RN Charge in Odessa, Texas at Medical Center Hospital

Position Summary:

Assists the Divisional Director of Surgical Services with the responsibility and accountability for the management of the unit. Emphasis on independent decision-making related to the nursing process and ASPAN standards of care. Demonstrates the ability to provide consistent direction for all nursing personnel in planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating nursing activities.

Performance Factors Used to Evaluate Employee:

A. Assists with staffing the unit. Administers family centered patient care to the following patient age categories (circle all that may apply):

1. newborn/infant
2. pediatric (0-16-y.o.)
3. adolescent.
4. adult
5. geriatric

B. Acts as a role model and clinical resource person.

C. Demonstrates leadership skills, prioritization, organization, decision-making, delegation, team-building, flexibility and accountability for actions taken.

D. Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively, express ideas clearly, and follow the appropriate channels of communication.

E. Anticipates patient care needs and intervenes appropriately implementing the nursing process.

F. Demonstrates the ability to perform technical skills accurately and within a reasonable time frame.

G. Evaluates the effectiveness of nursing care on the basis of relevant data.

H. Using a current awareness of the abilities and limitations of each nursing staff member, makes appropriate assignments, reflecting patient activities, and individual nurse competencies.

I. Promotes a positive work environment.

J. Participates in Performance Improvement Activities.

K. Assess staffing levels with regard to budget, patient acuity and surgical volume.

L. Attendance of monthly department staff meetings (minimum 9 per year).

Qualifications:

A. Education:

Hold a current Texas permit or license as a Registered Nurse. BSN preferred.

B. Training and Experience:

1. 1. Current BLS certification required
   2. BSN preferred
   3. TNCC and CPAN encouraged
   4. ACLS certification within 6 months of hire or transfer to department.
   5. PALS certification within 6 months of hire or transfer to department.
   6. EKG course within one year of hire or transfer to department.
   7. Critical Care Course within one year of hire or transfer to department required
   8. One year of charge nurse in critical care area preferred.
   9. 18 months of full-time RN experience in critical care area preferred.
   10. Successful completion of hospital and nursing orientation within 3 months of hire.
   11. Complete the Customer Service course within one year of hire
   12. Complete the following competencies within 3 months of hire or transfer to department:
       • Lab order entry
       • Electronic postoperative charting
       • IV therapy
       • Unit safety
       • Body substance isolation
       • Handling controlled substances
       • Role in Code Blue
       • Admitting patients to the unit
       • Discharging patients from the unit
       • Knowledge of anesthesia agents
       • Understanding reversal agents
       • Arrhythmia recognition
       • Hemodynamic monitoring
       • Pacemakers
       • Respiratory system
       • Cardiovascular system
       • Neurological system
       • Musculoskeletal system
       • Gastrointestinal system
       • Medication administration
       • PACU equipment