Charge Nurse

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

DEPARTMENT: Nursing Service

JOB TITLE: Charge Nurse

RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Nursing

JOB SUMMARY:

This individual is responsible for providing quality care to the facility’s residents through the supervision of assigned personnel. The Charge Nurse promotes and maintains health, prevents illness and injury, and provides care utilizing standardized procedures and the nursing process, including administering medications and treatments under the direction of the CRNP or the physician. The incumbent must have a basic knowledge of the biological, physical and behavioral sciences and of nursing skills. They must also be tactful, patient, understanding, emotionally stable, able to work as part of a team and handle responsibility, work independently and supervise the work of other employees. This employee should be dependable and reliable. Our facility operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and must be fully staffed.

DUTIES (NOT LIMITED TO):

1. Directs, through the direct supervision of the RN Unit Supervisor, activities of the assigned nursing staff, including scheduling work assignments, breaks and meal periods.
2. Assign the work of the CNAs, and discipline or reprimand them, if necessary.
3. Supervise and assist with individual resident care.
4. Administer and document prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing techniques and facility guidelines.
5. Observe residents, record significant conditions and reactions, and notify the RN Unit Supervisor and/or physician of the resident’s condition and reaction to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents.
6. Assist the RN Unit Supervisor to carry out the physician’s orders and/or direct other health team regarding procedures performed.
7. Take temperature, pulse, blood pressure and other vital signs to detect deviations from normal and monitor the condition of the resident.
8. Observe residents, record significant conditions and reactions, and notify the RN Supervisor and MD/CRNP of the resident’s condition as needed.
9. Assist the RN Supervisor in determining the resident’s needs and evaluating the adequacy of care.
10. Collect samples, such as urine, stool and/or sputum, from residents for routine laboratory testing.
11. Document and supervise accurate and complete records of observations made, medications and care given.
12. Assist in preparation, implementation, and continuing evaluation of the resident’s plan of care.
13. Prepare and administer ordered medications (with the exception of I.V. push medications for LPNs) after completion of approved IV training program and check-offs.
14. Give emotional support to the resident and their families.
15. Participate in scheduled staff meetings and in-services.
16. Evaluate the performance of CNAs based upon personal observations and supervisory knowledge of their job performance.
17. Investigate accidents, injuries and/or incidents involving either a resident or employee and complete a report.
18. Participate in committees directed toward improving the quality of resident care, including evaluation methods by which facility personnel can improve the quality of care provided.
19. Ensure that proper and dignified procedures are carried out when caring for a deceased resident, including supervising personnel performing tasks related to this function.
20. Must demonstrate good customer service.
21. Possess complete knowledge of fire and disaster plans and steps to take in case of an emergency.
22. Ensure that all residents’ rights are preserved.
23. Maintain nursing station – keep it clean and orderly.
24. Demonstrate knowledge of medications given to resident, including therapeutic effect and possible side effects.
25. Review CNA recordings, auditing for accuracy and completeness.
26. Check eMAR against MD orders, scan medication, administer medication. If med is not taken – document reason on electronic MAR system.
27. Possess a working knowledge of MDS assessment process and be familiar with assessment parameters.
28. Enforce all policies and procedures of the facility.
29. Assume responsibility for self-improvement and continuing education classes.
30. Responsible for the economic use of supplies and safeguards against misuse or loss.
31. Serve in other capacities, when assigned, in accordance nursing certification scope of practice.
32. Report to the RN Unit Supervisor and the Director of Nursing.
33. Conduct an audit of the medicine cart by the 5th of each month when working on the 7pm shift. (The nurse should check the listed medications on the eMAR against the doctor’s orders, verifying the medication name, route, dosage, and prescribed time.) The eMAR is then checked against the medication cart, verifying that all prescribed medications are available, properly labeled for directions and expiration dates.
34. Submit a written statement to the Director of Nursing office (by the 7pm charge nurse) indicating that the audit is complete, along with a listing of problems found during the audit.
35. Receive and verify pharmacy deliveries.
36. Assist in maintaining a safe and attractive environment for the residents.
37. Promote appropriate antibiotic usage.
38. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Have a current nursing license in the State of Alabama.
2. Maintain 24 credit hours every two years to retain certification.