Charge Nurse

Supervises the clinical activities of all nursing personnel on assigned shift; coordinates clinical activities among the multidisciplinary health care team; maintains high quality nursing care for all patients; functions as a role model for all unit personnel

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing in country of professional practice (Diploma from Western and similar countries, otherwise Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree) with Minimum of four (4) years working experience in an acute healthcare / hospital setting (100 beds or more), two (2) years of which was spent in Medical/Surgical/Pediatric/Operating Room/Post Anesthesia Recovery Room/High Dependency Unit/Emergency Room areas in the level of Charge Nurse, Head Nurse or Assistant Head Nurse position and / or demonstrates leadership qualities during relief Charge Nurse assignment (Essential).

Current License as a Registered Nurse (RN) from country of Professional practice (Essential).

Valid Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) Classification and Registration in good standing (Essential).

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Demonstrates current ophthalmic, medical and surgical knowledge with ability to recognize and apply basic pathophysiology in the disease process. Possesses an in-depth understanding of the nursing process and expertise in technical nursing skills.

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills required to coordinate and supervise clinical practice and resource management activities. Activities are implemented in a proactive and organized manner that indicates informed critical thinking skills and ability to prioritize.

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills required in recognizing potential emergency situations; code blue or other emergency situations are managed competently.

Upholds the standards of the International Council for Nurses - Code of Ethics; Supports nursing staff in difficult ethical situations; seeks assistance from Senior Nursing Management to deal with complex ethical and cultural issues.

Implements a total patient care system. Patient care assignments are based on patient acuity, staff skills-mix, educational activities, special assignments and fairness.

Assesses patient clinical status and care needs on an on-going basis. Reviews medical record clinical data, completes daily patient rounds and as required. Obtains admission, post-op, shift-change and on-going report from the RN and off-going Charge Nurse.

Completes and checks the pre-op checklist with consideration to special needs. Ensures timely completion of patient and documentation requirements. Informs the Nursing Manager, Holding or Central Desk as necessary for pre-op status and needs.

Plans patient care needs based on clinical data and assessment findings. Coordinates patient care needs among the multidisciplinary team. Conducts Physician’s rounds and communicates with Medical, Ophthalmic and Anesthesia Physicians as required.

Checks and coordinates implementation of Physician’s Orders. Oversees interdepartmental communication for appointments and schedule for diagnostic investigations, medical reports and discharge planning.

Directs and supervises clinical activities; supports the RNs in clinical decisions for nursing diagnosis and care planning for special needs and high risk patients. Serves as a resource for P&P standards, correct use and operation of equipment, etc. Acts as a role model through delivery of direct patient care during peak activity periods, for staff development needs and during emergency situations.

Coordinates patient teaching needs among the multidisciplinary team to ensure optimal compliance with health care regimens. Provides direction for admission, pre-op, post-op and discharge teaching; develops teaching protocols and strategies.

Informs the Nursing Manager of unit activities, unusual events, actual and potential patient problems and provides a detailed written report on a shift basis. Coordinates shift change and Charge Nurse reports to ensure continuity of care and communication.

Evaluates patient care on an on-going basis. Conducts multidisciplinary team rounds. Participates in evaluation of nursing practice and patient care issues.

Documentation is informative and complete. Ensures that nursing documentation meets P&P documentation standards. Reviews nursing documentation to ensure compliance with documentation requirements. Patient records are reviewed for deficiencies as per unit protocols.

Plans and develops staffing schedules; schedules reflect appropriate numbers, skills-mix, educational activities, special assignment and requests. Coordinates staff rotation with Charge Nurse Colleagues and submits completed schedule (3) weeks prior to commencement.

Coordinates new employee orientation. Assesses staff strengths and development needs.   Participates in staff performance appraisal. Shares knowledge and skills with nursing staff through unit in-service. Coordinates staff unit in-services and educational activities.

Contributes as a Unit Management team member. Participates in the unit promotion group to RN I positions. Implements counseling and corrective action following discussion with the Nursing Manager. Attends unit management meetings to review clinical and resource management issues. Attends ad-hoc Charge Nurse Meetings with Nursing Administration.

Maintains awareness for cost effectiveness. Checks unit quality control systems, unit and equipment maintenance, property control and medication storage systems on a regular basis.

Performs all duties in a professional, effective and confidential manner.

Performs all other related duties as required or assigned