CHARGE NURSE

Title: Charge Nurse

Department: Clinical

Exempt: No

Supervisor: Director of Nursing

Summary

A Charge Nurse is responsible for supporting the Director of Nursing in directing, coordinating and managing all day-to-day aspects of the patient-facing staff and regulatory responsibilities of the center while embodying the primary goals of efficiently combining safe, quality patient care and surgical services that exceed customer (including provider) expectations. Collaborate closely with anesthesia, surgeons, and facility leadership to deliver an exceptional patient experience.

Responsibilities

• Assists in ensuring appropriate patient care is delivered in accordance with all regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and center policies to promote patient safety and quality outcomes.
• Directs daily clinical operations to support on-time case starts, efficient room turnovers, and safe transitions of patient care throughout the surgical experience.
• Monitors patient flow to promote operational efficiency while maintaining a positive, patient-centered experience.
• Builds and maintains collaborative working relationships among physicians, employees, and leadership while serving as a strong advocate for staff and fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Assists with employee performance evaluations, orientation, annual education, competency assessments, and ongoing staff development. Provides coaching, education, and hands-on training as needed to support employee success.
• Assists with inventory management, including medical supplies, equipment, pharmaceuticals, and other clinical resources to ensure appropriate stock levels and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinates daily staffing assignments and schedules under the direction of the Director of Nursing (DON), ensuring appropriate staffing based on patient acuity, employee competencies, and procedural case mix.
• Serves as the backup for reviewing, investigating, and summarizing incident, variance, and risk management reports for the Director of Nursing, Administrator, and Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee.
• Assists in investigating and resolving patient, physician, and employee concerns or complaints while communicating findings and recommended resolutions to center leadership in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates professional, respectful, and culturally competent communication with patients, families, physicians, vendors, and fellow employees.
• Serves as a clinical resource and mentor to registered nurses, surgical technologists, sterile processing personnel, and support staff.
• Promotes and enforces a workplace culture that maintains zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, workplace violence, or abusive behavior.
• Participates in emergency preparedness activities, disaster response drills, and regulatory surveys while supporting compliance with all safety, emergency management, and accreditation requirements.
• Monitors clinical documentation for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance, providing education and corrective guidance when necessary.
• Assists in monitoring, collecting, and reporting required quality indicators, performance metrics, and patient safety measures to leadership and the QAPI Committee.
• Maintains knowledge of and ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and accrediting agency regulations and professional standards, including but not limited to CMS, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), The Joint Commission (TJC), AORN, ASPAN, ANSI, OSHA, AAMI, DEA, and other governing organizations.
• Supports continuous quality improvement initiatives that enhance patient outcomes, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and financial stewardship.
• Consistently demonstrates the organization's mission, vision, and core values by prioritizing world-class, safe, high-quality patient care while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, teamwork, and organizational performance.

– Performs additional duties and special projects as assigned by the Administrator and Director of Nursing.

Skills & Qualifications

– Must be able to deliver the responsibilities both as an individual and as an active leader of the team (dictated by situation).

– College diploma or equivalent; and 24 to 36 months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

– Registered nurse with active license in good standing in the State of Colorado.

– Must maintain active certification for basic life support (BLS/CPR) and advanced care life support (ACLS).

– Utilize creativity in solving complex problems while involving and empowering others in delivering the solution.

– Attention to detail and timeliness of completion of duties on a daily, weekly and monthly perspective are key.

– Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the responsibilities.

– Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Preferred

– Proficient technology skills with Word, Excel and other surgery center software application(s).

– General familiarity with medical terminology as it pertains to materials for an operating room, doctors, nurses and/or other.

Company Profile

Our surgery center is committed to providing exceptional, patient-centered care in a safe, compassionate, and welcoming environment. We proudly serve patients and their families from the surrounding community and beyond, offering a comprehensive range of outpatient surgical services. By combining advanced technology, highly skilled physicians and staff, and evidence-based clinical practices, we strive to deliver the highest quality care while ensuring every patient receives a personalized and comfortable experience from consultation through recovery.