Job Description – Charge Nurse (RN)
Department: Pain Management Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC)
Reports To: Clinical Director / Nurse Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Summary
The Charge Nurse is a licensed Registered Nurse responsible for coordinating and overseeing clinical operations within the Pain Management ASC. This leader ensures safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care throughout pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-anesthesia phases. The Charge Nurse provides clinical guidance to nursing and ancillary staff, assists physicians, maintains regulatory compliance, and promotes an environment focused on patient safety, comfort, and satisfaction.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership & Coordination
Oversees daily clinical workflow, patient flow, and staffing assignments across Pre-Op, Procedure Rooms, and PACU.
Serves as clinical lead and resource for nursing staff, ensuring adherence to evidence-based practice and ASC policies.
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Collaborates with physicians, anesthesia providers, and administrative leadership to ensure smooth operation of the center.
Triages changing patient acuity and procedural needs, adjusting staffing and scheduling as needed.
Patient Care
Provides direct patient care within scope of RN practice, including assessment, IV initiation, medication administration, and monitoring during pain management procedures.
Ensures compliance with sedation protocols and safety standards.
Oversees pre-procedure patient education and post-procedure discharge instructions.
Advocates for patient safety, comfort, and privacy throughout the continuum of care.
Compliance & Quality Assurance
Ensures adherence to all ASC regulations, including CMS, OSHA, AAAHC/Joint Commission, and state nursing practice requirements.
Participates in quality improvement initiatives, incident reporting, root-cause analysis, and performance audits.
Maintains accurate and timely clinical documentation.
Ensures proper infection prevention processes and equipment sterilization compliance.
Staff Development & Supervision
Provides guidance, mentorship, and support to nursing staff and medical assistants.
Assists with onboarding, competencies, training, and performance evaluations.
Promotes a collaborative and positive work environment.
Operational Responsibilities
Coordinates daily readiness of the ASC including supplies, equipment, emergency drugs, and operational checklists.
Participates in policy and procedure development and updates.
Acts as a liaison between clinical staff and management.
Responds to emergencies and performs charge-level responsibilities such as incident management and escalation.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
Current and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of employment.
Minimum 2–3 years of RN experience in pain management, perioperative nursing, PACU, critical care, or related specialty.
Prior charge or team-lead experience preferred.
BLS and ACLS certifications required; PALS preferred (if applicable).
Skills & Competencies
Strong clinical judgment and ability to lead in a fast-paced ASC environment.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
Proficient in EMR documentation and ASC clinical workflows.
Knowledge of sedation practices, pain management protocols, and regulatory standards.
Physical & Work Requirements
Ability to stand for extended periods, assist with
Skills for this role
IV initiationmedication administrationpatient assessmentmonitoring during pain management proceduressedation protocolspre-procedure patient educationpost-procedure discharge instructionsEMR documentationclinical leadershipstaffing assignmentstriageinfection prevention
Certifications
BLSACLSPALS
Requirements
Current and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of employment
Minimum 2–3 years of RN experience in pain management, perioperative nursing, PACU, critical care, or related specialty
Prior charge or team-lead experience preferred
BLS and ACLS certifications required
PALS preferred (if applicable)
About the employer
California Pain
Ambulatory
California Pain is an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) located in San Diego, California (ZIP 92128), specializing in pain management procedures. The facility delivers care across pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-anesthesia phases, with dedicated areas for Pre-Op, Procedure Rooms, and PACU. Nursing…
What reviewers appreciate
+Specialty-focused practice in pain management with a structured perioperative workflow across Pre-Op, Procedure Rooms, and PACU
+Clear organizational structure with Charge Nurse roles reporting to Clinical Director or Nurse Manager
+Explicit emphasis on evidence-based practice and regulatory compliance
What reviewers flag
−Fast-paced environment may be demanding for nurses who prefer a slower, less procedural workflow
−Charge Nurse role carries broad responsibilities spanning clinical leadership, workflow coordination, staffing, and regulatory compliance, which may create high workload demands
−Narrow specialty focus on pain management may limit clinical variety compared to broader hospital or multi-specialty ASC settings
Living in La Mesa, CA
La Mesa, known as the "Jewel of the Hills," sits just east of San Diego with a relaxed suburban feel, tree-lined streets, and a charming downtown village. Nurses enjoy a sunny climate, easy freeway access to major hospital systems, and Mount Helix trails nearby for unwinding after shifts.