Job Description

Responsible for the management and coordination of patient care within the hospital. This is accomplished through the implementation and integration of the nursing process, through assignment and supervision of the unit team, and in coordination and collaboration with the physicians utilizing the unit. Functions as a resource in the hospital units.

Supervises: All nursing and ancillary support personnel involved in the planning, implementation of, and evaluation of patient care services throughout the hospital during designated shifts.

Classification: Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

• Licensure as a Registered Nurse
• Minimum of 5 years in acute care hospital services
• House supervisory or charge nurse experience required
• Critical care experience preferred
• BLS & ACLS & PALS

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE

Category I exposure to blood borne pathogens, frequent exposure to chemical hazards and may encounter radiation hazards.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitors and maintains unit compliance with regulatory, accrediting and hospital policy for patient services, and environmental and personnel safety.
• Maintains current license and knowledge of nursing care requirements for patients in the hospital. Assesses need for personal growth and development and takes the initiative in seeking opportunities to meet need.
• Fosters a service which is consistent with the patient care beliefs and shared management philosophy of the hospital.
• Consults with patients/families through primary nurse request, direct family request, and/or direct assessment of patient/family response to hospitalization.
• Effectively communicates departmental, organization, and industry information to staff.
• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.
• Provides leadership, direction, mentorship, and support to the patient care team. Acts as point of contact for all transfers and admissions.
• Demonstrates an expert level of clinical competency as to serve as a clinical resource and acts as a competency validator as outlined in unit specific competency assessment plan.
• Ensures appropriate staffing levels to provide safe patient care are maintained.
• Assists in providing effective distribution and utilization of personnel with particular emphasis on staffing for nursing areas.
• Manages the resolution of issues that arise during the course of the shift. Executes decisions in the absence of the hospital administration. Determines need to contact Administrator on Call. Coordinates with Chief Nursing Officer and unit managers as indicated.
• Evaluates issues and identifies trends. Communicates trends to hospital leadership and collaborates on problem solving to address trended issues.
• Serves as the leader of the hospital safety plan in the absence of hospital administrators and other leaders. Includes coordinating the response to reported incidents including employee injuries.
• Monitors and evaluates clinical standards within the Hospital.
• Serves as clinical support for Emergency Department, Inpatient and ICU as needed (may require direct patient care assignment).
• Ensures that age and culturally appropriate care is given.
• Follow Stand Precautions using personal protective equipment as required for procedures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit, converse, and listen; use hands to touch, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and to reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee must be able to life and/or carry over 20 pounds on a regular basis and be able to push/pull over 25 pounds on a regular basis.
• The employee must be able to stand and/or walk at least five hours per day.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.