CHARGE NURSE

JOB SUMMARY

The Operating Room Charge Nurse, under the supervision of the Director of Surgical Services and/or Clinical Manager the Registered Nurse is responsible for organizing, planning, directing, coordinating, providing high quality, and individualized patient care. The nurse will demonstrate organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills. The Charge Nurse will demonstrate proficient performance standards in performing their daily work duties to meet the department expectations. The Charge nurse works effectively and productively with shared responsibilities. The Charge Nurse will oversee the development and implementation of system for evaluation of clinical competency of the nursing staff, helping to develop and update standards and policies, consultation of the nursing staff for complex issues. He/She will provide pertinent continuing education for existing staff, mentoring of new staff and performance improvement activities. Continuously seeks ways to improve processes and meet customer satisfaction with patients and physicians. The RN provides services to the following population: infant (31 days to 12 months), child (1 year to 12 years), adolescents (13 years to 17 years), adult (ages 18 to 64 years), and older adults (ages 65 years and above).

TECHNICAL SKILLS/JOB SPECIFIC SKILLS/*ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS*

TELEPHONE SKILLS - Demonstrates hospital telephone etiquette by answering the phones promptly, courteously and identifying department and self.

POLICIES/PROCEDURES- Is aware of and follows all hospital and department policies and procedures.

TEAM WORK- Promotes positive co-worker relationships through team work and cooperation. Understands and supports the needs of

individuals in other departments and promotes conflict resolution. Shares information, work knowledge and experience with coworkers, physicians and students in a non-threatening manner. Offers assistance and promptly responds to requests.

PRODUCTIVITY -Maintains high productivity and performs efficiently regardless of whether the work volume is high or low.

Appropriately prioritizes work activities. Responds to difficult situations with self-control and a positive attitude. Makes decisions independently and knows when to ask for assistance. Exercises good judgment and arrives at sound decisions.

Documentation is accurate, complete and legible.

Demonstrates a sound knowledge and is proficient in specialty procedures. Able to set up, run, and care for all operating room equipment

Assists in the implementation of the anesthesia management during the perioperative period

a) Assist the anesthesiologist during intubation and extubation, able to assist during difficult intubation

b) Able to set up Arterial Lines

c) Knowledgeable to care for the patient receiving epidural, regional blocks, and spinal anesthesia

d) Safe transport and transfer of patients

Collects, interprets, and records nursing data in order to meet patient needs. Utilizes data to develop a nursing care plan during intraoperative phase of care

Demonstrates leadership qualities by planning, organizing and directing the activities of the staff to ensure the smooth running of the surgical schedule. Anticipates for complications and emergencies during the absence of the Department Director and/or Clinical Manager.

Performs all circulating duties with efficiency and speed. Recognizes symptoms of cardiac and respiratory distress and initiates the

necessary action

Assists Department Director and /or Clinical Manager in interviewing applicants for unit position and making hiring recommendations. Evaluates probationary employees and makes recommendations on whether to retain probationary employees. Performs, completes and signs annual employee evaluations which will be used to determine merit increases, bonuses, promotions or layoffs of unit employees.

Prepares monthly work schedules, make daily patient assignments and schedule breaks and meal periods. To determine appropriate

assignments of unit personnel on each shift, the Charge Nurse shall make independent scheduling decisions and consider each employee's skills, abilities, competency, experience, and expertise given such factors as patient census, patient acuity, complexity of treatment, and the language needs of patients. In the events of a staffing shortage or emergency, the Charge Nurse will cover the shortfall by reassigning personnel to make the most effective utilization of unit resources. In the event that unit staffing is more than adequate to meet existing staffing needs, the Charge Nurse shall allow unit employees to leave early.

Supervises and delegates work to all unit employees on duty during the Charge Nurse's shift, including registered staff nurses, surgical technician and ancillary personnel.

Where appropriate, adjust grievances and resolve problems or complaints among unit employees that arise during the shift, concerning scheduling, assignments, breaks and meal periods, or other conflicts which may arise between unit employees. The Charge Nurse shall also resolve complaints regarding unit employees from patients, patients' families, and doctors.

Reprimand unit employees through verbal counseling in response to violations of hospital rules and policies, or in situations involving patient care issues. If verbal counseling is ineffective or insufficient, Charge Nurses shall recommend further disciplinary action to the Nursing Director and/or Nurse Manager. Such recommendations shall include, but not necessarily be limited to the issuance of written

warnings, suspension, or discharge.

Perform any other duties or responsibilities that may be assigned.

Performance/Process Improvement

Is knowledgeable of performance/process improvement (P.I.) methodology.

Can verbalize knowledge of hospital-wide performance/process improvement.

Offers suggestions for departmental and/or hospital-wide performance/process improvement.

Knowledge of and participation in the performance/process improvement is a condition of employment.

Able to demonstrate appropriate Team Time Out

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

MANDATORY

Current license as a Registered Nurse in the State of California.

BLS and ACLS certification.

Completion of yearly supplemental competence validation.

Preceptor class. Management class. 10 CEU's in perioperative nursing 5 CEU in leadership/ management

PREFERRED

CNOR certification.

Able to scrub on all surgeries.

Three years' experience as a perioperative nurse, one as a charge nurse.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Able to withstand long periods of standing, walking, stooping, bending and sitting.

Able to lift and move patients, heavy equipment, instrument trays and push/pull gurneys and beds.

Must have manual dexterity, good eye-hand coordination and adequate visual and auditory acuity to perform duties.

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