Senior Nurse-Charge RN-Med Surg-Days

MercyOne; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

MercyOne Trinity Health in West Des Moines, IA, is seeking a Charge Nurse to provide shift-to-shift leadership for the unit, ensuring safe, effective, and patient-centered care while coordinating with physicians and the interprofessional team.

The Charge Nurse balances direct patient care with administrative duties, develops staffing plans, mentors staff, leads quality improvement activities, and upholds Joint Commission standards and patient safety across the unit.

Qualifications

• Possession of a current or compact state license as a Registered Nurse issued/defined by the State of Iowa.
• Bachelor’s degree in nursing preferred.
• 12 months of RN experience required. 24 months preferred.
• Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter – Child and/or Dependent Adult Abuse training within three months of hire.
• BLS for Healthcare Providers certified or obtained within three months of hire.
• Unit specific credentialing and education active and in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains departmental daily staffing plan detailing appropriate employee classifications and qualifications.
• Oversees daily operations, staff management, and coordination of interdepartmental activities within the unit or department during the assigned shift.
• Resolves clinical issues and serves as liaison between nurses, physicians, and administrative teams.
• Provides orientation/education for staff and students to ensure patients have a positive care experience.
• Leads staff in the delivery of safe and effective patient care.
• Delivers nursing care by assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care in collaboration with the physician.
• Mentors staff and participates in HR-related activities as needed.
• Maintains knowledge of documentation requirements for patient records.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team coordination

Patient care

Education

Registered Nurse license (Iowa)

Bachelor’s degree in nursing (preferred)

Mandatory Reporter training

Job description

Employment Type:Full timeShift:12 Hour Day ShiftDescription:

POSITION PURPOSE

ThededicatedCharge Nurseisaregistered nurse responsiblefor providingshift-to-shift leadership for the practice and delivery of safe, effective, efficient, ethical, and culturally competent care to theunitpatient population.This pivotal role bridges direct patient care with administrative responsibilities, ensuringoptimalpatient outcomes through effective leadership, resource allocation, and collaboration with the interdisciplinary healthcare team.The Charge Nurse ensures adherence toestablishedpolicies, promotes a collaborative work environment, and supports staff development whilemaintainingpatient safety and satisfaction.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops andmaintainsdepartmental daily staffing plan detailingappropriate employeeclassifications and qualifications consistent with the department's operational plan, projected volumes, patient/acuityand other relevant indicators. Assures compliance with staffing plan.
• Oversees daily operations, staff management, and coordination of interdepartmental activities within the unit or department during the assigned shift.
• Responsible for resolving clinical issues, and serving as a liaison between nurses, physicians, and administrative teams.
• Provides orientation/education for staff and students to ensure assigned patients havea positive care experience.
• Leadsstaff in the delivery of safe and effective patient care.
• Delivers nursing care by assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care in collaboration with the physician.
• Provides input on staff interviewing and hiring decisions as delegated by theunit leader.
• Maintains knowledge of documentation requirements needed for patient records.
• Ensures compliance with all policies and procedures governing assigned services, including Joint Commission standards, safety protocols, andapplicablefederal, state, and regulatory requirements.
• Serves as a resource, mentor, and role model in delivering patient care using a team approach.
• Facilitates communication between patient/family,physiciansand other caregivers to achieve consensus for the plan of care.Consultswith the Ethics Committee asappropriate.
• Leads and promotes evidence-based practice and research among unit leaders and staff.
• Leads quality improvement activities including performance improvement processes tofacilitateclinical practice changes.
• Conduct follow-up on incident reports as directed by theUnit leaderandparticipatein ongoing audits of nursing-sensitive indicators to ensure regulatory compliance. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, chart reviews, patient safety audits, shift-based crash cart checks, and other quality assuranceactivities asidentified by the facility.
• Functions independently with minimal supervision from Nursing Leadership, guided by the Nurse Practice Act, MercyOne Central IA Market and Trinity Health policies,establishednursing standards, and sound professional judgment.
• Plans unit and nursing resourceutilizationbased on established admission,dischargeand transfer criteria,initiatingappropriate interventionand collaboration tooptimizepatient care and unit/department operations.
• Serves as a group leader and fulfills an assistant supervisory or lead role, providing guidance and support to team members. Additionally, it contributes to Human Resources functions by offering input and recommendations on personnel matters.
• Identifiesand communicates staff needs to theunit leader.
• Serves as a resource or "Super User" for documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Leads orparticipatesin interdisciplinary patient rounds and care conferences, management rounding to patients and staff, and Rounding to Influence (Safety First).
• Reviews and codes asindicatedfor shift needs in timekeeping system.
• Collaborate withUnit leaderto balance schedule after closure of self-schedulingtime-periodand prior to completion of schedule.
• Leads or delegates daily huddles andmaintainshuddle boards in collaboration and direction fromUnit leader.
• Assistsnursing and interdisciplinary team in patient/family education and discharge planning.

Mission Statement

We,MercyOneTrinity Health, serve together in the spirit of the Gospel as a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our communities.

Core Values

• Reverence: Wehonor the sacredness and dignity of every person.
• Commitment to Those who are Poor: We stand with and serve those who are poor, especially those most vulnerable.
• Safety : We embrace a culture that prevents harm and nurtures a healing, safe environment for all.
• Justice: Wefoster right relationships to promote the common good, including sustainability of Earth.
• Stewardship: Wehonor our heritage and hold ourselves accountable for the human,financialand natural resources entrusted to our care.
• Integrity: We are faithful to those we say we are.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of a current or compact state license as a Registered Nurse issued/defined by the State of Iowa.
• Bachelor’s degree in nursing preferred.
• 12 months of RN experience required.24 monthspreferred.
• Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter – Child and/or Dependent Adult Abuse training within three (3) months of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for the Healthcare Provider certified or obtained within three (3) months of hire.Acceptable credentialing bodies and certifications include American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers.
• Unit specific credentialing and education active and in good standing.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.