The Charge Nurse is responsible for the coordination and supervision of nursing and patient care assistants. Including but not limited to work schedules, daily coordination of staffing assignments and daily patient care activities to assure an efficient and safe delivery of care. The Charge Registered Nurse provides professional nursing care for the patient during the pre-operative course as well as plan, implement, and evaluate the care of the patient.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Charge Nurse
• Make decisions regarding direct patient care needs and communicate appropriate information to other team members.
• Supervise the day-to-day PACU, troubleshooting problem areas within the daily functions of patient care under the direction of the Nurse Manager.
• Assist Nurse Manager in providing directions to staff to facilitate daily patient flow, communication, and problem resolution with staff and physicians.
• Ensure staff compliance with facility policies and procedures and maintain nursing standards.
• Provide leadership and support in developing and maintaining effective relationships with the center staff.
• Hold individual employees accountable for assigned responsibilities, individual goals, and performance expectations.
• Mentor and train new staff and provide support and guidance to all staff members.

PACU Nurse
• Prepare for the arrival of patients to the facility by ensuring that proper supplies and equipment are available.
• Admit and prepare patients for surgery. Provide ongoing information to the patient and his caregiver to assure that they understand all procedures and feel as comfortable as possible.
• Perform nursing assessment of patient, manage IV and order medications.
• Communicate with other health care team members to assure continuity of care.
• Receive patient in the recovery room after surgery. Assess and evaluate the patient. Continuously monitor the patient during his recovery phase. Document the status of the patient and the care provided.
• Provide discharge instructions to the patient and his caregiver, asking for confirmation of understanding.
• Document charges for all supplies used during the recovery phase.
• Perform follow up patient assessment by calling the patient the day after surgery.
• Remain prepared for emergency situations by knowing correct emergency procedures, locations of emergency call system and location of emergency supplies and equipment.
• Wipe down gurneys and recliners between patients with a germicidal solution. Remake beds as needed.
• Perform narcotic counts at the beginning and end of each surgical day.
• Perform daily crash cart checks.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Must be able to work independently, demonstrating sound judgment and reliability.
• Initiative and ability to troubleshoot and resolve conflict.
• Able to thrive and succeed in a team environment.
• Exceptional organization skills, ability to multitask and prioritize work activity based on need, attention to detail, initiative, and follow-through skills.
• Advanced level written and verbal communication skills, strong decision-making ability and attention to detail yielding effective conveyance of information.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• Associates Degree in Nursing
• Registered Nurse in the State of Texas
• Three (3) years of perioperative nursing experience.
• One (1) year of nursing leadership experience
• Basic Life Support certified
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certified or must be obtained within sixty (60) days of hire
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified or must be obtained within sixty (60) days of hire

BENEFITS:
• 3 Medical Plans
• 2 Dental Plans
• 1 Vision Plan
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Short and Long Term Disability Plans
• Basic Life and Voluntary Insurance Plans with AD&D
• 401(k) with a 2-year vesting
• PTO + Holidays