role of charge nurse

Is the charge nurse free charge or taking patients?

Each facility needs to determine how role best adapted to their needs.

Resources:

A qualitative study of charge nurse competencies | MedSurg Nursing ...

Slideshow: The Charge Nurse Role

Facility job description: OUS - CHARGE NURSE

Book: A Charge Nurse's Guide: Navigating the Path of Leadership

Thanks for all replies-my desk top's been down for some time now- You all supplied useful information. Again, thanks so much for all ideas.

Taking over the management duties of any area is sooo hard. The employees will try you to see if you will back down. You have to stand firm on your expectations.

Document any incidents that are a deviation from the standard of care.
Keep manager notified of issues that need to be sent up the chain of command.

We have just started "Lead Nurse". This seems to really be helping. We are not to keep track of labs. We are to encourage and build the team. Some just need guidance on how to approach a problem, or how to talk to the doctor. Our performance and patient satisfaction has increased by 30% in 6 months. Lead Nurse is responsible for admissions, discharge education, assignments, and critical lab values. I try to take care of the hardest patients assessment and bath in the morning. This helps the nurses in a big way. We also contact the med surg supervisor for staffing and patient numbers. Then at 5p we are house supervisor. Each department fills out the written report and has solved its department issues on staffing. It is great! The only problem has been the "seasoned" house supervisor's don't stay on med surg and help the team. They haven't figured it out yet.