Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: S5014 / Charge Nurse/Critical Care
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Grade: 15

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

Schedules, leads, and oversees the day-to-day activities of a defined team of critical care specialty nurses and support staff, ensuring adherence to appropriate Federal, State, and local regulations and guidelines, University policies, and accepted critical care nursing protocols and procedures. Coordinates services with other patient care units. Provides a full range of direct nursing services and patient care as appropriate.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Monitors and coordinates the daily patient care activities of the unit; schedules staff and patients to ensure full coverage of patient care needs at all times and to ensure effective patient services.
  2. Provides expert, day-to-day guidance, consultation, and leadership to an assigned team of critical care nursing and related support staff.
  3. Leads, guides, and trains employees performing related work.
  4. Oversees and provides direct nursing evaluation and/or other related care and consultation to patients as required.
  5. Oversees and provides direct nursing evaluation, procedures, and/or other related care and consultation to critical care patients as needed.
  6. Coordinates services with other patient care units as required; maintains communication with allied services and maintains community liaison as appropriate.
  7. Oversees quality assurance activities and compliance to operational standards.
  8. Participates in program development and in development and implementation of operating policy and procedure.
  9. Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
  10. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Nursing; at least 4 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Certification/Licensure State of New Mexico Licensed Registered Nurse or licensure pending as documented by temporary licensure OR current RN licensure from a state participating in the multistate privilege to practice compact with New Mexico.
  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Knowledge of accreditation and certification requirements and standards.
  • Advanced, specialized nursing skills as appropriate to the nature of medical activity.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Knowledge of the specific day-to-day needs of critical care patients within the area of medical specialty
  • Ability to provide guidance, instruction, and leadership to nursing and related patient care staff in the execution of defined critical care protocol, procedures, and techniques.
  • Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
  • Organizing and coordinating skills.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of all protocols and procedures within the specified critical care clinic environment.
  • Ability to administer a wide range of critical care drugs, to include knowledge of indications, contraindications, and side effects.
  • Ability to coordinate quality assurance programs in area of specialty.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively work with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.

Conditions of Employment

  • CPR Certified.
  • May be required to submit immunization records for review for required vaccines and TB testing.
  • UNM will provide Hepatitis vaccination, candidate may decline vaccination through declination form or may provide record of vaccination from previous employer.
  • Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
  • Must maintain certification and/or licensure status.
  • May be required to complete department-specific professional development activities.
  • Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

  • Work is performed in an interior medical/clinical environment.
  • Light physical effort. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking. Effort applies to no more than two (2) hours per day.
  • Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 07/11/2021