General Purpose:
To provide patient care through utilization of the nursing process. The nursing process is demonstrated by the staff charge nurse’s ability to work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary health care team in planning, directing, providing and evaluating patient care. The staff charge nurse may serve as direct care nurse, as a team leader responsible for nursing care or providing appropriate communication with other health team members and as relief in a higher classification when necessary. This position provides leadership and positive role modeling to facilitate staff development and teamwork. The charge nurse is accountable for completion of all essential shift duties for his/her position as well as those of the staff he/she supervises.
Education or Formal Training:
- Must be a graduate of an accredited program of professional nursing
- Current licensure of Registered Nurse in the State of Wyoming
- Must maintain current ACLS, PALS, & TNCC Certifications at all times
Experience with electronic medical records preferred
Experience:
Minimum one year hospital experience preferred
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
- Works with acutely ill patients, including emergency situations
- Works with swing bed patients, both skilled nursing and extended care
- Works independently as well as functioning as a team member
- Capable of adapting to changing environment
- Nursing Process – Assess patient needs, Identify patient problems
- Plans and implements appropriate nursing interventions
- Evaluates patient care outcomes and documents all of the above
- Teaching – Identifies the learning needs of the patient and/or significant others and initiates measures to meet these needs.
- Leadership – Provides direction to other members of the nursing team to ensure that patient care is administered in a thorough, safe, and knowledgeable manner.
- Functions in formal leadership positions as assigned to plan, direct, and coordinate unit activities.
- Be accessible and influence the atmosphere of each unit in a positive manner. Remain knowledgeable of the general condition of all patients within the facility, following-up on situations that warrant and providing hands-on assessment and care when indicated.
- Assists with orientation for nursing students and/or new personnel to provide training and direction. Serves as preceptor in the orientation of new staff (both permanent and contract staff).
- Monitors use of supplies and equipment to avoid abuses. Requisitions supplies as needed. Utilizes hospital resources efficiently and effectively and makes recommendations for waste reduction and improved performance of the nursing department consistently.
- Maintains all certifications, required continuing education and required competencies annually.
