What is a Charge Nurse?
A Charge Nurse is a senior registered nurse who assumes leadership responsibilities for a specific nursing unit or shift within a healthcare setting. This role combines clinical expertise with supervisory duties, acting as a liaison between frontline nursing staff, physicians, and hospital administration. Charge Nurses typically have several years of clinical experience and demonstrate strong decision-making, communication, and organizational skills. They are responsible for maintaining smooth unit operations while ensuring all patient care meets established quality and safety standards. The position requires both clinical competence and leadership capabilities to effectively manage staff, resources, and patient care priorities.
What does a Charge Nurse do?
Charge Nurses perform several critical functions during their shifts. They assign patient cases to nursing staff based on acuity and nurse qualifications, monitor patient care activities to ensure compliance with protocols, and serve as the primary resource for clinical questions and emergencies. Additionally, they coordinate with physicians and other healthcare professionals regarding patient treatment plans, manage staffing adjustments to cover unexpected absences or patient influxes, and document incidents or quality concerns. Charge Nurses also mentor newer nurses, conduct shift briefings, and ensure proper handoff communications between shifts. They maintain inventory of medical supplies and equipment, address patient and family concerns, and implement facility policies while upholding regulatory standards throughout their assigned unit.
Job Overview
The Charge Nurse is a leadership role responsible for overseeing daily nursing operations, supervising nursing staff, and ensuring high-quality patient care delivery. This position requires strong clinical expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage complex healthcare situations while maintaining compliance with hospital policies and regulatory standards.
Charge Nurse responsibilities include:
