Overview

The charge nurse identifies patient needs and priorities for care though assessment. The charge nurse plans and delegates care based on patient needs. The charge nurse evaluates the patient's response to care and the attainment of or progress toward expected outcomes. The charge nurse is accountable for outcomes of patient care delivered during the assigned shift. The charge nurse acts as collaborative member of the clinical team in providing continuity of and quality patient care. The charge nurse is responsible for the collection of data to include PI, infection control, and other quality control activities.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Responsible for the overall unity activities for assigned shift, observing personnel in the work situation, giving direction when needed and following up on observed deficiencies. Leadership in achieving work properly, dealing with other departments effectively, maintaining morale, following policies and communicating promptly with Director to solve problems and suggest solutions. Demonstrates an awareness of the economics of maintaining and managing the activities of the department and interprets the budget to personnel and promotes optimal utilization of resources. Assists in data collection to include PI, infection control, and other quality control activities. Performs other duties as assigned within the RN scope of practice. Ability to perform a complete assessment on all patients and reassessment based on unit scope of care. Takes appropriate action based on assessment findings. Develop and implement interdisciplinary plan of care based on identified needs involving patient/family and evaluate/revise as needed. Develop and implement interdisciplinary teaching plan based on identified needs involving patient/family and evaluate/revise as needed. Utilize critical thinking in performing technical and manual skills to meet patient care needs. Acknowledge physicians on the unit; providing patient information, accompanying on rounds and assisting as needed. Appropriate delegation, coordination and supervision of others in the delivery of patient care. Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and utilization of critical thinking skills. Use sound judgment in handling emergency or crisis situations. Documentation meets current standards and policies. Assumes accountability for appropriate utilization of resources.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Experience Required: Education: Graduate of Accredited School of Nursing with current Alabama licensure.Experience: Charge nurse experience preferred. RN may orient to charge nurse after one year RN experience with leadership abilities.Additional Skill/Abilities: BLS certification or eligibility to certify within 90 days. Current ACLS certification or able to obtain within one year. Able to work under the following conditions: contact with patients under wide variety of circumstances; exposed to unpleasant elements (accidents, injuries, and illness); subject to varying and unpredictable situations; handles emergency or crisis situations; may perform emergency care; occasionally subjected to irregular hours; occasional stress due to multiple calls and inquiries. Capable of working overtime as required. Able to read, write and speak English.