Charge Nurse - Intermediate Care - Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

• Position Summary

  • The Charge Nurse assumes a critical leadership role, providing guidance, coordination, and unwavering support in the delivery of high-quality patient care for a designated shift. Responsible for overseeing and supervising the nursing staff, collaborating seamlessly with interdisciplinary teams, and optimizing operational efficiency within the unit, this position necessitates exceptional clinical expertise, exemplary leadership skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

    Primary responsibilities encompass ensuring the utmost accountability for the quality of care delivery, seamless patient progression, and a commitment to service excellence. This encompasses fostering a patient-centered and professional work environment by utilizing the nursing process, promoting staff development and training, and fostering collaborative team interactions to elevate the standard of patient care. The Charge Nurse maintains regular collaboration with the Clinical Operations Manager and House Supervisor, working collectively to guarantee the provision of unparalleled patient care.

    The Charge Nurse provides direct and indirect patient care services that meet the psychosocial, physical, and restorative needs of each patient. The registered nurse’s decisions and actions with patients and families are determined in an ethical manner, practicing compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of each person. Effectively communicates with patients/families, visitors, colleagues, physicians, leadership, and volunteers. All areas of nursing practice and care delivery are provided to achieve and maintain top-decile results and outcomes for patient experience, quality, and patient safety. The Charge Nurse follows and adheres to UNC Health Appalachian's policies and procedures, regulatory requirements, and standards of behavior. The Charge Nurse practices within the nurse practice act and their license.

    The Charge Nurse demonstrates the UNC Health Appalachian's Mission, Vision, and Values in action and approaches work in a way that reflects action, efficiency, and personal accountability. The Charge Nurse demonstrates professional conduct, effective communication, and effective delegation of tasks. Effectively and professionally manages working relationships with coworkers, physicians, and all UNC Health Appalachian team members in a way that promotes a healthy work environment. Responds quickly and accurately to emergencies in the work environment and/or to changes in patient condition. Performs registered nursing duties under general supervision. Always assists coworkers, patients, families, and visitors regardless of the patient assignment, so long as the assistance is in-line with their scope of practice and license.

• Position Qualifications
  • Minimum Education
    • Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in the state of North Carolina.
    • Graduate of an accredited school/program of nursing is required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is preferred.
  • Experience
    • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a inpatient nursing setting with demonstrated competence and leadership abilities.
  • Required Registration/License/Certification
    • Basic Life Support (BLS) issued by the American Heart Association is required at time of hire.
    • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) issued by the American Heart Association is required one (1) year from date of hire.
    • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) issued by the American Heart Association is required one (1) year from date of hire OR Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course (ENPC) will also be accepted.
    • National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification is required one (1) year from date of hire.
  • Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
    • Strong clinical knowledge and proficiency in nursing practices and procedures.
    • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
    • Ability to prioritize and make effective decisions in a fast-paced environment.
    • Proficiency in using electronic medical record (EMR) systems and other relevant healthcare technology.
    • Commitment to providing patient-centered care and promoting a culture of safety.
    • Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays, as per unit needs.
  • Physical Demands
    • Lifting and Moving: Ability to lift and carry up to and greater than 50 pounds for patient transfers and equipment handling.
    • Standing and Walking: Capacity to stand and walk for extended periods during patient care activities.
    • Manual Dexterity: Precise fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination for performing delicate tasks like injections and wound care.
    • Physical Stamina: Endurance to sustain focus and provide consistent care throughout long shifts.
    • Bending, Stooping, and Reaching: Flexibility and agility for accessing supplies and assisting patients.
    • Physical Endurance: Ability to handle physically demanding situations and emergencies.
    • Visual and Auditory Acuity: Adequate vision (ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less) and hearing for accurate patient assessment and response to alarms.
    • Emotional Resilience: Capacity to manage stress, handle challenging patient situations, and maintain empathy.
  • Working Conditions
    • • Regularly exposed to the risk of blood-borne diseases.
      • Frequently exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment, odorous chemicals and specimens, and unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc.
      • Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) and emergency situations.
      • Continuous standing and walking long periods = to or greater than > 8 hours per shift.
      • Speaking, reading ,and writing, expanded > 8 hours per day.
      • Exposed to vibration and cramped spaces >1 hour per day.
      • Frequently mobilizes patients > 4 hours per day.
      • Frequently per shift: lifts, carries, pushes, and/or pulls > 50 lbs.
      • Frequently per hour: bends, squats, kneels, twists, turns, and reaches.
      • Frequently per minute: hand, finger, and wrist repetition and moderate dexterity.
      • Frequently per hour, exposed to soft voices > 3 ft. away.
      • Frequently per hour, exposed to close eye work.
      • Infrequently per shift, may be exposed to ionizing/non-ionizing radiation exposure including x-ray and microwave.

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