Charge Nurse – Emergency Department (ED) – Berkeley Hospital

Direct care leader who provides and oversees nursing care for patients following established standards and practices in accordance with the South Carolina Nurse Practice Act. Applies professional nursing theory and practice to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care. Supports unit-based shared governance and decentralized decision-making structures and processes. Role model who leads by example in making patient experience a priority on unit(s) of responsibility. Ensures that care delivery is patient centered. Continually pursues activities that will ensure smooth clinical operations/flow and compliance by providing safe, equitable, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and effective care in a holistic and evidence-based practice environment. Values and promotes collegial and collaborative working relationships within and among disciplines. Charge Nurse role has 2 tiers: Primary Charge Nurse I and Primary Charge Nurse II. You must apply to move up to tier 2 based on qualification met and position availability.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Graduate of an accredited school or college of nursing. BSN required for Primary Charge Nurse I.

Experience: At least 2 years’ experience as a registered nurse in a direct care patient setting for Primary Charge Nurse I. External candidates must have at least 2 years’ experience functioning in a Charge Nurse role.

Licensure/Certification: Applicant must be currently licensed as a Registered Nurse in South Carolina or hold a current compact/multi-state license as a Registered Nurse in a recognized NCSBN Compact State and not be a permanent resident of SC. Must have a current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Provider certification. American Heart Association ACLS certification is required and should be obtained within 6 months of hire or designation as Primary Charge Nurse. American Heart Association PALS certification is required for the ED and as designated by specialty standards and/or clinical manager and should be obtained within 6 months of hire or designation as Charge Nurse. NRP certification is required for WIC services and should be obtained within 6 months of hire or designation as Charge Nurse. Role must keep required certification(s) current.

Primary Source Verification: http://www.llr.state.sc.us/, http://www.healthguideusa.org/nursing_license_lookup.htm 

Knowledge/ Skills:

Patient Care:

Applying and modifying the principles, theory, methods and techniques of professional nursing to provide and evaluate on-going patient care. Direct patient care assignments will/may be required for this role based on unit needs or established requirement. Application of organizational policies and procedures. Knowledge of teammate skills to ensure appropriate patient assignments based on skill mix, patient acuity, licensure and competency. Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment. Collaborates with other health care professionals to meet the needs of the patient.

Quality:

Audits the patient’s medical record to determine that all orders have been carried out, laboratory tests are posted, nursing care is documented, and patient progress or lack thereof is described. Reviews core measures, key performance indicators (KPIs) and other outcome metrics relevant to unit/patient population. Assists Clinical Specialist with updating unit visual management boards each shift. Actively engages in patient care performance improvement projects and implementation of evidence-based practice changes.

Leadership:

Skill in problem identification and resolution. Skill in preparing and maintaining records and writing reports. Skill in establishing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with patients, families, hospital teammates, medical staff and the public. Demonstrates leadership through sound clinical practice, effective communication skills and teaching these skills through role modeling. Ability to analyze situations and apply critical thinking. Ability to run effective shift safety huddles, report safety concerns, review device utilization, report staffing concerns, and review surgical schedules. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to remain calm and effective in emergency situations. Delegates unit and patient responsibilities to nursing staff members according to each staff member’s education, training and availability. Provides feedback to clinical manager regarding nursing personnel performance. Participates in the peer interview process for new hires. Actively engaged in unit-based council.

Other:

Contacts:

Constant interaction with internal and external customers to include (but not limited to) patients, families, physicians, employees, and visitors.