Lead Charge Nurse

Lead Charge Nurse

Location: Aurora, Colorado 80014

Department: Nursing

Employment Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Reports To: Nurse Manager

Supervises: Nursing Staff & Medical Assistants

About This Opportunity

Join our behavioral health team as a Lead Charge Nurse and make a meaningful impact on patient care and staff excellence. In this leadership role, you'll oversee nursing operations during your assigned shift, fostering a collaborative and efficient workplace environment while maintaining our commitment to quality client care. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced nurse ready to step into a leadership position and help shape the future of our nursing department.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Department Management

• Lead and manage nursing personnel operations during assigned shifts
• Assist the Nurse Manager in developing and implementing short and long-term departmental goals
• Review medical policies, procedures, and care plans annually in collaboration with the Nurse Manager and Compliance team
• Oversee the medical admission process and nursing/client care workflows
• Coordinate with providers and interdisciplinary departments to ensure seamless, efficient client-centered care
• Evaluate, document, and monitor staff performance according to established policies
• Mentor, coach, and support the professional development of nursing staff

Clinical Operations & Patient Care

• Perform comprehensive nursing duties in the detox unit, including client assessments, medication administration, lab draws, IV management, vital signs monitoring, and clinical assessments
• Conduct nursing assessments, complete intake documentation, and ensure accurate, timely charting in the EMR
• Administer medications and provide client education regarding medications, side effects, and contraindications
• Monitor clients for adverse reactions, behavioral escalation, or clinical decline (including suicide/homicide ideation) and document appropriately
• Respond promptly to medical-related issues and emergencies with clinical expertise and composure
• Provide backup clinical support during staffing shortages or unexpected absences
• Maintain genuine, caring professionalism and therapeutic rapport with clients

Administrative & Compliance

• Oversee compliance with medical record documentation standards in the EMR system
• Maintain and monitor departmental expenses within established budget parameters
• Assess efficiency and processes of the department, identifying opportunities for improvement
• Conduct daily narcotic counts and maintain accurate medication inventory
• Order, inventory, and maintain clinical supplies and medications
• Maintain organization of files, binders, records, and the nurses' station
• Maintain the Infection Control Log monthly
• Give and receive nursing reports at shift changes
• Prepare for and participate in monthly staffing meetings
• Notify the on-call Practitioner, Counselor, or Nurse Manager of clients in acute distress or facility issues
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support unit operations

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field
• Current Colorado or Compact RN or LPN/LVN License
• 3-5 years of inpatient care experience
• Current CPR certification
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook
• Experience with medical/behavioral health EMR applications
• High moral and ethical values with mature judgment and professional behavior
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent organizational and prioritization abilities with effective delegation skills
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, particularly under pressure
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation expertise
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and HIPAA compliance standards
• Flexibility to accommodate schedule changes and adapt to new situations
• Attention to detail with commitment to safety, compliance, and quality improvement

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in Addiction and/or Mental Health Nursing
• Previous Charge Nurse or nursing leadership experience
• Advanced knowledge of behavioral health best practices
• Certified Nursing qualifications beyond basic RN/LPN requirements
• Experience with web-based clinical applications and systems

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Routine mobility including standing, stooping, bending, lifting, walking, and running
• Regularly required to sit and work at a phone/computer workstation
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds regularly
• Ability to operate clinical equipment including vital signs monitors, thermometers, pulse oximeters, glucometers, blood pressure cuffs, scales, and IV/medication administration supplies
• Ability to use office equipment including copy machines, multi-line telephones, computers, and fax machines
• Comfort working with laboratory collection materials and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Ability to operate oxygen therapy devices and emergency equipment

Why Join Us?

This position offers a unique opportunity to make a direct impact on patient outcomes and staff development in a behavioral health setting. As a Lead Charge Nurse, you'll have the autonomy to implement process improvements, mentor nursing professionals, and contribute to the strategic direction of our nursing department. If you're passionate about addiction and mental health nursing and ready to step into a leadership role, we want to hear from you.

Ready to Apply?

We're looking for a compassionate, experienced nurse leader who is committed to excellence in behavioral health care. If you meet the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to apply today. Join a team dedicated to transforming lives through quality nursing care and professional excellence.