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RN Charge Med Surg
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Tacoma, WA, 98405
Job Type : Part Time
Salary : 47.86-79.78 HOUR
Date Posted : 3 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
As a Charge RN, you'll oversee a department of frontline nurses caring for patients. Your previous experience in acute care, LTC, or nursing homes adds tremendous value to our nursing team.
Every day you will advocate for your fellow nurses as you support them in reaching their full potential, which aligns with your department's operational goals and objectives.
To thrive in this role, you need to be accountable and confident. You're an excellent communicator in 1:1 interactions and in front of groups. It's also important for you to be comfortable holding tough conversations, as you are responsible for the performance of your people and your unit.
- Adheres to the department’s and hospital’s policies and procedures, including safety, risk management and regulatory standards. Keeps abreast of trends, developments and regulatory requirements impacting matters within designated scope of responsibility.
- Administers, oversees and documents the administration of medications (e.g., topically, orally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously and intravenously) as ordered by the healthcare practitioner and in accordance with hospital policy.
- Assesses patient to include physical, psychosocial, cultural, behavioral/emotional, developmental and spiritual needs. Gathers data relevant for patient care. Implements appropriate patient interventions and evaluates outcomes. Plans care appropriately based on needs identified during initial and on-going assessments. Provides holistic, comprehensive, and professional nursing care to patient within the scope of practice. Implements appropriate patient interventions and evaluates outcomes. Prepares patient for discharge and assists with coordinating post discharge needs.
- Cultural Sensitivity and Competence: Demonstrates proper use of available communication tools/materials for effective communication and understands how the culture(s) of patient populations can affect communication, collaboration and the provision of care, treatment and services. Patient Populations Served: Demonstrates knowledge and proper skills associated with the department’s defined specific populations served.
- Demonstrates competent professional practice and engages in opportunities for professional growth. Demonstrates self accountability to meet stated deadlines for all mandatory requirements.
- Documents care delivered and patient status utilizing the nursing process in accordance with FHS standards of care, for example, changes in patient condition, patient responses to intervention and reassessments of pertinent findings. Receives and assures appropriateness, accuracy, timeliness and execution of physician orders.
Required
- Graduation from an accredited school of nursing., upon hire and
- Registered Nurse: WA, upon hire and
- Basic Life Support - CPR, upon hire
Preferred
- Bachelors Of Science Nursing and One year of related work experience in an acute care setting, upon hire and
- Two years of experience in the clinical specialty within the last three years and
- previous charge nurse experience.
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.
Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.
Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.
We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
Tacoma's healthcare sector shows a steady demand for RN Charge Med Surg professionals, especially given the city's aging population and hospital expansions. Compared to entry-level RN roles, Charge positions require more leadership, making competition focused on experience and supervisory skills rather than just clinical proficiency.
Besides holding an active Washington RN license and BLS certification, many Tacoma employers value certifications like ACLS or TNCC. These credentials demonstrate readiness for acute care challenges and often enhance a charge nurse's credibility in handling complex Med Surg units.
Strong communication skills for coordinating multidisciplinary teams, quick decision-making under pressure, and cultural competence tailored to Tacoma’s diverse patient base are vital. Additionally, expertise in medication administration and acute care protocols directly impacts patient outcomes in Med Surg units.
While both roles involve direct patient care, the Charge nurse oversees staffing, resolves unit conflicts, and ensures adherence to safety standards. They also serve as a liaison between the nursing team and hospital management, juggling administrative duties alongside clinical responsibilities.
Many leverage charge experience into nurse manager or clinical educator roles. With Tacoma's growing health systems, opportunities also exist in specialty nursing or administrative leadership, often requiring further education like a BSN or MSN to advance.
Catholic Health Initiatives provides a culture valuing holistic care and professional growth, with access to extensive resources across the Puget Sound network. Their emphasis on spiritual and emotional patient support creates a unique environment distinct from more corporate-focused systems.
Charge nurses are pivotal in fostering compassionate care that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. At Catholic Health Initiatives, they champion nursing teams to align clinical practices with the organization’s holistic healing philosophy, enhancing patient and staff wellbeing.
In Tacoma, RN Charge Med Surg salaries generally range between $85,000 and $110,000 annually, influenced by experience and certifications. This aligns closely with national averages for similar roles, though cost of living adjustments and facility type can create local variance.
Handling high patient acuity alongside staff coordination can be stressful. New charge nurses often need to quickly develop conflict resolution skills and assertive communication to effectively manage team dynamics while ensuring compliance with hospital policies.
Per diem and PRN roles offer flexibility and are in demand to cover fluctuating patient volumes, but they typically lack the leadership responsibilities and benefits of full-time Charge RN roles. Many med surg nurses use PRN positions to gain experience before pursuing charge nurse opportunities.