Charge Resource Nurse - CVOR

Responsible for delegation, supervision, and provision of nursing care for a designated group of patients through utilization of the nursing process.  Provides age-appropriate care. Participates in research when appropriate and incorporates research findings into evidence-based clinical practice. Contributes to quality improvement processes.  Adheres to MMC Mission, Vision, and Values, the Nursing Division Mission, Vision, and Philosophy, the ANA Code of Ethics and the Illinois Nursing Act.

The charge resource nurse, in conjunction with the nurse manager, is responsible for assigning appropriate, competent nursing personnel to provide the direct patient care and ancillary support required in the recovery room for elective- and emergency-surgical patients; assistance with equipment and supplies; maintenance and implementing the daily caseload; working closely with Anesthesia, Outpatient coordinating discharge, operating room and the inpatient units.  Manages daily staffing and resources, including increasing, decreasing and reassignment of personnel.  Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Quality, Integrity and Stewardship that support our mission, vision and values.

1. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Quality, Integrity and Stewardship that support our mission, vision and values: 

• SAFETY: Prevent Harm - I will put safety first in everything I do.  I will speak up, without fear, on matters of patient and colleague safety.  I will take action to create an environment of zero harm. 

• QUALITY: Improve Outcomes -  I will continually advance my knowledge and skills.  I will seek out continuous improvement opportunities.  I will deliver evidence-based care that leads to excellence in outcomes. 

• INTEGRITY: Show respect and Compassion  - I will respect others and show compassion.  I will behave honesty and ethically.  I will be accountable for my attitude, actions and health. 

• STEWARDSHIP: Reduce Waste - I will use resources wisely and maintain financial stability.  I will work together to coordinate care and services across the health system.  I will promote healthier communities.

1. Clinical skills

• Maintains basic knowledge and skills in post anesthesia recovery.
• Handles floor stock medications or medications delivered from pharmacy directly or through the pneumatic tube station. Relocates these medications, in original containers, to designated secure storage locations.
• Provides care appropriate to the age of the patient serviced.
• Assigns workloads appropriate to patient activity.

1. Communication skills

• Utilizes simple, direct, and clear verbal instructions and obtains feedback to ensure that instructions are understood.
• Keeps staff informed (on need-to-know basis) of changes in schedule and assignments.
• Consults regularly with the Anesthesia Department and surgeon when patient conditions change.
• Actively participates in committees/meetings.
• Keeps nurse manager informed of day's activities and concerns.
• Demonstrates a supportive, receptive, non-threatening communication style allowing for immediate expression of ideas and problem solving.

1. Leadership skills

• Assists in coordination of daily assignments and decisions for utilization of staff.
• Fosters an environment that focuses on values, autonomy, and accountability where staff and management participate as partners in the decision-making process.
• Appropriately delegates duties and responsibilities to other members of the staff necessary to support the recovery of a patient and ensures that departmental tasks are completed.
• Recognizes proper safety precautions in routine performance of duties and reports any disregard of policies to those involved.
• Encourages staff members to follow department policies.
• Reports any inappropriate activities of staff, surgeons, or other personnel to the nurse manager.
• Provides time for orientation, training, and education of staff members as required, working with the educational coordinator to meet identified needs.
• Schedules staff time to include work on special projects, meetings for specialty groups, and feedback to all staff.
• Assists nurse manager with the staff schedule.
• In conjunction with the departmental business manager, coordinates equipment and supply availability.
• Assures physical environment of PACU bays, storage areas and nurse stations are maintained.
• Unit coordination/productivity
• Assists in coordination of the flow of the daily schedule.
• Promotes and collaborates with staff to build a climate that demonstrates appreciation and recognition of achievement.
• Fosters positive, interdepartmental collaborative relationships to improve patient care, unit efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Implements cost-effective measures to enhance effective and efficient patient care.
• Participates in quality improvement processes.
• Guides and oversees daily patient schedule changes according to established policies and procedures.
• Recognizes trends that may affect smooth operation of the department and reports them to the nurse manager and/or director.

1. Personal and professional growth.

• Demonstrates responsibility for own personal and professional growth as reflected by professional-development activities and unit projects.
• Attends and participates in inservice programs.
• Acts as role model to staff.

1. Performs other related work as required or requested.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Education:

·         BSN with 3 years of clinical experience practicing in a PACU setting OR ADN/Diploma and 5 years of clinical experience practicing in a PACU setting.  Experience must demonstrate development of leadership competencies that include team leading and managing complex and potentially confrontational situations.

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

·         Licensed as RN in State of Illinois

·         Current BLS/CPR,ACLS and PALS certification per policy

·         Must obtain national certification within 24 months of hire.

Experience:

·         BSN with 3 years of clinical experience practicing in a PACU setting OR ADN/Diploma and 5 years of clinical experience practicing in a PACU setting.  Experience must demonstrate development of leadership competencies that include team leading and managing complex and potentially confrontational situations.