Charge Nurse

Position Overview

The Charge Nurse is responsible for overseeing the clinical nursing team, ensuring high-quality patient care, coordinating staff schedules and training, and acting as a clinical leader during shifts. This role includes hands-on care, administrative follow-through, medication oversight, and supporting new hires through onboarding and skill validations. The Charge Nurse plays a critical role in maintaining compliance with healthcare standards and ensuring a safe, well-coordinated care environment.

Reports to: Director of Nursing (DON)

Key Responsibilities

Staff Supervision and Coordination

• Supervise daily clinical operations and act as the on-shift leader, including weekends.

• Handle real-time callouts and ensure shift coverage by coordinating internal adjustments or utilizing agency nurses.

• Create and update staff schedules.

• Conduct and document 30-, 60-, and 90-day performance evaluations and skill observations for clinical staff.

• Oversee the preceptor program and assign mentors to new staff.

• Serve as the buddy for new hires during onboarding and orientation.

• Conduct skills checks and competency assessments for all clinical staff.

• Prepare talking points and concerns for monthly staff meetings.

• Conduct interviews for nurse candidates and provide hiring input to the Director of Nursing.

Patient Care Quality Assurance

• Conduct chart audits to ensure documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant.

• Escalate complex patient care concerns to the DON.

• Monitor and review authorization status and schedule accuracy for assigned patients.

Medication and Order Management

• Add and update medications in patient records as needed.

• Maintain and audit NARC (narcotic) sheets regularly.

• Coordinate medication refills.

• Ensure PRN orders are written with correct parameters and follow-up.

Patient and Household Supplies Management

• Ensure the availability of required DME and respiratory equipment.

• Oversee inventory needs for medical supplies related to patient care only.

• Conduct monthly med cart checks and support medication delivery processing.

Transportation and Patient Logistics

• Coordinate and request transportation for patient appointments.

• Oversee logistical arrangements related to patient mobility and offsite care.

Clinical Care and Support

• Provide direct clinical support as needed, including treatments and assessments.

• Complete monthly APD Monitoring Visits and related documentation.

• Serve as an expert resource for nursing staff in handling trach, G-tube, and vent care cases.

Administrative and Communication Duties

• Respond to clinical messages, calls, and voicemails from the Charge Nurse phone.

• Track and complete tasks in ClickUp.

• Complete and escalate incident reports in coordination with the DON.

• Ensure timely updates to Plan of Care (POC), Standard Orders, and eFax management in Worldview.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN preferred).

• Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of operation.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3–5 years of nursing experience, with at least 1–2 years in a supervisory or charge nurse role, preferably in a home health or similar setting.

• Experience with electronic medical records (EMR) systems and proficient in documentation standards.

Skills:

• Strong clinical knowledge and ability to provide expert guidance on patient care.

• Proficiency in time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

• Familiarity with healthcare regulations and quality assurance practices.

Certification:

• BLS/ACLS certifications preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching

• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays

• Continuing education and training reimbursement