Charge Nurse jobs in Bellingham, WA

The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Other information:

Job Summary
Responsible to the Department Director/Manager/Administrator at the Mount Vernon Surgery Center and is to be clinically competent; delivers care to patients utilizing the nursing process of assessment, planning, intervention, implementation, and evaluation. Responsible for the direction and coordination of personnel during a shift however, does not confer supervisory status to hire, fire or discipline. Monitors and assesses staff completion of documentation and patient care and arranges for supplemental help to ensure a timely workflow. Arranges for breaks and meal coverage. Supports direction of clinical operations and works with the Director/Manager/Administrator on improving patient care and customer satisfaction through the performance improvement process. Makes appropriate room and care-giver assignments to optimize patient placement and workload balance throughout the shift. Promotes an environment of cooperation and mutual support to maintain focus on patient care and safety; and anticipates and supports needs of other staff. Serves as liaison between other departments and an ambassador of the unit in which he or she is assigned. Participates in IDT meetings and rounds with physicians and other healthcare providers.

Essential Functions
Assesses, guides, directs and facilitates workflow on the unit and oversees direct patient care in compliance with all SVH policies and procedures. Acts as clinical resource to all personnel and mentors staff, float, and agency personnel regarding unit/department/hospital policies, procedures, standards and annual goals and objectives. Functions as a role model, incorporating SVH Service Standards competencies and behaviors in daily activities. Makes patient care assignments and places patients in consideration of complexity of patient condition, characteristics and relevant infection control safety issue and matches staff competency. Monitors and evaluates nursing care given to each patient, by direct observation, consultation, and patient rounds. Assesses unit environmental safety and reports/corrects deficiencies. Demonstrates safe use of patient care equipment. Maintains/supports staff compliance with Joint Commission Standards, WDOH, CMS, Practice Acts, and National Patient Safety Goals. Communicates effectively, responds to concerns and complaints in a timely manner, demonstrating excellent customer service skills and immediate service recovery. Participates in IDT meetings and rounds with physicians and other healthcare providers as needed. Reports significant/adverse events to Director/Designee and activates the chain of command in an appropriate and timely manner. Assists with performance appraisal of personnel on assigned shift by documenting feedback and/or communicating concerns to Director. Maintains fiscal responsibility by monitoring and adjusting staffing utilization during shift and determines staffing needs for the following shift by utilizing staffing guidelines and sound clinical judgment. Maintains competencies for direct patient care and leadership. Self-directed in advancing professional practice through continuing education and research. Complies with all SVH Policies and Procedures. Shift rotation between Skagit Valley Hospital and Mount Vernon Surgery Center plus scheduled standby and call back required. May include scheduled weekend and evening shifts. Cross training between specialty areas based department need required. Communicate effectively, cooperatively, and respectfully in the workplace. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or designee.

Education
RN required, BSN preferred. Knowledge of fundamentals of nursing practice and advanced knowledge of OR nursing.

Experience/Training
Registered nurse with a minimum of two years of Ambulatory Surgery Center experience or OR nursing strongly preferred. Experience in a leadership role preferred. Procedural nursing experience preferred.

License/Certifications
Washington State RN License required. AHA (American Heart Association) Health Care Provider BLS Certification required. Prefer CNOR and ACLS.

Other Skills
Demonstrates leadership skills with ability to lead and direct a team, utilizing clinical judgment, clinical inquiry, innovation and critical systems thinking. Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills. Excellent customer service skills required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The employee must frequently lift or move objects and patients weighing over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus.