Inpatient Service Charge Nurse

Job Description

PURPOSE AND SCOPE :

The Inpatient Services Charge Nurse is an additional “responsibility” assigned to the Inpatient Services RN, for a limited period of time, and for specific additional duties, as assigned by the Program Manager.

The Inpatient Services Charge Nurse ensures appropriate provision of Acute Dialysis Services and treatments within assigned hospitals / facilities by coordinating, scheduling, and directing Acute Patient Care staff and by performing Acute treatments as needed or directed by Program manager. Assumes the provision of quality patient care to all hospitalized patients in the most efficient manner in accordance with company policy, as well as regulations set forth by the company, state and federal agencies.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Under limited supervision, applies considerable complex knowledge to perform a broad range of tasks which include but are not limited to the following :

• Acts as a subject matter expert and resource for staff members on assigned Inpatient Center treatment floor.
• Normally receives no instruction on routine daily work, and general instructions on newly introduced assignment, but may escalate issues to Program Manager for resolution, as deemed necessary.
• Coordinate and schedule direct patient care staff to provide coverage of Acute Dialysis treatments in contracted hospitals / facilities and ensure efficient patient scheduling and staff utilization in accordance with the TAP scheduling tool.
• Maintain and review the daily TAP tool for all hospitals / facilities under their direct supervision and submit results to the Program Manager for review.
• Ensure all Acute treatments are performed in contracted hospitals / facilities according to the established policies and procedures, and in compliance, with all applicable regulatory requirement. Ensure accurate documentation of information related to patient treatment is entered into ACES during the time of treatment.
• Monitor on a daily basis ACES compliance.
• Perform Quality Assessment and Improvement (QAI) Program audits as directed to ensure the provision of quality patient care and compliance with all Joint Commission requirements.
• Participate in QAI meetings as requested by the Program Manager to assure proper reporting of QAI activities
• Assess daily patient care needs and communicate concerns to attending physician. Implement changes in patient care / treatment as directed and in collaboration with prescribing physicians.
• Perform Acute treatments according to current Charge Nurse Guidance recommendations and oversee all dialysis related medical and emergency functions.
• Communicates with the physician and other members of the healthcare team to interpret, adjust, triage and complete patient care plans in the most efficient and safe manner.
• Coordinate with appropriate technical staff to ensure preventative maintenance program for routine machine maintenance, to ensure the timely repair of disabled machines, to coordinate infection control measures, routine water culturing, water testing, logging of results, transportation of equipment and supplies, and communicate technical information to the staff.
• Serve as liaison between the administrative staff of each hospital / facility and the Program Manager.
• Practice cost containment strategies in all areas including medical supply inventory and personnel.
• Reviews and comply with the Code of Business Conduct and all applicable company policies and procedures, local, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Assist with various projects as assigned by the Program Manager.
• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS :

Ishihara Test for Color Blindness does not preclude employment. The Company will consider whether reasonable accommodation can be made.

SUPERVISION :

EDUCATION :

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS :

EO / AA Employer : Minorities / Females / Veterans / Disability / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

Fresenius Medical Care North America maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

EOE, disability / veterans