Charge Nurse

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to the following)

Leadership & Operations

·         Supervise nursing staff, delegating responsibilities to ensure adequate staffing based on patient acuity and census.

·         Serve as a liaison between staff, leadership, and other departments, promoting a professional and collaborative work environment.

·         Conduct regular rounds in all 24/7 nursing units, including inpatient and emergency departments.

·         Assume direct patient care duties as needed during high census or unforeseen circumstances.

·         Review nursing documentation, monitor care levels, and oversee admission guidelines and discharge planning.

·         Assist with after-hours case management, insurance utilization, and skilled referral reviews.

·         Provide IT and pharmacy assistance as needed after hours.

·         Recommend and implement process improvements for efficiency and patient care quality.

Patient Care & Safety

·         Assess, diagnose, treat, and evaluate patient care throughout the hospital.

·         Supervise and maintain accurate patient records, including medication administration and treatment plans.

·         Provide clinical guidance and decision-making support to nursing staff.

·         Respond to emergencies, including rapid response situations and medical crises.

·         Ensure proper use of specialized equipment and maintain adequate medical supplies.

·         Educate patients and families on diagnoses, treatment plans, medications, and discharge instructions.

·         Act as a patient advocate and serve as a liaison between medical staff and patients/families.

Team Collaboration & Development

·         Promote a culture of learning by mentoring staff, assisting in new employee orientation, and providing ongoing education.

·         Encourage a positive work environment through coaching and constructive feedback.

·         Collaborate with the nurse manager to enhance departmental patient experience scores.

·         Assist in developing and reviewing policies and procedures as assigned.

Administrative & Compliance

·         Ensure compliance with hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.

·         Maintain accurate documentation and oversee workflow adjustments to manage patient care effectively.

·         Demonstrate flexibility in scheduling, including working additional hours or adjusting shifts as needed.

·         Ensure timely attendance and arrive before scheduled staff members.

·         Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

·         Strong leadership, delegation, and problem-solving skills.

·         Clinical competence in caring for pediatric through geriatric patients.

·         Ability to operate complex medical equipment and apply nursing best practices.

·         Excellent communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.

·         Ability to work in a fast-paced, regulated healthcare environment.

·         Strong ethical standards and a commitment to high-quality patient care.

·         Effective time management and attention to detail.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

·         Graduate from an accredited school of nursing.

·         Current Iowa RN license or eligibility for reciprocity/work permit.

·         Minimum 3-5 years of clinical experience preferred.

·         Previous supervisory experience preferred.

·         Certifications:

Required: ACLS
Preferred: PALS, TNCC