Charge Nurse - RN - FT Nights - Med/Surg

Charge Nurse

The Charge Nurse is responsible for coordinating and supervising nursing care activities during assigned shift. This role provides clinical leadership, supports nursing staff, ensures quality patient care, and acts as a liaison between physicians, patients, families, and healthcare team members. The charge nurse assists with staffing, patient flow, and conflict resolution to maintain efficient unit operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates positive role modeling and promotes an environment conducive to the Mission, Vision, and Values of the hospital and in accordance with the Service Excellence Standards of Behavior.
• Delivers and/or oversees nursing care according to the standards of care defined within the Illinois Nurse Practice Act.
• Oversees patient care delivery during assigned shift.
• Assigns nursing staff based on patient acuity and staffing needs.
• Monitors patient conditions and supports clinical decision-making.
• Promotes participation and acceptance of PI improvements.
• Collaborates with staff to identify realistic and attainable outcomes individualized to the patients' present and potential capabilities and directs care which supports obtaining this goal.
• Ensures notification of physicians/surgeons of changes in patient's condition in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Promotes departmental and other educational meeting attendance.
• Assists with staff development by coaching and mentoring in a supportive, professional manner toward improvements in practice.
• Evaluates unit staff for clinical competency on an ongoing basis with current staff and educates and evaluates new employee performance.
• Assists with correction of employee deficiencies by counseling and documentation of interactions.
• Values diversity, teamwork, and dignified treatment of all staff.
• Supports peers and those in managerial roles by "managing up" in conversations with employees.
• Maintains confidentiality of all patients, hospital, or physician related information.
• Is knowledgeable of general hospital and department specific policies and procedures and assists with their review and updates.
• Responds to emergencies and assists with complex patient care situations.
• Assists with orientation and training of new employees.
• Promotes teamwork and effective communication among team members.
• Assists department leaders with chart audits and staff education.
• Coordinates admissions, discharges, and transfers.
• Addresses patient and family concerns promptly and professionally.
• Ensures adequate equipment and supplies availability.
• Assists in staff coverage during high census, high acuity, or short staffing situations.
• Works in a safe manner, including reporting/identifying unsafe equipment or environment, this includes following and enforcing infection control policies.
• Will assist in ensuring appropriate staffing levels.
• Provides ongoing direction to Nursing and/or Support/Ancillary Staff members, Unit Clerks and Certified Nursing Assistants assisting in direct patient care to meet the workload needs of the unit through an initiative-taking team approach.
• Weekends and holidays required.
• Other duties may be assigned and are subject to change with or without prior notice.

Corporate Compliance:

Receives training and/or attends necessary meetings to meet the criteria as outlined in Hillsboro Health's Corporate Compliance Plan and Code of Conduct. Understands the responsibilities related to compliance and knows to contact the Corporate Compliance Officer should there be any instance of question or concern regarding fraud and/or abuse.

Requirements:

Professional Requirements:

• Displays accountability for actions and decisions for the total patient care process.
• Completes assigned daily duties in timely, complete, and accurate manner.
• Maintains the ability to adapt to reassignment to assume patient care on unit or on other units if necessary.
• Utilizes critical thinking processes to resolve issues in accordance with hospital philosophy.
• Well organized, accepts assignments willingly and accomplishes them quickly in a prioritized manner.
• Anticipates problems, proactively develops a strategic plan, and suggests solutions as appropriate.
• Helps as needed with duties not specifically assigned and accountable to learn tasks, which are routine for unit operations or professional role.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication, decision-making, and critical thinking skills.

Education and/or Experience:

• Associate's degree in nursing required.
• Bachelor's degree in nursing preferred.
• One to three years of specialty experience required.
• Ability to pass specific competencies for this position.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Current and active Illinois RN license
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required or willing to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required or willing to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Pediatric Life Support (PALS) required or willing to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Hillsboro Health (hillsboro Area Hospital)