How to Write a Charge Nurse Job Description Sample

A Charge Nurse, or Nurse Manager, is responsible for a ward or department in a hospital or an outpatient treatment facility. Their duties include scheduling, resolving conflicts between staff members or patients, and ensuring compliance with local and provincial laws and regulations.

Build a Job Description
Are you a Job Seeker? Find Jobs

What does a Charge Nurse do?

Charge Nurses usually work in outpatient clinics, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and other medical facilities. They take care of various administrative and clinical tasks, including communicating with insurers and ordering new medical equipment and supplies when needed. Charge Nurses also help train new staff members, monitor admissions and discharges, and triage patients. They help Doctors diagnose patients, and they make sure that other staff members follow applicable laws and regulations.

Build a Job Description
Are you a Job Seeker? Find Jobs

Charge Nurse Job Description Examples:

 

Example 1

Job Description: In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority, patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at VIHA; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. Reports to the Nurse Manager, Department Head or designate. This position functions as the first-line supervisor for the unit/program. The position has the on-going responsibility to coordinate the day-to-day patient care activities and the use of staff, equipment and resources for the unit/program. This position also plans and provides direct nursing care to in the hospital or in the community in accordance with the unit/program philosophy, competency guidelines, policies and the CRNBC Standards for Nursing Practice in British Columbia. Qualifications: Education, Training And Experience Graduation from a recognized nursing program. Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN registrant. Three (3) years recent clinical nursing experience, including supervisory experience, in a relevant clinical setting. Skills And Abilities Demonstrated clinical competence in the relevant clinical setting. Ability to supervise. Ability to organize, coordinate and prioritize the use of equipment, staff, and resources. Ability to problem-solve. Ability to deal with others effectively. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position. Job Requirements:

Example 2

Ref# 21ONA299 1 ‑ Part Time (.6) ‑ Charge Nurse 3E Intensive Care Unit Reporting to the Manager of Critical Care Services, the Charge Nurse is, under the direction of the Manager and/or Operations Coordinator, responsible for supervising and coordinating the day‑to‑day management of the activities within the Critical Care (ICU). The Charge Nurse identifies and promotes the philosophy and values of the Critical Care (ICU) Unit, in particular the delivery of quality patient and family centred care, facilitating a strong team, efficient management of resources and coordinating patient flow. As part of a multidisciplinary health care team, you will practice within the Professional Standards of the College of Nurses of Ontario, the Philosophy of patient and family centered care, mission, vision, values and the policies of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Applicants must have the following qualifications: * Current unrestricted registration as a Registered Nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario * Current certification in BCLS * 5 years recent experience in Critical Care Nursing with experience in the care of complex patient population * Knowledge of departmental operations including staffing resource allocation, management, policies and protocols * Ability to use the Nursing Process (assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation) in conjunction with her/his basic and ongoing knowledge to arrive at individualized care planning and delivery * Identify and recognize abnormal or unexpected patient responses and take appropriate action * Ability to simultaneously manage multiple nursing interventions * Strong and communication skills * Central Venous Line Management * Certification or completion Lead II Arrhythmia Interpretation Program In addition to the above qualifications, preference will be given to applicants who: * Have a certification, or recent continuing education in Critical Care Nursing Salary Range: $35.900 to 50.530 The Health Sciences Centre strives to ensure the safety and security of the patients, visitors, employees and assets financial and otherwise. As one tool in the recruitment screening process, all offers of employment to external candidates shall be conditional upon a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) to ensure the absence of relevant criminal convictions. The Health Sciences Centre (HSC) is committed to delivering healthcare in a manner that is consistent with Patient and Family Centred Care. Applicants are required to have a demonstrated knowledge, understanding and commitment to this care philosophy. Candidates will have demonstrated adherence to the Hospital's Code of Conduct. Regular attendance at work is imperative, therefore, all applicants will have to demonstrate a good attendance record to be considered for this position. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment supporting diversity in our work environment to provide quality care where all feel valued, respected, and supported. We are dedicated to building a workforce reflective of the communities in which we live and serve and encourage Indigenous people, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities to apply and self‑identify. Upon request, accommodations due to a disability are available throughout the selection process. Additionally we are identified as an English/French speaking health sciences centre and encourage bilingual candidates to apply. If there are no qualified applicants for the above position, the Hospital may, at their discretion, train unqualified individuals. Interested applicants must submit a resume outlining relative previous experience and training no later than [website] on Monday, 28 June, [phone number]Internal applicants may apply via the job posting page on the iNtranet. External applicants must apply through our website. Posted: June 21, [phone number]ONA

Example 3

Candidates are invited to apply to the *Permanent Part Time* position of *Registered Practical/Charge Nurse* at our Port Stanley LTC home located at Port Stanley, Ontario. *Summary OF Duties: * Under the direction of the Director of Care *or Assistant Director of Care*, or designate, the Registered Practical Nurse ensures provision of nursing care for residents in addition to the following: * Carries out administrative duties in the Nursing Department; * Responsible for the planning, coordination, implementation, evaluation, and ensures teaching of care programs in facility. * Abides by facility and nursing department policies and procedures and communicates and interprets them to other staff, residents, community resource personnel, visitors, and the public. * Organizes and prioritizes responsibilities effectively on a daily basis. * Consults with and advises the Director of Care concerning resident care matters. * Supervises and provides direction to the Registered Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and Health Care Aides. *Qualifications: * * Current Registration with College of Registered Nurses of [insert Province]. * Nursing Administration certificate, Bachelor or Nursing Degree or equivalent preferred. * Mentally and physically able to perform duties as outlined. * Must be knowledgeable in principles and philosophy of long term care. * Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form with other staff, residents, families, and public and community resource personnel. * Demonstrates concern and interest in providing quality care to residents. * Ability to supervise and direct the work and learning of others. * Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and complete assignments in a timely manner. * Promotes a safe environment for residents, staff, and visitors; knowledgeable in principles of infection control. * Current CPR Certification. SWAT certification obtained from WRHA/equivalent. * Experience 3-5 years within Long Term Care setting, 2-5 years Clinical experience. * experience of minimum 5 years. * MDS/computer skills * Previous managerial experience involving supervising and working within a unionized environment *Closing DATE: November 26, [phone number]* Interested candidates may forward their resume in confidence to the attention of: Lynsey McIntyre, Administrator E-mail: com *In Ontario, Extendicare, ParaMed Home Health Care and affiliated organizations including our partner homes in Extendicare Assist, accommodate the needs of job applicants throughout its recruitment and selection processes in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Accommodation needs must be provided in advance. To discuss your needs, please contact the individual noted in the posting.* Job Types: Part-time, Permanent Schedule: * Night shift

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:

Ready to Hire? Build a Job Description

Charge Nurse job description FAQs

What types of care do Charge Nurses usually provide?

The care provided by a Charge Nurse varies according to provincial law and employer. Charge Nurses often take patients’ medical histories, record their vital signs, administer injections, give at-home care instructions, dispose of biohazardous waste, and sterilize medical instruments. They may also perform lab tests, draw blood, authorize prescription refills, prepare patients for scans or tests, remove sutures, and change dressings or bandages.

Who does a Charge Nurse report to?

A Charge Nurse usually reports to a Nurse Manager or Director of Nursing. In some hospitals, a Chief Nursing Officer oversees all Nurses. Charge Nurses often supervise Nurses, providing feedback on many things including their patient care practices, efficiency and clarity in reporting patient information. They sometimes coordinate information between receptionists or other administrative employees and Nurses.

How is a Charge Nurse different from a Nurse Manager?

Charge Nurses supervise the Nurses in their department during their shift. Nurse Managers are in charge of overseeing nurses in multiple departments. They can also manage therapists, social workers, and other non-Nurses who work at the same facility. They also create reports for Department Heads. Nurse Managers spend more time on paperwork and administrative tasks and less time treating patients, and usually supervise more people than Charge Nurses.

What makes a good Charge Nurse job description?

An appealing Charge Nurse job description outlines the company’s history, culture, and values. It describes the work environment to appeal to potential applicants along with the procedures that the department often handles. Other important information includes whether applicants will need to lift heavy patients, interact with young children, restrain uncooperative patients, or complete other specialized tasks. Uniform requirements, detailed responsibilities of the new Charge Nurse, and the skills, education, and experience levels may all be listed here. Any attractive benefits that come with the position, like paid vacation or a flexible schedule should also be mentioned.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

A-C D-H I-L M-P Q-S T-Z
No search results found

    *Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your career or legal advisor, and none of the information provided herein guarantees a job offer.