Charge Registered Nurse - RN

Purpose and Scope Functions as the hemodialysis team leader in the provision of chronic hemodialysis care and treatment. Provides day‑to‑day direction and supervision to assigned direct patient care staff. Communicates with the physician and other members of the healthcare team to interpret, adjust, and complete patient care plans. Provides safe, effective delivery of patient care in compliance with standards outlined in the facility procedure manual, and regulations set forth by the company, state, and federal agencies. Supports FMCNA's mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy. Adheres to the FMCNA Compliance Program, including following all regulatory and FMS policy requirements. Principal Duties and Responsibilities General and Staff Related Provide day‑to‑day guidance, support and direction to direct patient care staff, including informal feedback on an ongoing basis and formal feedback for annual performance evaluation. Participate in department staffing, hiring, firing and disciplinary actions, and recommend disciplinary action to Clinical Manager. Ensure compliance with all company and facility approved procedures and policies, as well as state and federal regulations, in clinics with more than 100 patients. Approve or disapprove time or personnel schedule changes in the absence of the Clinical Manager, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, policies and procedures. Participate in patient care plan meetings and maintain knowledge of current practices related to dialysis principles and techniques. Train and orient staff as necessary and routinely observe and guide direct patient care staff for appropriate technique and adherence to facility policies. Promote and assist with compliance to OSHA programs to maintain a safe and clean working environment. Maintain overall shift operation in a safe, efficient, and effective manner. Conduct staff meetings at least monthly with Clinical Manager to keep patient care staff informed of changes. Meet routinely with Clinical Manager to discuss personnel and patient care status, issues and information. Supervise all documentation of patient information. Coordinate Charge Nurse duties with Staff RNs acting in the relief charge capacity. Patient Care Assess daily patient care needs and develop and distribute patient care assignments appropriately. Assume primary responsibility in an emergency situation. Assess patient needs, respond to dialysis treatments and communicate concerns to the rounding physician. Implement changes in patient care/treatment as directed. Monitor and supervise all patient care activity during dialysis and assist as necessary. Collaborate with direct patient care team in making decisions to benefit patient care. Continuously monitor patient’s condition for problems and potential complications associated with dialysis. Administer medications to patients per physician's orders. Act as the subject matter expert and resource for staff members. Supervise and participate in the completion of short‑ and long‑term care plans. Admit new patients according to facility procedure. Ensure educational needs of patients are met and educate patients and family about End Stage Renal Disease, dialysis therapy, diet and medication. Technical Supervise the safe and effective use of all equipment involved in direct patient care. Operate all dialysis‑related and emergency equipment safely and efficiently when needed. Perform required testing and verification and initial the checklist for start‑up and shut‑down procedures as outlined in the Technical Services Manual. Complete Nurse's Technical Training Program/Water Quality Facility Training. Other Assist with special projects or other duties assigned by the Clinical Manager. Assist with the interviewing of potential direct patient care staff as requested. Promote efficient use of medical supplies. Attend and participate in monthly Quality Assurance meetings. Relationships Internal contacts: Direct Patient Care Staff, Facility support staff, management teams (Clinical Manager, Area Manager, RVP). External contacts: Physicians, Back‑up Hospitals. Physical Demands and Working Conditions The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employees are required to take the Ishihara's Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment if reasonable accommodations can be made. Day‑to‑day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff and physicians. The position requires travel between assigned facilities and within the community, and travel to regional, Business Unit and Corporate meetings may be required. The work environment is that of a healthcare facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. Employees may be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials. Supervision Direct Patient Care Staff, Ward Clerk (as assigned). Education Graduate of an accredited school of Nursing (R.N.) with current appropriate state licensure. Experience and Required Skills Minimum of 9 months of nursing experience and an additional 3 months of clinical experience in dialysis. RN charge nurses must have one year of clinical experience and six months of dialysis experience. Supervisory or management experience preferred. Successfully complete a training course in the theory and practice of hemodialysis. Good communication skills – verbal and written. Must meet appropriate state requirements (if any). Equal Opportunity & Drug‑Free Workplace Fresenius Medical Care maintains a drug‑free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Fresenius Medical Care is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, national origin, age, disability, military service, or other non‑merit‑based factors. #J-18808-Ljbffr