Functions as a Lead of the healthcare team, coordinates departmental operations that ensure quality patient care in a safe, healing environment that is patient and family centered. Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for own professional practice. Has appropriate clinical skills to be an expert resource. Is available and supportive to employees and understands priorities/needs of the department. Is a staff role model for professional nursing practice. May recommend to management in efficient resource allocation by assuring appropriate patient assignments, staffing, and scheduling. Demonstrates performance consistent with the strategic plan of the organization and the KP nursing mission and values.

The Charge Registered Nurse demonstrates proficiency by exhibiting the following skills, competencies, and behaviors:

Leadership:

• Directs reviews, assigns and organizes the work of at least three (3) or more employees, of which at least one (1) must be another Registered Nurse.


• Applies the KP Nursing mission, vision, values and behaviors in daily practice. Understands needs and sets priorities for the department.


• Provides professional leadership and direction of department personnel in order to maintain efficient delivery of effective patient care.


• Coordinates departmental operations and delegates tasks appropriately. Is an excellent staff role model for professional nursing practice (e.g. RN/MD Collaborating for Outcomes, Just Culture, Quality, Service, Safety). Supports and enhances the leadership skills of the staff RNs, LVNs and UAs/CNAs (and other ancillary staff as appropriate).


• Upholds compliance with Kaiser Permanentes Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibilities, applicable state and federal laws and regulations, and accreditation and licensure requirements.


• Upholds the standards of the California Nurse Practice Act, American Nurses Association (ANA) Standards of Nursing Practice, and ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses.


• Champions new ideas; Actively collaborates with others through the change process.


• Acts as a resource, preceptor and mentor to new employees, registry, students, and other team members in department specific operations and patient care activities.


• Collaborates with or refers to manager/clinical nurse specialist/educator any outstanding issues or concerns on the unit. Demonstrates ability to identify and resolve problems in collaboration with work team and with other departments.


• Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, policies, procedures, and standards of practice.


• Participates in activities related to patient flow, including admission and discharge rocesses. Facilitates inter-professional/interdisciplinary communication and collaboration.

Nursing Process:

• Serves as a resource for clinical concerns, scope of practice and applicable state and federal regulations as well as operational concerns of providers and staff. Possesses experience and skills to be a resource for providers, RNs, LVNs, USs/CNAs, (and other ancillary staff as appropriate).


• Demonstrates flexibility in work schedule to meet the department demands of the day; facilitates and relieves staff breaks.


• Actively involved in assigning, orienting, and precepting and coaching staff as needed.

Documentation:

• Conducts audits and ensures that documentation reflects thorough assessments, incorporates physical and psychosocial findings, diagnostic tests, learning needs, barriers, multidisciplinary education plans and age appropriate care.

Clinical Outcomes:

• Participates/leads various aspects of department operations, staff competencies, department committees, Unit Based Teams (UBTs), new projects, quality efforts, and educational programs.


• Demonstrates knowledge of patients specific conditions commonly seen in the department and care required. Interfaces with leadership, peers, physicians, other healthcare providers, and support staff regarding performance, as necessary.


• Actively participates, champions and motivates other staff in quality improvement in patient care, workflow, and improvement in clinical initiatives and working conditions of the department. Provides input on employees performance evaluations through daily observation and monitoring of performance.

Workplace Safety:

• Adjusts staffing needs of the department to assure quality patient care, patient and staff safety, efficiency, productivity and working conditions of providers and staff. Actively models Labor-Management Partnership (LMP) Workplace Safety principles and practices.

Patient Care Experience/Customer Service:

• Acts as a role model for staff regarding providing a patient care experience that exceeds members expectations.


• Ensures timely and appropriate management of patients.


• Coordinates smooth transition for patients across the care continuum. Participates in daily leadership rounds, documents rounding activities on unit rounding logs (as appropriate.). Assures hourly rounds are conducted by staff. Where appropriate, assures hourly rounds are documented according to unit/facility policy or guidelines.

Team Commitment:

• Ensures support of the collaborative LMP environment through unit based teams (UBTs). Identifies and supports staff professional/clinical development needs (i.e. certification, presentations, reward/recognition).


• Motivates staff to attain their fullest potential in improving performance, attendance, access, service and quality outcomes. Lead/facilitate daily/shift multidisciplinary huddles. Assures huddle messages are consistently communicated. Confronts difficult or conflict situations constructively and seeks appropriate assistance.

Fiscal Responsibility:

• Participates in resource allocation (assignments, scheduling, staffing, equipment/supplies management).


• Collaborates and assists with leadership, physicians, and peers in staffing, workflow and throughput to promote quality patient care, patient and staff safety, efficiency, productivity and working conditions of providers and staff.

Professional Development:

• Attends Charge Nurse Educational programs. Takes responsibility for professional growth and development.