Charge Nurse General Job Description
Position Summary
The Charge Nurse provides leadership coordination and supervision for nursing staff during an assigned shift ensuring highquality patient care efficient workflow and adherence to facility policies and standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations of the nursing unit including patient assignments staff scheduling and resource allocation
- Coordinate patient admissions transfers and discharges in collaboration with other departments
- Supervise and support nursing staff providing guidance mentorship and assistance as needed
- Ensure appropriate staffing levels and make adjustments as required to maintain patient safety
- Conduct shift handoff reports and maintain clear communication across shifts
- Respond to and coordinate emergency situations according to established protocols
- Serve as a clinical resource for staff and participate in direct patient care when necessary
- Monitor compliance with regulatory requirements policies and procedures
- Maintain accurate and complete documentation according to facility standards
- Communicate effectively with patients families physicians and interdisciplinary team members
- Identify and address potential issues before they escalate into problems
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives and committees as assigned
Qualifications
- Current Registered Nurse license in good standing
- Minimum of 23 years of clinical nursing experience
- BLS certification required; ACLS and other specialty certifications may be required
- Previous charge or leadership experience preferred
- Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
- Demonstrated problemsolving and decisionmaking capabilities
- Ability to prioritize multiple demands in a fastpaced environment
- Computer proficiency with electronic health record systems
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Capacity to assist with patient mobility and positioning
- Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to observe patient conditions
- Manual dexterity to perform clinical procedures
Working Conditions
- May work varying shifts including days evenings nights weekends and holidays
- Fastpaced healthcare environment requiring adaptability and stress management
- Exposure to infectious diseases bodily fluids and potentially hazardous materials with appropriate PPE and safety protocols
The Charge Nurse is a critical leadership position that requires clinical expertise strong organizational abilities and effective interpersonal skills to ensure optimal patient outcomes and staff performance.
Requirements
General Requirements for Charge Nurses
Education and Licensures
- Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing
- BSN preferred though ADN with sufficient experience may be considered
- BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required
- ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification often required
- Specialty certifications relevant to the unit may be required or preferred
Experience
- Minimum of 23 years of clinical nursing experience
- Prior experience in the relevant specialty area (e.g. medicalsurgical ICU ED)
- Previous leadership experience is preferred even in an informal capacity.
Clinical Skills
- Strong assessment and clinical judgment abilities
- Proficiency in nursing procedures and protocols
- Medication administration expertise
- Knowledge of current evidencebased practices
- Ability to recognize and respond to emergency situations
Leadership Abilities
- Effective delegation skills
- Decisionmaking capabilities under pressure
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Staff mentoring and development
- Teambuilding aptitude
Communication Skills
- Clear verbal and written communication
- Active listening
- Interprofessional collaboration
- Patient and family education
- Tactful handling of difficult situations
Technical Proficiencies
- Electronic Health Record (EHR) system navigation
- Basic computer literacy
- Understanding of medical equipment and technology
- Documentation compliance
Professional Attributes
- Critical thinking and problemsolving skills
- Time management and organizational abilities
- Adaptability to changing situations
- Ethical decisionmaking
- Professional appearance and demeanor
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods
- Capacity to lift position and transfer patients
- Manual dexterity for clinical procedures
- Visual and auditory acuity
Other Requirements
- Willingness to work various shifts (days evenings nights)
- Flexibility for weekend and holiday coverage
- Commitment to ongoing professional development
- Understanding of regulatory requirements (e.g. HIPAA Joint Commission standards)
Benefits
General Benefits for Permanent Charge Nurse Positions
Healthcare Coverage
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Dental and vision coverage
- Prescription drug benefits
- Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
Financial Benefits
- Competitive salary with charge nurse differential
- Shift differentials for evenings nights and weekends
- Retirement plans 401k/403b) often with employer matching
- Annual meritbased salary increases
- Paid overtime opportunities
- Potential for performancebased bonuses
Paid Time Off
- Vacation days
- Sick leave
- Personal days
- Paid holidays
- Bereavement leave
- Jury duty coverage
Professional Development
- Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
- Funding for certification and renewal fees
- Paid time for attending conferences and workshops
- Career advancement opportunities
- Inhouse training and education programs
- Leadership development programs
WorkLife Balance
- Consistent scheduling with notice
- Selfscheduling options in many facilities
- Predictable shifts once in permanent role
- Potential for compressed workweeks (e.g. three 12hour shifts)
Additional Perks
- Employee assistance programs
- Wellness initiatives and fitness discounts
- Employee discounts on services and products
- Onsite childcare facilities at some locations
- Referral bonuses for recruiting new nurses
- Recognition programs
- Relocation assistance if applicable
LongTerm Benefits
- Longterm disability insurance
- Shortterm disability coverage
- Life insurance
- Critical illness insurance
- Legal assistance plans
- Legacy benefits (retirement healthcare pension plans in some institutions)
DISCLAIMER: Benefits vary significantly between healthcare companies facilities regions and employment contracts. The benefits listed above represent common offerings but are not guaranteed for all permanent charge nurse positions. Always review the specific benefits package offered by your prospective employer during the hiring process as terms eligibility requirements and coverage details differ substantially across organizations.
General Requirements for Charge Nurses Education and Licensure Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing BSN preferred, though ADN with sufficient experience may be considered BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification often required Specialty certifications relevant to the unit may be required or preferred Experience Minimum of 2-3 years of clinical nursing experience Prior experience in the relevant specialty area (e.g., medical-surgical, ICU, ED) Previous leadership experience preferred, even in an informal capacity Clinical Skills Strong assessment and clinical judgment abilities Proficiency in nursing procedures and protocols Medication administration expertise Knowledge of current evidence-based practices Ability to recognize and respond to emergency situations Leadership Abilities Effective delegation skills Decision-making capabilities under pressure Conflict resolution techniques Staff mentoring and development Team-building aptitude Communication Skills Clear verbal and written communication Active listening Interprofessional collaboration Patient and family education Tactful handling of difficult situations Technical Proficiencies Electronic Health Record (EHR) system navigation Basic computer literacy Understanding of medical equipment and technology Documentation compliance Professional Attributes Critical thinking and problem-solving skills Time management and organizational abilities Adaptability to changing situations Ethical decision-making Professional appearance and demeanor Physical Requirements Ability to stand for extended periods Capacity to lift, position, and transfer patients Manual dexterity for clinical procedures Visual and auditory acuity Other Requirements Willingness to work various shifts (days, evenings, nights) Flexibility for weekend and holiday coverage Commitment to ongoing professional development Understanding of regulatory requirements (e.g., HIPAA, Joint Commission standards)