Become a Leader and Transition to a Charge Nurse

A nursing career offers plenty of opportunities for growth to advance your career and enjoy greater success. Charge nurses are registered nurses (RNs) in leadership roles who balance the responsibilities of several roles in one. They are caretakers, point people, supervisors, and liaisons.

Besides caring for patients, charge nurses also must stay abreast of everything during their shifts. They handle communications between various members of the health care facilities, create schedules, and oversee patient admissions and discharges at hospitals.

If you are looking for a leadership role as a nurse, becoming a charge nurse may be for you. From diversifying your work experience to enhancing your educational background through nursing continuing education courses, we’ll cover some of the tips you need to know to become a charge nurse.

What is a Chare Nurse?

Charge nurses are also called lead nurses or unit supervisors. Their role can entail several responsibilities based on what is necessary to manage the nursing floor. Your specific duties as a charge nurse can be different based on your unique role, but some of the responsibilities include:

• Creating work schedules and assigning nursing staff to patients
• Providing oversight to other nurses and mentoring them
• Delegating various tasks related to patient care
• Handling patient admissions and discharges
• Performing job interviews and performance evaluations

Charge nurses must have excellent communication skills, have extensive experience, and be well-organized professionals. They must be quick on their feet, understand how to resolve conflicts, be motivated, and be aware of the larger picture.