Intensive Care Nurse

Job Description

The Charge Nurse oversees the day-to-day operations of the clinical area, ensuring smooth patient flow and efficient care delivery. They manage administrative tasks such as staff schedules, assignments, and coordination of patient care. Acting as a clinical resource, the Charge Nurse provides guidance and supervision to the team, ensuring professional standards are maintained, patient needs are met, and staff work effectively according to their training and the acuity of patients. They support a diverse multidisciplinary team while upholding the hospital’s mission, vision, and values.

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrates competence in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care needs.
• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to deliver patient- and family-centered care.
• Coordinates with the Nurse Manager/Supervisor to ensure appropriate staffing and skill mix for safe patient care.
• Ensures nursing staff work within their capacity, training, experience, and scope of practice.
• Monitors staff performance, providing feedback, coaching, and support throughout the shift.
• Oversees efficient use of human resources, consumables, and equipment.
• Monitors direct and indirect patient care to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Coordinates referrals and utilizes resources for comprehensive patient care.
• Administers medications according to organizational policies and procedures.
• Works with Pharmacy services to meet unit medication requirements.
• Assists in emergencies following organizational policies and procedures.
• Provides guidance to the patient care team on clinical and administrative matters.
• Facilitates communication between patients, families, and the healthcare team.
• Liaises with other providers for timely interventions and discharge planning.
• Provides thorough clinical handovers to ensure patient safety.
• Attends patient care rounds, updating providers on patient condition.
• Communicates ongoing changes in care plans and unit activity to the team.
• Monitors and evaluates unit operations to identify problems and improve patient care systems.
• Participates in interdisciplinary teams and performance improvement initiatives.
• Ensures a clean and safe work environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
• Identifies faulty equipment or furniture and initiates corrective action.
• Delegates nursing responsibilities during emergencies.
• Identifies learning needs of junior staff and supports educational activities.
• Mentors and trains new staff, providing ongoing support and guidance.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Unit Manager.
• Responds to emergencies according to organizational policies.
• Monitors clinical care standards, identifies variances, and initiates corrective actions.
• Promotes compliance with Infection Control policies and audits adherence.
• Audits compliance with documentation standards.
• Reports and documents Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) and medication errors.
• Investigates incidents or complaints and implements corrective actions.
• Ensures proper handling, storage, and administration of narcotics and controlled drugs per regulations.
• Completes mandatory competencies, Continuing Nursing Education (CNE), and ongoing professional development in leadership and management.
• Maintains a personal professional portfolio according to DOH policy.

Skill & Experience

• Minimum of 6 years of clinical experience post-qualification in relevant healthcare settings.
• At least 2 years of experience as a team leader within a specific unit.
• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing OR
• Nursing degree (minimum two-year course) AND registration as a Registered Nurse in Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand, or Australia, with a valid/current national license.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) relevant to the specialty area.