What is a charge nurse?

Charge nurses oversee the operations of their specific nursing unit during a set period
while working alongside the team. The primary role of a charge nurse is to ensure that
all nursing functions within the department run smoothly and efficiently. They also
provide guidance and support to help staff through challenging situations as they arise.
Like staff nurses, charge nurses are generally patient-facing.
What do charge nurses do?
Charge nurses delegate tasks and share their up-to-date skills with colleagues, new
nurses, and students alike.
They are experienced in clinical encounters and often act as a resource for decision-
making for the nurses’ unit.
As unit leaders, charge nurses must exemplify leadership abilities.
They ensure the unit runs smoothly and the day-to-day tasks are completed
successfully.
A skilled charge nurse also promotes resilience in the team by demonstrating healthy
decision-making and excellent communication. The role is stressful but rewarding. Many
nurses who move up to leadership may lament leaving patient care, but charge nurses
are still immersed in bedside care. Among the various duties of a charge nurse are the
following:
- Coordinate with physicians to ensure adequate nursing unit support
- Delegate tasks and patient assignments to nurses and unlicensed assistive personnel
- Identify potential patient safety issues that may result in injury, illness, or other
complications
- Manage shift safety, adherence to policies, and compliance with regulations
- Monitor and assist with admissions and discharges
- Support colleagues with resources and hands-on collaboration as necessary