Charge Nurse

**** Currently hiring for PRN evening shift Nurses****

The charge Nurse is responsible for provision of quality nursing care for all sisters on the unit. She may assist with other needs of the unit.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPNSIBILITIES

NURSING CARE:

• Coordinate nursing service on the unit
• Responsible for report at change of shift
• Responsible for bed checks
• Assess, review, and keep current the care plans, treatment and medication sheets
• Responsible for taking and recording of vital signs of Sisters in critical condition
• Administer medications and specialized treatments
• Recognize, record and report significant changes in Sister’s condition to the staff and as necessary to the DON
• Notify DON, Pastoral Care, Nurse Coordinator, one member of the Council and the Motherhouse Minister if death of one of the Sisters is anticipated. Notify family
• Prepare the body using dignity and respect. Notify DON, Nurse Coordinator, Pastoral Care, Motherhouse Minister, Funeral Home & MD of death
• Check blood sugars as ordered
• Check computer updates daily
• Count narcotics at change of shift with oncoming nurse or QMA
• Assess Sisters; Consult with nurse on other floor, DON or ADON; send to ER when necessary, call report to ER and send appropriate documentation, call DON
• Follow up on all lab draws
• Notify MD as necessary
• Write physicians orders: order medications and place on MAR/TAR
• Document all changes in Sister’s condition on daily report sheet and in Sister’s chart.
• Check communication book at the beginning of shift daily for updates. Add updates as needed.
• Make calls to replace call-ins

PSYCHOLOGICAL CARE

• Maintain homelike atmosphere on the unit
• Respond to the need for emotional support and concern for individual Sisters, especially during a time of crisis
• Encourage and provide for Sisters to participate in various programs and activities

SPIRITUAL CARE

• Encourage spiritual and prayerful support for the dying Sister
• Call and work with Pastoral Care sister as necessary

SPECIAL SERVICES

• Order or provide any supplies needed for the care of the Sisters and the unit
• Maintain a professional working environment on the unit
• Encourage good communication and harmony among Co-workers to make nursing care more effective and enjoyable and to be of more benefit to the Sisters
• Provide a pleasant and courteous atmosphere for Sister, co-workers and visitors
• Notify the Maintenance Supervisor of needed repairs or operational needs on the unit
• Notify Housekeeping when needed
• Attend and participate in meetings, in-services, workshops, etc.
• Assist in implementing all policies and procedures
• Assist with periodic review of safety procedures
• Assist with orientation of new Co-workers
• When Co-worker on next shift cannot report as scheduled, call other co-workers to fill position if possible
• Complete performance reviews
• Know how to read the “Fire Panel” and what to do in case of fire/tornado or disaster

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• LPN or RN
• Organizational skills
• Analytical skills
• Physical Skills: Ability to sit, stand or walk. Ability to bend, squat, climb stairs and lift. Ability to push, pull or lift over 100 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work on scheduled days/evenings/nights
• Attend staff meetings as scheduled

ACCOUNTABILITY

• Directly responsible to the Nurse Coordinator, Assistant Director of Nursing and the Director of Nursing