Charge Nurse

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Clinical Performance

1. Utilizes the nursing process to perform comprehensive, systematic assessments of a resident’s physiological, psychological, emotional, intellectual, intellectual, vocational, and spiritual needs.  Based on the results of these assessments, will develop, periodically review, and revise as needed an individualized plan of care.
2. Documents assessment results thoroughly, accurately, and timely.
3. Collaborates/consults with other members of the health care team through such avenues as Care Conferences, morning stand-up, and 1:1 meeting with residents, families, and other team members.
4. Develops a teaching plan designed to meet residents’ needs. The plan will reflect the resident’s learning style (auditory, visual, performance demonstration).

Leadership

1. Participates in a Quality Improvement team.
2. Fulfills the role of resident advocate.  Consults with Saint John’s Ethics Committee as needed.
3. Collaborates with the Education Manager in the orientation of new staff.
4. Promotes operational efficiency through the judicious use of medical supplies, medications, dressings, and equipment.  Requests replenishment of supplies when needed and completes the necessary paperwork for billing purposes.  Monitors the use of supplies by others.
5. Participates in educational programs and seminars to continually refine clinical skills and enhance interpersonal relationships. Shares learnings with others.

Supervisory

1. Assures that sufficient staff are present to provide resident care as outlined in the residents’ plans of care.
2. Delegates resident care to LPNs, Med Passers and RAs recognizing their individual knowledge, skills, and abilities.
3. Supervises LPNs, Med Passers, and RAs directly and indirectly to assure that all delegated activities are completed thoroughly, accurately, and timely.
4. Utilizes critical thinking to solve problems and make decisions.
5. Provides informal performance feedback.  Takes immediate action when unacceptable performance issues arise with any team member.  Collaborates with DON/Nurse Manager on all coaching, counseling, and disciplinary actions.
6. Acts as the Person in Charge of residents at Saint John’s in the absence of a member of the Saint John’s Leadership Team (ex.  Weekends, holidays, weekdays during non- business hours).
7. Assumes command in emergency situations as outlined in Saint John's Fire and Disaster procedures, work area emergency plan and administrative manual.
8. Must know, understand, and comply with all emergency procedures and be able to assist with resident evacuation if necessary and all safety, security, infection control and hazardous materials policies and procedures.

Professionalism

1. Maintains the confidentiality of proprietary business, financial, health, personal or other information concerning residents, employees, consultants, prospects, and operations and where appropriate complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) as well as corporate and departmental standards.
2. Assures that all resident rights are maintained. Report any violations of suspected deviations according to Saint John's policy.  Assist in the investigation of allegations of abuse and misappropriation of residents’ property according to State and Federal regulations.
3. Works cooperatively with residents, clients, families, volunteers, visitors, and all levels of staff throughout the organization.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications:

1. Must be a graduate of an accredited School of Nursing and currently licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Wisconsin.
2. Must have at least 2 years of experience in a geriatric/rehabilitation setting.  One year acute medical/surgical hospital experience preferred.
3. Must be CPR certified.
4. Must be able to read, speak and write English.

Knowledge:

1. Familiar with State and Federal regulations/guidelines for primary work area: Skilled Nursing Facility (Windsor); CBRF (Stratford and Canterbury) and RCAC (Towers).
2. Understands the MDS system and is able to complete the nursing component (Windsor).

Skills:

1. Possesses basic computer skills with some proficiency in the use of Microsoft Outlook.
2. Able to provide constructive performance feedback to facilitate staff development.

Abilities:

1. Demonstrates dependability and reliability in adhering to an established work schedule.  Able to work flexible hours to meet scheduling requirements.
2. Demonstrates performance efficiency in managing workload with little overtime.  Able to adapt to changing organizational needs.
3. Displays excellent written and verbal communication skills. Knows and follows existing lines of communication and authority.  Exhibits a warm, cheerful, caring manner when interacting with residents, families, co-workers, and other guests at Saint John’s.
4. Must be professional in actions, dress appropriately to the position, have excellent customer service skills, and desire to work with and serve older adults.
5. Must demonstrate the ability to comprehend and follow established procedures.  Able to multi-task and work independently while performing various job duties.