The Charge Nurse-Inpatient works collaboratively with department leadership to provide clinical supervision of a team of licensed and unlicensed staff during an assigned shift on a designated unit. Functions in a skills mix environment and utilizes discretion and independent judgment to coordinate daily operations for the shift based on the needs of the patient population served, established professional practice model (Duffy's Quality-Caring Model), applicable regulatory standards and requirements, and approved clinical practice standards, policies and procedures.
Keeps open communication with the departments and individuals that deal with patient admissions, transfers, and discharges to prioritize patients and facilitate optimal patient flow. Participates in the review of adverse events through established process. Prepares a well-balanced staffing schedule in accordance with policies and department staffing guidelines.
Ensures schedule meets staffing ratio criteria and weekends, nights, and holidays are well covered. Makes assignments based on staff competency, patient acuity, staffing ratios and productivity standards. Assigns and re-assigns staff and workloads to provide uninterrupted, cost effective patient care and patient flow with optimum productivity.
Flexes staff up or down as appropriate. Ensures time and attendance accuracy and approves time and attendance record within designated timeframes. Provides performance information to leadership for clinical practice evaluation purposes, step progression and advancement on the clinical ladder in accordance with the Clinical Advancement Program (CAP).
Provides direct patient care and takes full or partial patient care list when needed, e.g., lunch relief coverage, emergency situations, high census, inefficient or sluggish patient flow. Promotes the empowerment of the nursing profession and excels in implementing new knowledge, innovations and improvements in practice to enhance the patient experience and clinical outcomes. Facilitates a positive environment and provides hands-on guidance to engage staff in adopting a care delivery model of accountability, empowerment, and excellence in practice.
Contributes to a work environment of caring and cooperation among a culturally diverse workforce and patient population. Performs other duties as needed. Education and
Bachelor of Science Degree in nursing required if hired after July 30, 2021. If hired prior to July 30, 2021, Bachelor's degree may be in progress with completion date three years from start of program, or, an Associate's Degree in nursing with a Bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and a Master's Degree in nursing required. If hired prior to July 30, 2021, Master's Degree may be in progress with completion date three years from start of program.
Minimum of three years nursing experience in area of specialty in a facility with an equivalent patient acuity level required. Minimum of one year of prior management or supervisory experience preferred. Knowledge and
Substantial knowledge of state and federal healthcare regulations and accreditation, finance, performance improvement, quality, patient safety, evidenced-based clinical practice standards, medical staff structure, legal aspects of care, and nursing scope of practice required. Ability to apply theoretical concepts to clinical practice and continually expands knowledge base and clinical skills with a focus in area of specialty and population served.
Obtains cooperation and support from a broad range of staff. Knowledge and application of adult learning principles. Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of staff.
Able to read; write and speak with professional quality; use computer and software programs necessary to the position; operate/troubleshoot patient care equipment required for the position. Able to communicate positively, effectively, and professionally with others; provide leadership; be assertive and consistent in enforcing policies ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, rules and laws; think critically; use sound judgment based on factual information and clinical knowledge; work calmly and respond courteously when under pressure; lead, supervise, teach, and collaborate; accept direction.
Able to communicate effectively in English (and Spanish preferred) in person, in writing, and on the telephone; think critically; work independently; perform basic math and statistical functions; manage multiple assignments; compose written material; work well under pressure; problem solve; organize and prioritize workload; recall information with accuracy; pay close attention to detail. Able to distinguish colors as necessary; hear sufficiently for general conversation in person and on the telephone, and identify and distinguish various sounds associated with the workplace; see adequately to read computer screens, and written documents necessary to the position.
Licensures and
Active California Registered Nurse (RN) license required. Basic life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association required. Other certifications required as listed in the department-specific Plan for Providing Care.