Editor's note: This is Part 3 in a three-part series discussing the importance of charge nurses' knowledge and understanding of their leadership role in their organization.

By Lisette M. Cintron, RN, MSN, CHCQM, CNL, clinical nurse educator

The first section of the workshop presentation summarizes the charge nurse role. The role encompasses many functions, along with having responsibilities, accountability, and authority.

Advising the charge nurse with proper education, training, backing from leadership, and a tangible job description will allow them to function and produce positive results.

It is the skills the charge nurses possess:

• Technical proficiency
• Knowing other staff and looking out for their welfare
• Keeping staff informed
• Ensuring the tasks are understood, supervised, and accomplished
• Making sound and timely decisions
• Developing a sense of responsibility in the staff members and peers
• Setting an example

Leading the team will assist them in the success of their role as a charge nurse, as “leaders do not command excellence, they build excellence” (Connelley, 2003.)

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