Charge Nurse (2704)

The nurse functions as a charge nurse of the assigned Division within the Department of Surgery.  Primary responsibility of the position is to staff clinics and monitor the quality of work performed by clinic staff and ensure that policies and procedures are in place and followed.  This position will supervise clinic staff and ensures that safe, quality, efficient health delivery is provided to patients. This nurse will serve as a patient service coordinator within the Division, as well as provide direct nursing services for the physicians and clinical areas to which he/she is assigned. This position performs daily application of the School’s mission and vision in providing the highest level of quality care to our patients, families, and in working with our employees, physicians, and the communities we serve.

#IND1Nursing Duties 45%
A. Provides clinic nursing care and delegation of clinical duties to RN’s, LPN’s and MA’s. This care may include but not be limited to obtaining patient histories, assisting with portions of physical examinations, administering medications, providing wound care, performing other nursing procedures and documents nursing functions appropriately.
B. Performs clinic laboratory testing and procedural testing according to clinic protocols. Reports findings to physician and records on patient medical record.
C. Assists with procedures.  Sets up and/or completes procedures as necessary under the direction of the MD, APN, or PA.
D. Develops and implements patient plan of care with the MD, APN, and/or PA.
E. Coordinates delivery of patient plan of care.
F. Organizes clinic patient flow and revises as necessary to maximize physician productivity and minimize patient wait times.
G. Schedules follow-up patient activities including radiology studies, surgical procedures and other testing as ordered by the physician, physician assistant, or Nurse Practitioner.
H. Prepares for upcoming clinics by obtaining history from referring physician, pertinent radiologic studies, laboratory results, and operative reports when appropriate.
I. Communicates with call center, patients, families and other healthcare professionals.
J. Uses critical thinking skills to triage patient care priorities for patient phone calls and needs.
K. Utilizes and maintains equipment used in the assessment and treatment of patients.
L. Ensures accurate and current nursing procedures pertaining to patient care through appropriate supervision of clinical personnel in the clinical area.
M. Acts as liaison between healthcare facilities and other specialty agencies.
N. Functions as a primary nurse or back-up nurse as directed depending on the need. Follows direction of the primary nurse and physician when functioning as the back-up nurse.
O. Performs nursing duties in other Divisions temporarily as assigned by the Nurse Administrator.
P. Serves as a resource to departmental staff.
Q. Ensures proper licensure and certifications of all staff members.

Administrative Duties 42%
A. Provides direct supervision for clinical team members (RN, LPN, MA’s). Monitors quality of work and services performed by clinical staff and ensures that functions are performed according to policies and procedures.
B. Performs employee evaluations and participates in the disciplinary process.
C. Responsible for completion of clinic staff daily/monthly assignment schedule, including assignment of nursing duties in other divisions to cover absences as necessary.  Approves vacation, sick, and/or comp time.
D. Participates in the interview process and recommends hiring of clinic personnel.  Coordinates and oversees orientation and training for new personnel.
E. Participates in the development, implements, updates and maintains nursing policies, procedures, standards of care and quality assurance programs.
F. Completes charge tickets for nursing services provided in the clinic.
G. Assures that tests and surgeries are precertified according to insurance requirements if necessary.
H. Maintains or delegates inventory of adequate supplies necessary for daily surgery clinic activities and makes recommendations to Divisional Chairman/Administrative Aide for equipment, commodities, and non-routine supplies.
I. Schedules & participates in departmental/divisional staff meetings.
J. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education 10%
A. Provides patient teaching and participates in staff and community education programs.
B. Provides orientation to daily clinic activities and training for nursing personnel, students and residents.
C. Assists with instruction of secretaries in the provision of patient activities.
D. Functions as resource person for general public requesting information regarding assigned Division and SIU Department of Surgery as a whole.
E. Completes annual training and competencies.

Research Duties 3%
A. Assists with planning and implementation of research projects as related to patient care.
B. Follows research protocols when conducting patient research including obtaining informed consent, providing patient care as directed by research methodology, and documenting patient care according to protocol or clinic standards.
C. Collects and analyzes data and assists with publishing results as needed.
D. Attends SCHRIS training and maintains qualifications to participate in research if applicable.Credentials to be Verified by Placement Officer
1. Licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse in Illinois.
2. Three years of work experience as a Registered Professional Nurse or 2 years work experience as a Registered Professional Nurse with 1 year of supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's)
1. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
2. Ability to work with others as a member of multiple disciplinary team.
3. Problem solving abilities.
4. Adaptability 
5. Excellent customer service skills.
6. Ability to function without direct supervision.

Condition of Employment
Pursuant to the State Universities Civil Service System, an out-of-state resident who is hired into this position must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of their start date.