Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

RN Charge Nurse
Job Codes #: 242, 243, 682, 683

Summary
Provides quality care that is dependent on physician order or through independent nursing interventions based on professional judgment in response to individualized patient needs. Promotes restorative health and/or supportive care using the nursing process to assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care.

Job Components
A. Professional Responsibilities:
o Adheres to scope of RN practice as outlined by the MS Board of Nursing, regulatory standards and hospital policy
o Maintains profession and technical knowledge and pursues professional growth opportunities
o Supervises and supports the RN, LPN, Nursing Assistant, Nurse Tech and student
o Serves as positive role model and in the preceptor role for new staff and students
o Keeping access to protected health information secure and confidential
o Collaborates with physician and multidisciplinary team to address patient needs
o Appropriately seeks help or guidance from supervisor or other resource people
o Adapts to change and prioritizes work
o Demonstrates reliable attendance, reports on time and is ready to work at beginning of shift
o Completes assigned duties, willingly accepts assignments and assist others to complete work on time
o Willing to support unit\xe2\x80\x99s staffing needs by occasionally adjusting work schedule, staying late or working extra
o Establishes a safe, compassionate, caring environment for patients and their family
o Establishes a safe, supportive work environment that promotes teamwork

B. Core Duties:
o Coordinates patient care by scheduling, consulting and organizing patient activities
o Performs admission and ongoing patient assessment and responds appropriately to findings
o Establishes a Plan of Care for each patient to address acute physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
o Promotes patient engagement by considering specific needs, values and preferences
o Establishes care goals, teaches patient/family about health conditions, medications, and self-care skills
o Develops discharge plan individualized for patient/ family needs that prevents hospital readmissions
o Accurately and completely documents assessments and nursing care in the patient\xe2\x80\x99s medical record
o Promotes continuity of care by reporting activities, incidences, and changing patient needs to next caregiver
o Demonstrates infection prevention behaviors, consistent hand washing and use of appropriate PPEs
o Adheres to safe medication administration while preparing, administering, documenting and monitoring meds
o Recognizes safety risk and implements prevention plan for falls, skin breakdown and injury
o Contributes to the department\xe2\x80\x99s performance improvement activities
o Demonstrates competency in performance of clinical skills

C. Essential Skill Competencies
Body system assessment
Phlebotomy
Establish IV access
CPR/or ACLS Certification
Safe blood administration
Medication monitoring
Preventive skin care
Chest tube care
Aseptic wound care/ dressing change
Foley catheter insertion/care
Advanced skills specific to individual unit will be monitored for competency during orientation.

D. Minimum Requirements:
Current RN license by the Mississippi Board of Nursing
RN with a minimum of one year of hospital clinical experience who demonstrates competency in the care of the newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult and/or geriatric patient
Aptitude for leadership and staff management either through appropriate education or experience

Must be able to read, write and understand written and verbal communication.
E. Interaction Skills: Effectively communicate verbally and in writing; Ability to provide instructions and education

St Croix Regional Medical Center