RN Charge Nurse

Job: Charge Nurse/RN - ED
Classification: Hourly/Non-Exempt
Job Category: 2 Professionals

Position Summary
The Emergency Department Charge Nurse is a key frontline leader responsible for coordinating patient care activities and nursing staff during assigned shifts. The Charge Nurse supports safe, high-quality emergency care delivery, facilitates staff communication, promotes a positive patient and family experience, and ensures compliance with documentation and departmental policies. This role serves as a liaison between staff and management and plays a critical part in daily departmental operations.

Essential Functions

• Leads by example in promoting compassionate, respectful, and timely care.
• Engages in service recovery efforts and resolves patient or family concerns as they arise.
• Supports staff in using ICARE, purposeful rounding, and communication best practices.
• Promotes a calm and supportive environment during times of high volume or acuity.
• Supervises nursing and support staff during the shift, ensuring adequate coverage and effective d-delegation.
• Conducts a daily huddle with the ED team prior to each shift to communicate priorities, anticipated challenges, and key updates.
• Acts as a clinical resource and mentor for less experienced staff.
• Facilitates teamwork and promotes a collaborative environment among providers and staff.
• Assists in managing patient flow and room assignments to maintain throughput and reduce wait times.
• Monitors for delays in care, diagnostic testing, and dispositions, and works with the interdisciplinary team to resolve issues.
• Coordinates with EMS, triage, and inpatient units to support continuity of care and transitions.
• Monitors for required documentation being completed accurately and in a timely manner by nursing staff.
• Provides real-time feedback to staff on documentation deficiencies or quality concerns.
• Assists with chart reviews and audits as requested by the Clinical Coordinator or ED Director.
• Supports adherence to departmental policies, clinical protocols, and regulatory standards.
• Other duties as assigned
• Acts as a primary point of contact for staff concerns and escalates issues appropriately to leadership.
• Promotes open communication and professionalism in all interactions.
• Documents shift events, incidents, and staff needs in appropriate shift logs or communication tools.

Work Experience

• 2 years of emergency nursing experience preferred
• Prior charge nurse or team lead experience preferred
• Strong critical thinking, leadership, and decision-making skills
• Effective communication and conflict resolution abilities
• Commitment to patient-centered and family-inclusive care
• Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Education

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing; BSN preferred
• Current RN license in the State of Texas
• BLS (Basic Life Support) upon hire date required.
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) required within 90 Days of hire date.
• PALS/ENPC (Pediatric Advanced Life Support/Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course) required within 6 months of hire date.
• TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) required within 12 months of hire date.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
Lifting/Carrying Pushing/Pulling

Lbs. % Time Lbs. % Time

Movement % Time
Bend/Stoop/Twist 0-33
Crouch/Squat 0-33
Kneel/Crawl 0-33
Reach Above Shoulder 0-33

Reach Below Shoulder 0-33
Repetitive Arm None
Repetitive Hand 0-33
Grasping 0-33
Squeezing 0-33
Climb Stairs 0-33
Walking Uneven 0-33
Walking Even

Environment % Time
Indoors 67-100
Outdoors 0-33
Extreme Heat None
Dusty None

Excessive Noise

Equipment % Time
Motor Vehicles None
Foot Pedals None
Extreme Heat None
Dusty None

Excessive Noise 0-33

Work near % Time
Machinery 0-33
Electricity None
Sharps 34-66
Chemicals 0-33
Fumes 0-33
Heights None

Vision

Depth Perception Required
< 20" Required
Color Not Required
Peripheral Required

Endurance Hours at Once Total in 12HR
Sit 1 3
Stand 4 4.5
Walk 4 4.5