FCCCC RN - IPU - PT

RN CHARGE NURSE

Job Summary:

The Charge Nurse is responsible for the smooth and efficient patient flow within the Inpatient Unit (IPU). Delegates assignments and provides supervision for the support staff in accordance with their level of training and the patient’s acuity. Works in cooperation with medical providers to ensure patient care quality. Oversees and guides employees under his/her supervision, including LPNs and CNAs, nursing, and support services for the areas of responsibility at Big Bend Hospice (BBH). Actively supports and promotes the hospice’s philosophy and mission statement.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Uses judgment to delegate to and assist staff in implementing care.
• Delegates/assigns duties as specified in rules and regulations.
• Considers complexity of care, educational preparations, and facility policies when delegating or assigning care.
• Remains responsible for the acts delegated or assigned.
• Conducts and documents skills competency assessments per state regulations.
• Makes staff assignments based on patients’ needs and staff competency to ensure

efficient utilization of resources.

• Make rounds to ensure all patient needs are met, and staff behaviors reflect the

organization’s values.

• Identifies problems with the quality of patient care and initiates actions for resolution and service recovery. Maintains management informed.
• Serves as the clinical and systems information resource for staff, ensuring that nursing personnel follows departmental policies and procedures.
• Ensures that supplies and durable medical equipment are available to meet the needs of the patients.

Duties/ Responsibilities:

• General Duties
  • Demonstrates knowledge of the hospice philosophy.

• • Understands the progression of the disease process and promotes the provision of comfort care to the dying as an active, desirable, and important skill. Educates patients and families regarding death and dying.
  • Assume care of minimum two patients up to four patients per shift at FCCCC and minimum of two patients up to six patients per shift at Dozier House.
  • Round on all patients at beginning of shift, with an encounter note entered on each patient detailing the rounding.
  • Resource for patients and families to provide End of Life teaching, counseling, and support with the goal of improving families' understanding of hospice goals of care and patient condition. Enter detailed notes reciting these conversations.
  • Provide oversight and teaching for new staff that are on the floor nursing and/or hospice.
  • Demonstrates ability to maintain good interpersonal relationships with patients, families, co-workers, and other health team members. Communicates with medical providers in a clear and concise manner.
  • Assists patients, families, colleagues, and self to cope with suffering, grief, loss, and bereavement in end-of-life care.
  • Shows commitment to learning and professional development. Applies knowledge gained from palliative care research to end-of-life education and care.
  • Utilizes electronic medical records and other electronic devices to their fullest potential.
• Assessment
  • The employee uses the electronic medical record to collect, analyze, validate, report, and record data about our patients. Assessment includes physiological data and psychological, sociocultural, spiritual, economic, and lifestyle factors to ensure the patient's safety.
• Implementation
  • Develops a plan of care that establishes priorities and considers cultural, ethnic, and spiritual aspects and decisions regarding treatment.
  • Plan of care includes measures to support human functions and maintain hygiene, comfort, and a safe environment.
  • Based on the assessment and diagnosis, the nurse sets measurable and achievable short and long-range goals at the time of assessment, which are patient and family centered.
  • Assessment data, diagnosis, and goals are included in the patient’s care plan so that nurses, as well as other health professionals caring for the patient have access to it.
  • Maintains an adequate supply of stock to provide patient care.
  • Reviews and revises care plans as necessary, educating and counseling patients and families on an ongoing basis.
• Outcomes/Planning
  • Develops a plan of care that establishes priorities and considers cultural, ethnic, and spiritual aspects and decisions regarding treatment.
  • Plan of care includes measures to support human functions and maintain hygiene, comfort, and a safe environment.

• • Based on the assessment and diagnosis, the nurse sets measurable and achievable short and long-range goals at the time of assessment, which are patient and family centered.
  • Assessment data, diagnosis, and goals are included in the patient’s care plan so that nurses, as well as other health professionals caring for the patient have access to it.
  • Maintains an adequate supply of stock to provide patient care.
  • Reviews and revises care plans as necessary, educating and counseling patients and families on an ongoing basis.
• Evaluation
  • Patient status and the effectiveness of the nursing care are continuously evaluated, and the care plan is modified and updated as needed.
  • Evaluates the impact of traditional, complementary, and technological therapies on patient-centered outcomes.
• Patient Safety
  • Maintains a safe environment.
  • Institutes standard procedures to stabilize patient’s condition or prevent serious

complications in emergencies.

• • Acts as a patient advocate.
• Department Specific Duties
  • Follows rounding protocol to check on patient needs and well-being.
  • Knocks to gain permission to enter if the patient is alert and/or has visitors.
  • Greets the patient and any visitors and explains the rationale for interventions.
  • Utilizes the dry-erase board and writes the names of the team, goals for the day,

and patient’s position on the bed.

• • Addresses the 3 P’s during patient assessments: positioning, potty (personal

needs), and pain.

• • Consistently asks the patient if there is “anything else I can do for you before I

leave.”

• • Proactive applies pain and symptom management principles to nursing interventions for quality patient care.
  • Provides active listening and frequently interacts with patients and visitors.
  • Provides direct patient care as needed.
  • Completes quality audits as assigned.
• Core Values
  • Employee exemplifies the BIG BEND HOSPICE’S core values:
    • We will demonstrate integrity in everything we do.
    • We will hold ourselves accountable to the highest professional and ethical standards.
    • We will demonstrate respect for each other and those we serve.
    • We will be good stewards of our resources.