Charge nurses are unsung heroes in today's health-care environment. Attention to Detail. Many charge nurses also work closely with care managers and physicians in an effort to create or update patient care plans. For patients, nurses are the face of the hospital and doctors depend on them for carrying out several tasks. Charge nurse orientation. Learn about the education and preparation needed to become a charge nurse. Many nurses today are reluctant to take charge nurse roles. Yet, we know that many nurses assume charge nurse roles without the skills that they need to effectively lead teams. As a charge nurse, you can expect to assist with monitoring and caring for patients, including recording vital signs and administering medications. Typically, a nurse manager is a fixture in this role during the day shift, but in his or her absence a charge nurse, also known as an assistant nurse manager, keeps the plates spinning, so to speak, and ensures a seamless transition from one shift to the next. Role of a Charge Nurse Their nursing leadership is right at the point of care and critical to better patient outcomes. Charge Nurse Competencies. In one study of charge nurse competencies published in the October 2003 issue of MedSurg Nursing, the participants identified some characteristics they thought a charge nurse should possess, including accountability, assertiveness, fairness, flexibility, humor, maturity and the ability to learn from mistakes. 5 Critical Qualities of a Charge Nurse . For those considering a career in this exciting field, here are some useful tips. A great nurse is able to strike the right balance between doctors’ and patients’ needs. Charge nurses fill a unique role. Good nurses realize that every step they take in … One of the best traits for charge nurses to have is organizational skills. As caretakers, supervisors, liaisons and point people, these professionals balance the responsibility found in managerial roles with the medical competencies of registered nurses. 5. Get a quick view of the requirements as well as details about job duties to find out if this is the career for you. ... 24 hours a day. To be effective, charge nurses must know their responsibilities. 1.