Charge Nurse (2303)

US Heart and Vascular is seeking a Charge Nurse to join our team at Houston Cardiovascular Associates in Houston, TX.

Position Summary  

The Charge Nurse oversees daily clinical operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high‑quality patient care throughout the perioperative continuum. This role provides leadership, coordination, and hands‑on clinical support to nursing staff while serving as the central point of communication for physicians, anesthesia providers, vendors, administration, and patient families. The Charge Nurse promotes patient safety, regulatory compliance, and smooth patient flow, acting as both a clinical expert and operational leader. 

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Manages patient flow and coordination. 

• Manages efficient patient movement through Pre‑Op → Cath Lab → PACU → Discharge.  

• Monitors room turnover times, address delays, and document for KPI reporting.  

• Anticipates scheduling conflicts or bottlenecks and proactively resolves issues in collaboration with staff and physicians.  

• Balances schedule efficiency with safety, including on‑time starts and minimizing staff overtime. 

• Serves as clinical leader and resource for staff throughout the shift. 

• Creates and posts staffing and room assignments in advance.  

• Ensures appropriate patient handoffs across perioperative care areas.  

• Addresses staff concerns, conflicts, and performance issues promptly and fairly. 

• Acts as the central point of communication for physicians, anesthesia providers, vendors, administration, and patient families.  

• Provides timely communication to staff regarding updates via group text or other channels.  

• Coordinates with vendors regarding case start times and requirements.  

• Communicates schedule changes to all relevant parties.  

• Keeps leadership informed of staffing issues, delays, incidents, and resource needs. 

• Provide hands‑on clinical support by taking on Pre‑Op, Circulating RN, or PACU roles when needed.  

• Provides break and lunch coverage for staff.  

• Assists with troubleshooting equipment or connecting staff with appropriate resources.  

• Participates in clinical management during patient complications (e.g., airway issues, hypotension, codes).  

• Coordinates higher‑level care transfers, including calling EMS, giving reports, and preparing documentation.  

• Ensures staff follow policies, standards, and accreditation requirements.  

• Verifies accuracy of consents and time‑outs; coaches staff as needed.  

• Ensures emergency equipment (crash carts, airway equipment, pacemakers) is current and operational.  

• Identifies and reports safety concerns, incidents, and near misses; participates in required reporting.  

• Completes audits, chart reviews, and compliance checks.  

• Collaborates with leadership to maintain knowledge of ASC accreditation requirements. 

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• An associate's degree in nursing. 

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license valid in the State of Practice. 

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification. 

• Two (2) years of clinical nursing experience in perioperative, critical care, Cath Lab, or related specialty. 

• Demonstrated leadership or charge experience. 

• If the individual in the role will drive for work purposes, a current valid state driver’s license and required minimum auto insurance coverage. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). 

• Previous experience in an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) environment. 

• Additional leadership, preceptor, or supervisory experience. 

• Experience with Cath Lab operations. 

• Familiarity with ASC accreditation processes and compliance standards. 

Why Choose Us?

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Monday-Friday schedule
• CME allowance

About Houston, TX:

Houston is a diverse city with a booming job market in energy, healthcare, and tech. It has no state income tax, an affordable cost of living, and world-class dining and entertainment. Green spaces, museums, and pro sports teams add to its appeal. Whether for career growth or culture, Houston has it all.