RN Charge, OR

General Summary Statement

Provides comprehensive, quality nursing care through application of the nursing process. Adheres to Nursing Policies and Procedures and Organizational Goals and Objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Practice

1. Provides age appropriate care for the population served. Gives consideration to growth & developmental phase of life, to age related factors such as thermal regulation, nutrition, medication administration, nutrition, safety and functional needs of the patient.
2. Uses appropriate resources for patients with special needs such as language barriers, sensory problems, altered cognition, cultural and religious needs.
3. Ensures attention to patient’s physical, spiritual and emotional well being.
4. Demonstrates competency in assessment skills (Includes admission)
5. Performs pain assessments and intervenes to optimally meet patient’s needs for comfort.
6. Plans clinical care based on patient’s needs and uses available resources.
7. Performs clinical care in accordance with policy and procedure.
8. Evaluates outcomes of nursing interventions and takes appropriate actions to move patient toward reaching goals of care.
9. Identifies situations that warrant patient rescue and takes appropriate action, e.g. Rapid Response, Code Blue/Pink/Green/Stroke Alert, Fire Safety, Active Shooter, etc.
10. Adheres to the rights of medication administration and uses the Medication Administration system per policy and procedure.
11. Integrates principles of infection control & infection prevention into practice.
12. Adheres to aseptic technique as appropriate.
13. Uses resources and references for reviewing policies and procedures, medications, and clinical information.
14. Prioritizes and organizes work effectively within assigned shift.
15. Identifies potential complications related to surgery and implements appropriate interventions.
16. Promotes restoration of function to optimal level at discharge by implementing surgical nursing measures.
17. Adheres to CCH Joint Commission Standards and core measures for the care of the patients who have had joint replacement surgeries.

Communication

1. Uses effective communication during hand-offs, huddles and schedule updates and overall collaboration regarding surgical patients. (e.g. Shift report, transfer report, daily operations etc).
2. Organizes information into a meaningful format, such as Optime or SBAR.
3. Delegates appropriately to team members.
4. Communicates patient care information to the interdisciplinary care team.
5. Provides patient and family information in a manner that is understood (e.g. Patient progression and waiting rooms).
6. Utilizes communication modalities appropriately (e.g. Secure Chat, text messaging, etc.)

Documentation

1. Documents patient care in an accurate, professional and timely manner using electronic medical record and paper documentation forms according to policy and procedure.
2. Documents patient care that is relevant to patient’s diagnosis, problems and reflects patient’s status.

Professional Role Development

1. Develops own nursing knowledge via practice, observation, professional literature, networking and attending continuing education programs.
2. Promotes best practice by demonstrating a commitment to quality patient care and the profession of nursing.
3. Promotes innovation and creativity in the practice environment.
4. Serves as a mentor for new employees.
5. Mentors student nurses.
6. Accepts constructive feedback about performance or behaviors and shows evidence of change.
7. Demonstrates verbal and writing skills that are appropriate for healthcare communication.
8. Adheres to the Surgical Attire Policy.

Department of Nursing and Organization Support

1. Attends assigned committee meetings and contributes to the committees.
2. Communicates support of organizational values and strategies.
3. Supports the following organizational programs: Magnet®, Joint Commission Standards, Nursing Councils, and integrates their standards into clinical practice.
4. Reviews nursing quality data, (e.g. NDNQI and Press Ganey) and identifies how to apply best practice into own practice and mentor others towards meeting quality target goals.
5. Maintains attendance/lateness standards in accordance with Hospital policy.

Departmental Support

1. Maintains equipment in working order. Uses equipment appropriately, follows Department policies for equipment and supply use and maintenance.
2. Performs assigned duties to maintain unit in a state of survey readiness and maintain quality initiatives. For example, quality control measures, emergency equipment checks, medication preparation area cleanliness, etc.
3. Adheres to unit programs to support patient care such as maintaining a quiet environment, unit rounding, customer service, etc.
4. Attends staff meetings on a regular basis.
5. Keeps patient care area and work environment neat and organized.

Management Responsibilities:

1. Ensures the patient care area is cared for, maintained, clean, and secure for patients, visitors, and staff.
2. Assists the management team with compliance for policies, procedures, regulations, and standards of care.
3. Coordinates and facilitates the patient flow process for admission, discharges, and transfers within established guidelines.
4. Integrates interdepartmental communication as evidenced by problem solving on the department level.
5. Collaborates and consults with specialty leads to support surgical schedule requirements.
6. Collaborates with OR/ACC/Endo/PACU regarding real time patient flow needs and schedule changes and throughput. Include other areas such as Cath lab, L+D, etc.
7. Monitors arrivals, delays, and overall patient progression to ensure optimal patient throughput.
8. Works with the Clinical Manager to maintain staffing schedules and assignments.
9. Assumes direct patient care as indicated by scheduling need.
10. Delegates assignments and coordination of care to support operations of the department.
11. Identifies performance and behaviors that may benefit from performance improvement strategies. Collaborate with management team.
12. Identifies and immediately performs service recovery and follows up as appropriate.
13. Participates in QI/PI projects, staff evaluations, and all appropriate departmental projects.

Education Training and Experience

Graduate of an accredited Nursing Program. Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) is required.

Experience preferred, however training and specialty specific education programs are provided during orientation, and must be successfully completed as scheduled.

Basic computer skills. Ability to complete data entry on clinical documentation screens. Ability to use email and internet. Ability to successfully complete on the job training for CCH computer programs. Ability to practice critical thinking and organizational skills. Ability to speak, read, write and understand English.

Licensure/Certification

Current Pennsylvania RN License

CPR certification required

Certification in clinical specialty is preferred.

Department specific competencies