Responsibilities POSITION SUMMARY The Charge Nurse provide safe and effective nursing care in the assigned area(s) in a manner consistent with the philosophy and objectives of the Hospital and within the framework of established policies and procedures of Nursing Dept. As a key team member in the clinical area, the Charge Nurse promote a climate of effective performance and learning through role modeling, willingness to learn and teach, and availability to patients and staff. The Charge Nurse organizes, manages and coordinates unit nursing services on assigned shift as delegated by the Nursing Administration. The Charge Nurse is designed to improve communication, limit inconsistencies on the units, and provide a safe and less stressful work environment. The Charge Nurse will help everyone work as a team, because we should be part of the solution, NOT the problem.
QUALIFICATIONS Education : Graduate from an accredited program of professional nursing required; Bachelor's Degree preferred.
Preferred Experience: A minimum of three (3) years experience in a psychiatric health-care facility, preferred.
Licensure: Currently licensed to practice by the California State Board of Nursing.
Additional Requirements: CPR certification and successful completion of Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training. CPI Training may be obtained during new hire orientation.
Qualifications Knowledge Skills: Must have ability to communicate effectively.
- Charge Nurse - Must be able to demonstrate leadership ability. Be the example, support, and resource for other nurses.
- Must be able to perform concentrated and/or complex mental activity with frequent involvement in complex and/or highly technical situations;
- Must be able to work successfully under highly stressful conditions;.
- Must be able to make sound, independent judgments based on scientific and/or ethical principles;
- Must be able to comprehend and perform oral and written instructions and procedures;
- Must be able to collaborate with other multidisciplinary team members in an appropriate fashion;
- Must be capable of adapting to varying workloads an work assignments on a constant basis;
- Must have effective comprehensive reading skills, strong communication skills, written and verbal.
- Must have math skills to enable calculation of drug dosages and infusion rates.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED BY CHARGE NURSE: Staff Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses (LVNs/LPTs), and Mental Health Technicians (MHTs)
GENERAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Working conditions for all employees are as follows, but not limited to a psychiatric hospital setting; some risk involved in the event of aggressive patient(s); work load may include day, evening, night, weekend and/or holiday shifts. The Charge Nurse is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, blood borne pathogens, and loud noise levels.
Mental demands described herein are representative of those which must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job, but are not limited to the ability to remain calm in a stressful environment; and the emotional stability, physical stamina and agility to handle stress and respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Assessment
Document patient information and nursing care in the provision of nursing services. Document and reassess any significant changes in the patient's condition in compliance with facility policy. Report any signs or symptoms of infection in patients to the Infection Control Nurse. Verify the accuracy of patient records. Intervention
Employ principles of communication, interviewing techniques, and problem solving and crisis intervention when performing psychotherapeutic interventions. Intervention is based on knowledge of psychiatric and medical nursing procedures, as well as the plan of care. Accurately administer medication to patients. Transcribe and carry out physician's/licensed practitioner's treatment orders accurately. Utilize appropriate interventions in psychiatric and medical emergencies. Treatment Planning
Prioritize and formulate a plan of care based on patient assessment and according to policy. Participate in the development of an interdisciplinary treatment plan with specific and measurable goals, objectives and interventions defining actions unique to each patient's needs. Update and revise the plan as goals/objectives are met or when the patient's condition changes. Document both the nursing interventions on the treatment plan and the patient's response to the intervention. Additional Standards
Adhere to facility, department, corporate, personnel and standard policies and procedures. Attend all mandatory facility in-services and staff development activities as scheduled. Adhere to facility standards concerning conduct, dress, attendance and punctuality. Support facility-wide quality/performance improvement goals and objectives. Maintain confidentiality of facility employees and patient information. Registered nurses provide supervision to unlicensed staff (mental health technicians and unit clerks). Note: The essential job functions of this position are not limited to the duties listed above. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES THIS SECTION DESCRIBES WHAT KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES AN EMPLOYEE IN THIS POSITION SHOULD CURRENTLY POSSESS. THIS LIST MAY NOT BE COMPLETE FOR ALL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION .
Knowledge of psychiatric and medical nursing procedures is essential. Knowledge of all code procedures. Knowledge of Mental Health Laws and Child Abuse/Neglect/Maltreatment laws, and the DHS provider agreement as applicable. Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines. Skill in telephone etiquette and paging procedures. Effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with patients and co-workers. Ability to adhere to safety policies and procedures. Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND SPECIAL DEMANDS THIS SECTION DESCRIBES HOW AN EMPLOYEE IN THIS POSITION CURRENTLY PERFORMS THE FUNCTIONS OF THIS POSITION. MODIFICATIONS TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THIS JOB MAY BE PERFORMED WILL BE REVIEWED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS.
The ability to competently and fully perform CPI techniques is an essential position function. Must be able to hear sufficiently, with or without correction, to competently perform all essential job functions. Ability to sit and stand (one-third of the shift) and walk (two-thirds of the shift). Ability to reach above, at or below waist height, kneel, bend, stoop, turn and twist (occasionally up to frequently). Ability to see well enough to read charts, treatment plans and typewritten materials. Ability to hear well enough to detect noises on the unit and have the ability to discern odors. Ability to frequently lift and carry 10 lbs.; occasionally 20-50 lbs. Ability to frequently push/pull wheeled carts weighing 100 lbs. Additional Requirements :
A strong knowledge of The Joint Commission, HCFA, OSHA regulations, and patient rights standards and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations governing mental health care facilities.
