Charge Nurse

POSITION: Charge Nurse Part-time

DEPARTMENT: Surgery Center

REPORTS TO: VP of Operations

SUPERVISES: Clinical workflow only

DIRECT REPORTS: None unless RN direct reports are assigned

PARTNERS WITH: Nurse Manager(s) for staff oversight, scheduling, and performance matters

JOB SUMMARY: The Charge Nurse provides on floor clinical leadership and coordination of daily ASC operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care. This role oversees nursing workflow, supports surgeons and anesthesia, guides clinical staff during the shift, and ensures adherence to sterile technique, safety protocols, and ASC standards. The Charge Nurse functions as the clinical point of escalation for patient care issues and partners closely with the Nurse Manager on staffing, scheduling, and operational needs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing (RN required)
• BSN preferred
• Minimum 2 years perioperative, PACU, or ASC nursing experience
• Ophthalmology or surgical services experience preferred
• Current Florida RN license
• Current BLS; ACLS preferred
• Demonstrated experience in charge level responsibilities or clinical leadership
• Experience coordinating patient flow, OR turnover, and multidisciplinary communication

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple clinical tasks in a fast paced ASC
• Effective problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
• Calm, competent response in emergent situations
• Proficiency in sterile technique and perioperative workflow
• Ability to collaborate with surgeons, anesthesia, and multidisciplinary teams
• Commitment to patient confidentiality, safety, and ASC standards

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Any and all duties assigned by management with an emphasis on the following:

1. Clinical Leadership & Workflow Coordination

• Oversees daily ASC clinical operations and patient flow
• Assigns staff to PreOp, OR, PACU, and Laser areas based on skill and patient needs
• Ensures timely room turnover and readiness
• Coordinates with surgeons, anesthesia, and techs to maintain schedule efficiency
• Serves as the primary clinical escalation point during the shift
• Partners with the Nurse Manager on staffing decisions and schedule adjustments

2. Patient Care & Safety

• Ensures adherence to sterile technique and safety protocols
• Verifies TimeOut and Fire Risk Assessment completion
• Responds to emergent situations with competence and composure
• Ensures accurate patient identification and safe medication practices
• Supports staff in managing highrisk or complex patients

3. Staff Support & Communication

• Provides realtime coaching, guidance, and support to clinical staff
• Communicates effectively with patients, families, surgeons, anesthesia, and coworkers
• Ensures staff compliance with policies, procedures, and ASC standards
• Participates in staff orientation and competency validation
• Partners with the Nurse Manager on staff concerns, performance issues, and workflow gaps

4. Documentation & Compliance

• Ensures accurate clinical documentation
• Supports infection control practices and monitors compliance
• Reports safety concerns, incidents, or equipment issues to the Administrator
• Ensures completion of required logs, checklists, and safety tasks

5. Equipment & Supply Oversight

• Monitors availability of supplies and equipment needed for daily operations
• Ensures proper cleaning, maintenance, and readiness of clinical equipment
• Communicates supply needs or equipment concerns to the Administrator

6. Quality & Performance Support

• Participates in quality improvement activities
• Provides feedback on workflow issues, patient care concerns, and staff performance
• Assists in identifying opportunities for process improvement

7. Professional Conduct

• Maintains professionalism, teamwork, and a positive work environment
• Participates in continuing education and maintains required competencies
• Upholds patient rights, confidentiality, and ASC standards