Charge Nurse

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Director of Surgical Services, the Surgical Services Charge Nurse supervises the provision of direct and indirect patient care in the surgical setting. Functions as liaison between patients, physicians and other healthcare providers. Communicates with physicians, Director of Surgical Services, House Supervisors, and co-workers as appropriate about patient and department needs. Responsible for ensuring competence of pre/intra/postoperative staff members and for ensuring compliance with applicable policies and procedures related to pre/intra/postoperative services. Directs and delegates duties as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Able to perform all Essential Functions of a Surgical Services RN.

Assign pre/postoperative responsibilities considering skill mix and unique patient needs.

Ensure and validate competencies for all pre/intra/postoperative staff members.

Perform routine and emergent surgical services care and interventions as needed to support the department.

Along with the Director of Surgical Services, oversee and coordinate outpatient surgery, endoscopy, and other outpatient surgical procedures.  

Along with the Director of Surgical Services, performs administrative duties to support optimal performance of the department, including overseeing scheduling, staffing, providing input to the Director with regards to policies and procedures. Participates in development of competencies. Upon request of the Director, will sign-off timecards and participates in annual staff evaluations. Participates in budgeting and is accountable for compliance with budget standards.

Familiar with Policies, Procedures, and Protocols. Ensures that Care and Documentation by staff members, meets current standards of practice and complies with all such guidelines.

Other duties as assigned to support the overall effectiveness of the department and organizational performance in accordance with Curry Health Network's Mission, Vision, and Shared Values.

SHARED VALUES

Service:           We serve with compassion and understanding.

Teamwork:     We are one team – each one of us makes a difference.

Curiosity:        We promote learning.

Integrity:         We live by honesty, trust, and doing the right thing by our organizational values.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Current state Registered Nurse licensure.
• Current ACLS & PALS certification preferred but required within 6 months of hire
• Current AHA Healthcare Provider BLS Certification
• Three (3) or more years of experience in Surgical Services Nursing
• Previous departmental management experience of at least one (1) year is strongly preferred

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Additional languages preferred.
• Effective strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong computer knowledge and ability.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Demands

On-the-job time is spent in the following physical activities:

None of the time: taste or smell

Up to 1/3 of the time: Stoop, Kneel, Crouch or crawl

From 1/3 to 1/2 of the time: Walk, reach with hands and arms, Sit, Push/Pull, Reach with hands

Up 2/3 of the time and more: Stand, Walk, Talk or Hear, Use Hands to finger, handle or feel

This job requires that weight be lifted, or force be exerted as follows:

None of the time: up to ormore than 100 pounds

Up to 1/3 of the time: up to 50 pounds

From 1/3 to 1/2 of the time: No requirement

Up to 2/3 of the time and more: no requirement

This job has special vision requirements as follows:

Close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

This job requires exposure to the following environmental conditions:

None of the time: Extreme heat/cold; Wet/humid; fumes/airborne particles; work with explosives; vibration; outdoor weather conditions, vibration

Up to 1/3 of the time: Toxic or caustic chemicals, Risk of electrical shock, Risk of Radiation

From 1/3 to 1/2 of the time: no requirement

The typical noise level for the work environment is: very quiet to moderate noise.

Hearing requirements: ability to hear alarms on equipment, patient call and instructions.

This job requires the following repetitive motion actions:

0 hours per day- Repetitive use of foot control(both),

From 1 – 2 hours per day: Grasping firm/heavy(both)

From 3 – 4 hours per day: No Requirement

From 5 – 6 hours per day: No requirement  

From 7+ hours per day: Repetitive use of hands (both), Fine Dexterity (both), Grasping simple/light (both) 

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Duties and responsibilities may be modified at any time to meet the needs of the organization.