciplines for well-coordinated patient care.
• Acts as a resource to physicians by providing necessary information, contacting family when necessary, and making rounds with physicians as requested and/or when primary nurse is not available.
• Assists with staff scheduling by approving trades, placing shift trades and staff changes on permanent schedule and calling in additional staff when needed or placing staff low census as needed.
• Demonstrates excellence in customer service at all times and in all interactions with staff, patients and families.
• Assists with teaching at skills fairs throughout the year.
• Participates in at least one hospital committee. (Monthly)
• Assists in yearly review of clinical nursing policies. (Annually & as-needed)
• Teaches and on-boards new employees, ensure competency of skills for nurse aids and nurses. (With each new hire)

Job Requirements/Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Current North Dakota Registered Nurse License
• Capable of meeting the physical and emotional demand of the position
• Unit Specific certification requirements:
  • All Nursing Staff:
    • BLS-Immediately upon employment
    • ACLS-within 3 months of employment
    • PALS-within 6 months of employment
    • TNCC-within 9 months of employment
  • Obstetrics Staff:
    • NRP-within 1 year
    • STABLE-within 1 year

• BSN preferred
• Must meet the criteria required for the nursing area
• FIT testing

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