RN - Lead - Acute Care (Full Time Days)

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POSITION SPECIFICS

Title:  RN – Lead - Acute Care

FTE:  1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Schedule: Monday through Friday, occasional weekend coverage

On Call Requirements: N/A

POSITION SUMMARY

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct, evidence-based nursing care to medical/surgical patients, ensuring best practices and adherence to hospital policies.

• Oversee daily unit operations, including staffing assignments and shift coverage; support or assume charge nurse duties as required.

• Continuously monitor patient care activities, intervening promptly to uphold patient safety and clinical standards.

• Work closely with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate personalized care plans.

• Promote accountability, risk awareness, and a proactive approach to patient and staff safety across the unit.

• Actively engage in audits, performance improvement projects, and quality assurance programs to enhance clinical outcomes.

• Serve as a liaison among nursing staff, patients, families, and ancillary departments to facilitate clear and compassionate communication.

• Identify and escalate clinical or operational concerns to the nurse manager in a timely and appropriate manner.

• Ensure accurate documentation and adherence to hospital policies, regulatory guidelines, and accreditation standards.

Clinical Oversight Responsibilities

• Conduct regular documentation audits to ensure charting accuracy, regulatory compliance, and adherence to best practices.

• Review incident reports thoroughly and ensure timely follow-up and resolution of clinical issues.

• Assist in the implementation and evaluation of new clinical protocols, procedures, and practice standards.

• Support and contribute to Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives by tracking key metrics, analyzing trends, and facilitating process improvements.

• Participate in interdisciplinary patient rounds with providers to ensure continuity and quality of care (as needed).

• Serve as a point of escalation for complex or high-risk clinical concerns raised by bedside nursing staff, ensuring timely and appropriate resolution.

Staff Development & Education

• Serve as a clinical resource and mentor to nursing staff, providing support in evidence-based practice and professional development.

• Precept new graduate nurses and staff transitioning into new roles, fostering confidence and clinical competency.

• Assess individual and unit-wide learning needs; plan and coordinate targeted educational opportunities.

• Organize and facilitate in-service trainings and lunch-and-learn sessions to enhance staff knowledge and engagement.

• Conduct skills validations and competency assessments to ensure continued clinical excellence and regulatory compliance.

Leadership & Communication

• Serve as a liaison between nursing staff and management to ensure effective two-way communication and alignment with organizational goals.

• Lead daily safety huddles or shift briefings to communicate critical updates, reinforce best practices, and promote a culture of safety.

• Address staff concerns and interpersonal conflicts promptly and professionally, escalating to appropriate leadership when necessary.

• Foster team morale and encourage staff engagement through recognition initiatives, open communication, and team-building activities.

Operational Support

• Monitor and maintain appropriate inventory levels; coordinated with Materials Management to ensure timely resupply of essential items.

• Ensure completion of routine equipment checks, including crash carts, defibrillators, and other critical care tools.

• Review and update unit-based policies and standard operating procedures to align with best practices and regulatory standards.

• Track staffing metrics to identify trends in overtime or incidental staffing; supported efforts to optimize staff scheduling and reduce excess hours.

• Assist in managing patient flow, facilitating efficient admissions, discharges, and transfers to maintain optimal unit capacity and reduce bottlenecks.

Data & Reporting Responsibilities

• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) includi