Charge Nurse duties and responsibilities
The specific duties of a Charge Nurse can vary greatly. Some may be asked to help with medical procedures, and others have more specialized roles in a ward or outpatient facility. They often complete performance evaluations for Nurses and give them feedback on their care. Duties and responsibilities in a Charge Nurse job description may include:
- Updating patient records
- Making sure exam rooms are clean and properly prepared before patient appointments
- Assisting Doctors during routine exams
- Administering medications
- Sending tissue and fluid samples for laboratory analysis
- Making and answering phone calls
- Scheduling and confirming appointments
- Explaining medical procedures
- Informing patients about how to care for themselves after surgery or other procedures
Charge Nurse skills and qualifications
Successful Charge Nurses usually have a broad combination of social and technical skills. They adapt quickly to changing conditions and technologies, meet the needs of a busy facility, are professional, and help everyone stay organized. Important qualities for Charge Nurses include:
- Excellent patient care skills
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
- Good computer and data entry skills
- Excellent planning and organizational skills
- Understanding of biology, human anatomy, and the benefits of the procedures that healthcare providers perform
- Strong attention to detail to remember patient allergies and prescribed treatments
- Ability to work under pressure and make quick decisions
- Adaptability
Charge Nurse experience requirements
Most Charge Nurse jobs require at least one or two years of experience as a Nurse. They also ask for some management or leadership experience in Nursing or a related field.
Charge Nurse education and training requirements
Most Charge Nurse positions require a university degree in Nursing or Psychiatric Nursing. Some Charge Nurses have a master’s degree or doctorate as well. Registration with a provincial regulatory body is required, and candidates should be offered on-the-job training.
Charge Nurse salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, a Charge Nurse in Canada can expect to earn, on average, $36.48 an hour. This can vary depending on experience, location, and the employer.
Job description samples for similar positions
If a Charge Nurse isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, some other job description samples include: