RN Med Surg Charge Nurse

Community Health Systems; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Health Systems seeks an RN Charge to oversee a nursing unit on assigned shifts, ensuring high-quality patient care and efficient operations. Responsibilities include supervising staff, coordinating with healthcare teams, and maintaining compliance with hospital policies.

The role emphasizes infection control, safety, and ongoing professional development, with leadership in unit workflow, patient rounds, and quality initiatives to improve outcomes.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of clinical nursing experience required.
• RN licensure in state or compact state.
• BLS certification required.
• ACLS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervises nursing and support staff, delegating tasks to appropriate personnel.
• Evaluates staff performance, providing feedback and coaching.
• Oversees assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care.
• Coordinates care with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient flow.
• Maintains compliance with safety, infection control, and hospital policies.
• Leads shift handoffs, unit huddles, and communication among departments.
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives and audits.

Skills

Staff supervision

Clinical leadership

Communication

Infection control

Quality improvement

Resource management

Education/training

Emergency response

Education

RN licensure (state/compact)

Tools

EHR systems

Clinical documentation tools

Job description

Job Summary

The RN Charge oversees the operations of a nursing unit during assigned shifts, ensuring effective and efficient delivery of high-quality patient care. This role supervises nursing staff, coordinates care with healthcare teams, and maintains compliance with healthcare regulations and hospital policies while fostering a positive work environment and promoting professional development.

Essential Functions

• Supervises and supports nursing and support staff, delegating tasks and responsibilities to appropriate personnel.
• Evaluates staff performance, providing feedback and coaching to maintain high standards of care.
• Oversees the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care, ensuring patient care plans are followed and adjusted as needed.
• Collaborates with healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care and resolve issues related to patient flow or care delivery.
• Ensures effective communication among physicians, patients, families, and hospital departments, including managing shift handoffs and unit huddles.
• Monitors patient flow, manages bed assignments, and optimizes resource utilization within the unit.
• Conducts employee and patient rounding to evaluate care delivery and satisfaction.
• Monitors adherence to safety standards, infection control protocols, and hospital policies, addressing non-compliance promptly.
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives and audits to enhance patient outcomes and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.
• Ensures necessary medical supplies are available and properly utilized while maintaining cost-effective resource management.
• Facilitates ongoing education and professional development for nursing staff and ensures training needs are met.
• Leads efforts in infection prevention by conducting audits, educating staff, and ensuring adherence to protocols for hand hygiene, sterilization, and use of PPE.
• Responds to emergencies within the unit, providing leadership and direct care as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of clinical nursing experience required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong clinical knowledge and ability to oversee complex patient care.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to coordinate with interdisciplinary teams.
• Leadership and mentoring skills to manage staff and promote a positive work environment.
• Ability to assess, prioritize, and manage multiple patients and tasks.
• Proficiency in using hospital information systems and clinical documentation tools.
• Knowledge of infection control protocols, safety standards, and quality improvement practices.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills for addressing unit challenges and emergencies.

Licenses and Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required
• BLS - Basic Life Support required
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred