Charge Nurse (RN) - ALITA CARE

Job Summary:

The 3-11 Charge KITU Registered Nurse is responsible for assessing, planning, and evaluating patie...Essential Functions:      

Assumes overall responsibility for assigned shift.           

Evaluates staffing patterns and relocates staff to other units as necessary.  Collaborates with Chief Nursing Officer as necessary.

Receives and documents call outs and works to fill shifts as needed. Mandates staff if necessary to fulfill safe staffing requirements.

Makes rounds on all units on grounds.  Supervises activities of staff.   Assists in direct care on units as necessary. 

Advises unit staff on policies and procedures and provides information to staff on new policies and procedures as needed.

Provides input to Nurse Managers for staff evaluations.

Models trauma informed care approaches to staff on units

Fosters the use of de-escalation preferences and assists staff in using same to minimize restraint utilization

Assists unit staff in problem solving during crisis, actively facilitates debriefing activities immediately after event

Coordinates the use of telemedicine program for new admissions and restraints as necessary.                      

Communicates with Administration regarding incidents, emergencies and staffing problems. 

Informs Chief Medical Officer, Chief Nursing Office, and Administrator on Call of emergency medical problems, discharges, AMA’s, elopements and significant employee accidents.              

Coordinates disaster plan

Communicates to Chief Nursing Office, department heads, DOCs and the Administrator on Call any critical concerns or problems.

Ensures all incidents occurring on his/her shift are documented on appropriate report form, all information is accurate and complete and turned into administrator prior to end of his/her shift

Assists Intake Coordinator in the assessment of clinical appropriateness of potential new patients for admission.

Collaborates with Admissions regarding placement of patients in hospital.

Updates supervisor log including the census and other pertinent information regarding patients and staff for follow up, at change of shift.

Has the responsibility for ensuring all staff are professional in their interactions with patients, visitors, and co-workers 

Pursues own professional development.

Demonstrates responsibility and dependability through attendance, punctuality, and proper use of earned time

Any other duties as assigned by Chief Nursing Officer.

Essential Competencies:

Ability to direct, guide, and supervise unit staff.

Understanding of bio-psychosocial issues and knowledge of treatment methods for mental illness and chemical dependency.

Awareness of cultural and age-related issues with adults, adolescents, and geriatric populations.

Meets educational standards and licensing requirements of RN including competency in CPR.

Physical Criteria:

 Must be able to run short distances.

Must be able to climb stairs.

Must be able to assist with carrying immobile patient.

Must be able to participate in medical and behavioral emergency procedures.

Reports to: Nurse Manager, Nursing Supervisors

Supervises:   LPN, SMHC, Milieu Therapist, Mental Health Counselors.