role of charge nurse

[midwest40]

I have recently been promoted to Director of PCU, I love the position but am facing problems from staff. The 42 bed unit has been without a director for the last 6 months, there was no monitoring of what the charge nurses were doing (director of m/s was trying to supervise both floors). Orders were missed on a daily basis and we were losing the trust of doctors and patients. We have started a charge nurse report book and I have instructed charge nurses to keep track of labs, procedures, history and any other pertinent information in this book for staff and doctors. I was told this took too much time and kept them at the desk instead of on the floor. Am I wrong, or is this their job! They have been working as overpaid CNA's for the nurses for too long. Secretaries were entering orders and putting the charts away assuming nurses were going through charts regularly and signing off their own orders (doesn't work), there were no checks and balances. I am having a charge nurse meeting next week for current and aspiring charge nurses. I would welcome any thoughts, and would appreciate any resources that spell out charge nurse duties.

Thanx all

[elfmom]

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.

[diane227, LPN, RN]

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.

[diane227, LPN, RN]

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.

[Babynurse01]

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.