[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to PRN Funding, nurses walk 4-5 miles on average in a 12-hour shift. Charge nurses may cover even more territory, but the charge nurse role requires more than strong legs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide covers the most important traits for charge nurses to be effective leaders and improve patient outcomes.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Charge Nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A charge nurse oversees a hospital unit or department. They are the point of contact for nursing staff, physicians, and hospital administration. Along with patient care duties, the charge nurse directs staff members and ensures routines and processes are running smoothly.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://ohnurses.org/role-registered-nurse-charge-nurse/” target=”_blank”]Charge nurses[/hen-ui-link] plan procedures and patient care that are to be performed during the shift. At the start of a shift, the charge nurse distributes the workload so that staff resources are used most efficiently. This includes considering each individual nurse’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. The charge nurse also evaluates patient outcomes during their shift.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The charge nurse is responsible for:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Those interested in the charge nurse role must hold [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] (RN) licensure in the state where they practice and have at least three years of hands-on clinical experience. Charge nurses must be able to multitask and stay calm under pressure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top 7 Traits of an Effective Charge Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The charge nurse role requires diligence, patience, and skill. While the following seven traits are important to many leadership positions, they are essential for nurses who care for and protect vulnerable patients.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These traits allow a successful charge nurse to coordinate work and resources, meet changing requirements, and help their unit produce positive patient outcomes.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Delegation[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A charge nurse must understand staff members’ skills, abilities, and knowledge to appropriately delegate tasks and procedures. The American Nurses Association identifies the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/NGND-PosPaper_06.pdf” target=”_blank”]Five Rights of Delegation[/hen-ui-link] as:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Right Task[/hen-ui-text]: Does the activity fall within the person’s job description and skill set?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Right Circumstance[/hen-ui-text]: Is the patient stable to receive the delegated task?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Right Person[/hen-ui-text]: Does the person delegated to perform the task hold the right knowledge and skills?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Right Directions[/hen-ui-text]: Has the charge nurse communicated the correct directions for accomplishing the task?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Right Supervision and Evaluation[/hen-ui-text]: Is the delegated task monitored and evaluated after completion?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Leadership[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Leadership encompasses a variety of unique qualities, and a mindful charge nurse recognizes the difference between leading and managing. A leader helps people work toward a goal through:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Integrity[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Self-awareness[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learning agility/adaptability[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Empathy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Courage[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Respect[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Gratitude[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Influence[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Using these traits, a charge nurse unites staff members striving for successful patient outcomes.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Charge nurses also encourage professional growth and development among nurses in their unit. A good charge nurse ‘knows what to do when they don’t know what to do’ ([hen-ui-link href=”https://focus.kornferry.com/leadership-and-talent/the-organisational-x-factor-learning-agility/” target=”_blank”]learning agility[/hen-ui-link]) and treats others with respect. These qualities can strengthen positive relationships throughout the unit.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. Flexibility[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A nurse’s workday is unpredictable. Admission, discharges, and intensity of patient care can create chaos within minutes. A strong charge nurse is flexible in distributing resources as the unit’s patient population changes. The charge nurse must adapt to new circumstances and navigate or overcome obstacles; they must make the right call without relying on others.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Flexible charge nurses maintain stability in the unit and treat nurses as individuals, accommodating different work styles. Charge nurses also offer feedback when needed or provide more support as necessary.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4. Self-confidence[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every new charge nurse has moments of self-doubt, but they must have the confidence to step out and learn new skills. This may include [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//soft-skills-for-successful-nurses/”]soft skills for nurses[/hen-ui-link] like the ability to motivate others or strong communication. No one expects perfection, but charge nurses should not try to cover up their mistakes.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Remember that the charge nurse role is about leading a group of highly educated, motivated individuals. Self-confident charge nurses are excited when other nurses come up with great ideas. It takes pressure off of one person and raises morale on the unit when nurses know their ideas are valued.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]5. Critical Thinker[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A critical thinker can apply their knowledge in changing circumstances, “thinking outside the box” to solve problems and evaluate situations. In healthcare, this can mean the difference between life and death.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, if a patient’s behavior suddenly changes, it’s important to determine if they are reacting to something in their personal life, dealing with a fluid imbalance, having a medication interaction, or suffering from an infection. An effective charge nurse uses [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/the-value-of-critical-thinking-in-nursing//”]critical thinking[/hen-ui-link] to quickly assess and decide if immediate action must be taken to protect the patient’s health.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]6. Organization[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A hospital unit is often busy as patient care requirements can rapidly change. If a charge nurse relies solely on their clinical skills, it could result in chaos and poor patient outcomes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Charge nurses can’t change the number of hours on the unit, but they can manage how those hours are spent. Individuals in the charge nurse role must recognize and complete essential tasks first.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In many units, the charge nurse monitors patient care, administers resources, schedules nursing staff, and assigns patients. Charge nurses identify problems and solve related issues. The charge nurse role may also include tracking team performance metrics and solving staffing shortages.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Without a leader with strong organizational skills, a unit can spiral into dysfunction and disorder.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]7. Humility[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Humility is a powerful trait. Nursing staff, patients, and management are more likely to engage with and take advice from a respectful charge nurse.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a leader, the charge nurse must demonstrate humility as they collaborate with healthcare teams. A humble nursing professional shares their strengths in a result-oriented manner, without creating a platform to elevate their status.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additionally, a charge nurse should have interpersonal awareness, or emotional intelligence, to deal with different personalities and interact outside of their comfort zone.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Charge Nursing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is the difference between a nurse and a charge nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A staff nurse provides direct care at the patient’s bedside like administering medication, changing dressings, and inserting intravenous lines. Staff nurses assess their patients frequently and report any changes to the charge nurse.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A charge nurse oversees all of the nurses in the hospital unit and is responsible for other administrative duties.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How long does it take to become a charge nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a charge nurse is often less about education and training and more about ambition, personality, [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/ways-to-get-professional-nursing-experience///”]gaining nursing experience[/hen-ui-link], and performance. In general, charge nurses must have at least three years of experience as a staff nurse. Some specialty units require even more time.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is being a charge nurse difficult?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A charge nurse’s role is difficult and often complicated. They address problems that arise in their unit while juggling administrative tasks like scheduling, staffing, and monitoring patient care. Charge nurses need high organizational and critical thinking skills to successfully handle sudden issues that may come up.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How can you find a nurse mentor?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A mentor is an advisor and teacher who can guide an aspiring or new charge nurse. Individuals can find a mentor where they work or by networking with more experienced charge nurses. Those interested may also seek advice and support from online resources, or ask nurses in positions of leadership.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Related Resources[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse Leadership Careers & Salary Outlook[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-online-nursing-leadership-administration-programs/”]Best Online MSN in Nursing Leadership Programs[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-case-management/”]Nurse Case Manager Career Overview[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/clinical-nurse-specialist/”]Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Career Guide[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]