Lead Charge RN - Nightshift - OSS HEALTH : Job Details

JOB SUMMARY: The Lead Charge Nurse is accountable for the delivery of patient care utilizing the Nursing Process within the standards, policies, procedures and guidelines of the organization and direct supervision of RNs on the floor. In conjunction with the Nurse Manager, organizes the activities of the department including the physical environment, equipment, supplies, staffing, safety and quality of services both within the department and in cooperation with other departments. Works in conjunction with Administrator/Manager, Coordinators and Charge/Lead staff to ensure efficient, safe, quality-oriented patient care. Supports the philosophy and goals of OSS Health.QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION:Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing preferred.

Qualifications:

• Licensed and currently registered as a professional nurse in the State of Pennsylvania.
• Must have a current CPR certification and ACLS certification.
• Orthopedic Nurse certified (ONC) preferred.
• Must have at least (2) years of recent acute care RN experience in orthopedics and telemetry experience. Previous charge experience and/or (2) years relevant leadership experience preferred. Must have the ability to plan and direct work activities of staff to achieve organization, unit, shift and patient care goals.
• Must demonstrate appropriate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span of the patient as well as knowledge of current area of specialty nursing practices, techniques and procedures.
• Must be able to effectively and efficiently make use of time and resources. Must be able to coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously. Must have excellent organizational skills.
• Must have strong computer skills and professional and effective communication skills and be able to promote effective communication at all levels.
• Assumes responsibility for own personal continuing education and developmental needs.
• Must be able to resolve problems independently and make decisions, as well as work as a member of a team.
• Must have the ability to function as a resource to all levels of nursing and unit personnel to provide optimal patient care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages admissions and discharges within a particular department, ensuring appropriateness of the discharge care plan.
• Plans the nurse schedule and assignments of staff. Supervises and guides other nurses in their work.
• Encourages a culture that promotes staff productivity.
• Monitors patients and reports patient conditions to doctors. Maintains patient records as per requirements. Manages patient assignments effectively.
• Maintains inventories of medical supplies and medicines.
• Ensures that the unit runs efficiently and as per standards and regulations.
• Reviews charts for performance improvement projects and follows up with staff when criteria is not met in documentation.
• Assesses, plans, implements and evaluates patient care for an assigned group of patients.
• Verifies and implements physician/other licensed independent practitioners' orders.
• Administers medications according to OSS standards, policies, procedures, and/or guidelines.
• Assists surgeons with rounds to facilitate good communication and continuity of care.
• Works with the medical management team to identify and address patient change in condition.
• Serves as a liaison between the perioperative leaders and staff and the inpatient staff.
• Initiates appropriate emergency procedures and administers life-support drugs/treatment under the direction of the physician.
• Assumes responsibility and accountability for care provided and documented by other licensed and unlicensed caregivers as appropriate.
• Coordinates/facilitates patient/family education.
• Documents accurately and completely pertinent assessments, interventions, and outcomes for patients in accordance with the documentation standards, policies, procedures, and/or guidelines.
• Accurately charges for all billable services in conjunction with corresponding documentation.
• Maintains skills as determined through yearly competency testing. Participates in ongoing educational activities through in-services, education days, self-study, or established educational programs.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information.
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives.
• Practices principles of safety and infection control as defined by policy.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:Supervises assigned shift nursing staff: RN's, LPN's and PCT's. Makes decisions and takes action essential to planning and operating the department on assigned shift.

• Functions as a coach & mentor to the staff for whom this position is responsible.
• Participates in and/or supports the employment process in conjunction with the Human Resources Department.
• Participates in the screening/interviewing process, making self available to meet the candidates' needs to expedite the screening process.
• Participates in and/or supports the Orientation of newly hired staff members on assigned shift.
• Provides and/or oversees the training of newly appointed staff members on assigned shift (to the department).
• Develops and/or maintains on-going training programs/initiatives to enhance skills, knowledge and productivity of existing employees on assigned shift.
• Participates in training sessions as required and/or deemed necessary.
• Provides leadership and direction to the staff for whom responsible in order to maintain a work environment that promotes the creative development of ideas and allows employees to meet and/or exceed expectations and established standards of performance.
• Monitors and measures performance of those staff reporting to this position. Addresses concerns or weaknesses and takes appropriate action to ensure issues are resolved. Ensures that staff are working as efficiently, as accurately and as productively as possible.
• Ensures the compliance and/or oversees the compliance with all policies and procedures by staff. Recognizes exemplary compliance. Initiates appropriate corrective action in instances of noncompliance; secures required approvals before addressing with the staff.
• Makes decisions and takes actions essential to the daily operation of the work area(s) for which responsible.
• Maintains or oversees the maintenance of supplies deemed necessary for the efficient operation of the area(s) for which responsible.
• Research major expenditures (including equipment, supplies and/or systems) and make recommendations to the appropriate member(s) of management for approval to purchase.