PA as charge nurse

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Has anyone ever had a charge nurse who is actually not a nurse at all, but a physician's assistant? Does anyone know if this is acceptable or not?

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A PA is not a nurse and follows the medical model, not the nursing model. So, no, it isn't appropriate. There must be more to the story.

maybe he has a nursing license in addition to his PA?

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I can't find any public records proving this person is also a nurse. They are a practicing PA in one hospital and a charge nurse in another. Maybe it is worth contacting the corporate office as this person is a highly ineffective charge nurse.

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If you know his first/last name, it shouldn't be hard to look up to see if they have a nursing license.

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right. but I have to know the middle name and I don't

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you could just ask him if he's also an RN.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

The PA could be a supervisor but not a "charge nurse" if he/she isn't actually a nurse. Of course the custodian could be a supervisor also...but not a "charge nurse."

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right, well I think the term charge nurse has been replaced with clinical supervisor anyway. But my point is the person probably should not be in a direct leadership role over nurses.

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I am going to ask them because there is too much about this situation that does not make sense.

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I've never heard of such a thing but if the PA is not a nurse he / she shouldn't be called charge nurse.

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