Charge Nurse - Ortho

Job Description

Full-time days 7a-7p

Up to a $5,000.00 sign on bonus

The Orthopedic Surgery Unit at Good Samaritan Hospital is a 21-bed unit dedicated to providing exceptional care to adult and geriatric patients recovering from a wide range of orthopedic procedures. From joint replacements to complex fracture repairs, the team specializes in helping patients regain mobility and independence. This fast-paced, hands-on unit combines expert surgical recovery care with a patient-centered approach, ensuring optimal outcomes and a smooth transition from hospital to home. This unit has garnered the esteemed Gold Seal Certification from The Joint Commission as an Orthopedic Center of Excellence for all total joint surgeries because of our high, exceptional performance on the outlined metrics and quality patient experience our patients receive.

Nurses on the Orthopedic Surgery Unit enjoy a collaborative and supportive work environment, with 12-hour shifts and self-scheduling. Shifts are planned on a 6-week rotation, with weekend and holiday rotations thoughtfully incorporated. Flexibility is key, and the team works together to accommodate individual needs while maintaining excellent patient care. New team members begin with a 6-week orientation alongside a dedicated preceptor, receiving personalized guidance and support tailored to their experience level. This comprehensive onboarding process builds confidence in managing orthopedic recovery protocols, mobility assistance techniques, pain management, and patient education.

The nurse-to-patient ratio on the unit fosters a manageable workload and a strong focus on quality care : Day Shifts : 1 : 4-5 Night Shifts : 1 : 5-6

Whether you’re a seasoned nurse or a new graduate, the Orthopedic Surgery Unit offers a dynamic and rewarding opportunity to develop your skills, connect with patients, and make a lasting impact on their recovery journeys.

Job Overview

This position is delegated the responsibility and accountability to coordinate the patient care delivered on a shift, through assigned nursing personnel, on a specific unit(s). The Charge Nurse functions in a non-management capacity and often has a patient assignment.

Job Requirements

Certification within specialty area within two years of assuming position.

Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) ACLS / PALS may be required but is dependent on unit or department

ECG interpretation competency and ACLS certification within 12 months of assuming role. Maintains ECG competency and ACLS certification while in role.

Registered Nurse

Knowledge, judgment, and skills derived from the principles of biological, physical, behavioral, social, and nursing sciences to meet complex health care needs at various stages of the life cycle

2-3 years Clinical in Nursing experience

Job Responsibilities

Assists in coordinating the delivery of patient care in collaboration with others. Communicates with the unit staff, and acts as a resource concerning standards of care, policies, and procedures. Identifies actual / potential problems. Cooperates with instructors and students from various programs and creates assignments and work schedules to match patient needs and staff abilities. Actively supports the work of unit and organizational committees. Participates on teams to evaluate clinical practice or health services and implements ongoing quality changes in nursing practice. Promotes the review of current literature / research and facilitates implementation of best practices.

Acts as a clinical resource for unit personnel. Performs nursing technical skills in compliance with unit / TriHealth policies. Performs specialty / unit-specific skills and competencies. Interprets and executes physician orders accurately. Directs unit activities in which safe, clinically competent care is given to patients. Delegates care to other team members within the scope of nursing practice. Shares clinical information with appropriate health care team members including physicians. Maintains and improves current knowledge in area of practice through activities such as continuing education, formal education, professional organization membership, and / or certification. Acts as a role model for efficient, effective, comprehensive patient care.

Assists in overall department operations. Provides for the orientation of float, temporarily reassigned, or agency nurses to the routine of the unit and the designated shift. Demonstrates critical thinking in the decision-making process. Accepts accountability for actions taken. Utilizes the chain of command appropriately. Facilitates patient movement through the system toward desired outcomes. Remains prepared to deal with rapidly changing workload, i.e., able to transfer and admit patients quickly. Maintains open communications in a timely and appropriate manner to all customers. Builds collegial relationships with physicians and other members of the health care team.

Encourages formal and informal continuing education. Promotes clinical ladder as a form of peer review and clinical advancement. Develops, guides, and coaches nursing staff daily to function within their job description. Identifies and plans to meet learning needs of self and staff together with nurse manager and / or nurse educators. Mentors staff in problem resolution. Provides feedback to evaluate the performance of personnel. Functions as a clinical resource and professional role model for staff. Provides input for progressive discipline on a fair and consistent basis.

Other Related Information

The TriHealth Nursing Vision, Mission, and Philosophy speaks to professional development, collaboration, and our nursing culture. To achieve excellence in nursing care, TriHealth encourages : pursuit of improved knowledge through continuing education classes, formal education leading to advanced degrees, and the attainment of specialty certification; nurse membership in local, regional, and national nursing organizations related to the appropriate nurse specialty; involvement in activities that better the health of our community; nursing research activities and use of evidence-based practice, and all nurses to foster, support, and personally model collaborative relationships amongst nurses, physicians, and other caregivers for the betterment of patient care.

Working Conditions

Bending - Frequently

Climbing - Rarely

Concentrating - Consistently

Continuous Learning - Consistently

Hearing : Conversation - Consistently

Hearing : Other Sounds - Consistently

Interpersonal Communication - Consistently

Kneeling - Occasionally

Lifting Welcome everyone by making eye contact, greeting with a smile, and saying "hello"

Acknowledge when patients / guests are lost and escort them to their destination or find someone who can assist

Refrain from using cell phones for personal reasons in public spaces or patient care areas

Excel : ALWAYS…

Recognize and take personal responsibility to address and recover from service breakdowns when a customer's expectations have not been met

Offer patients and guests priority when waiting (lines, elevators)

Work on improving quality, safety, and service

Respect : ALWAYS…

Respect cultural and spiritual differences and honor individual preferences.

Respect everyone’s opinion and contribution, regardless of title / role.

Speak positively about my team members and other departments in front of patients and guests.

Value : ALWAYS…

Value the time of others by striving to be on time, prepared and actively participating.

Pick up trash, ensuring the physical environment is clean and safe.

Be a good steward of our resources, using supplies and equipment efficiently and effectively, and will look for ways to avoid waste.

Engage : ALWAYS…

Acknowledge wins and frequently thank team members and others for contributions.

Show courtesy and compassion with customers, team members and the community