Rn Charge Nurse

DEPARTMENT: Nursing

SUPERVISOR: Director of Nursing and/or Assistant Director of Nursing

POSITION SUMMARY: The purpose of the RN Charge Nurse position is to assist the Director of Nursing in overseeing the coordination of quality care for facility residents.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following represents the essential functions of the RN Charge Nurse's role. This list is intended to be a general description of duties and responsibilities; however, it is subject to change according to the needs of the facility determined by the Administrator and/or corporate designee.

• Assists the Director of Nursing in overseeing the coordination of quality care for facility residents.
• Assesses residents upon admission and/or readmission.
• May perform rounds with physicians and/or Nurse Practitioner and assist with signing off telephone orders.
• Assist with data entry review of physician orders.
• Assist nurses with incidents, incident investigation, emergencies, etc. as needed to ensure processes are followed and quality care is provided.
• Assist with charting as needed.
• Assist with discharge process and/or completion of discharge summary.
• Reviews 24-hour report and addresses any concerns.
• Makes rounds frequently during the shift providing intervention as needed. During the entire shift, will be attuned to needs of the unit while doing other nursing tasks.
• May assist with medication or treatment administration. Reorders medications as needed in preparation for future shifts.
• Addresses issues with supplies, pharmacy, laboratory, appointments, etc. to ensure residents are cared for according to physician's orders.
• Assesses and documents medication issues as per policy.
• May assist with dining room observation during meals to ensure safety of the residents.
• Continually assesses and reassesses residents for risk of complications (I.e., skin breakdown, incontinence, contractures, reduced mobility, reduced involvement in bathing, dressing, or eating, weight loss, behaviors due to change in lifestyle, etc.).
• Assists in the ordering and reviewing of results of laboratory tests as indicated. Notifies physician of results.
• Notifies the physician of unusual findings as indicated.
• Assists with auditing charts.
• Assists with answering and correcting consultant reports.
• Assists in keeping other departments informed of resident's change of condition when needed.
• Keeps nurse's station, medication carts, medication rooms and storage areas clean.
• Assigns staff to keep equipment clean and in proper condition for use.
• Gives report to oncoming shift.
• Encourages safety to prevent accidents and assures equipment safety.
• Attends required in-service training.
• Functions within the constraints of established policy and procedure consistent with accepted nursing standards.
• Is assigned responsibility/authority for decisions relating to nursing services, assigned supervisory duties and related tasks; but may consult with nurse supervisor, director of nursing, administrator, nurse consultants, or other nursing professionals, or other resources.
• Communicates in a professional and courteous manner using effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills with residents, their families, and co-workers.
• Maintains confidentiality of department, resident, employee information, communication, and documentation as well as compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations.
• Clocks in and out for all working/training hours. Working off the clock will not be permitted at any time or for any reason.
• Maintain compliance with Legacy's Compliance program and plan.
• Adhere to Legacy's Code of Conduct and Dress Code.
• These duties are not all-inclusive but provide minimum performance expectations which will be reviewed in the evaluation process. Supervisor may edit, alter, add to, or exclude duties and responsibilities based on the needs of the facility.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE/REQUIREMENTS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Freedom from illegal use of drugs.
• Freedom from use and effects of drugs and alcohol in the workplace.
• Anyone found guilty by a court of law of abusing, neglecting or mistreating individuals in a health care related setting are ineligible for employment in the position.

Education and/or Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited nursing school and a current, valid license or registration (RN) in the state where employed are required.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Current state license to practice as a nurse.
• Current CPR certification and additional certification in nursing specialty desired.