Traits That Will Make You A Successful Charge Nurse
A charge nurse is responsible for a specific department at a healthcare facility over a certain shift period. They manage, supervise and assist the nursing staff. They also direct admission, discharge and the flow of patients. Charge nurses monitors and orders medicines and supplies needed for the patient by their respective department.
Being a charge nurse can be the chance to enhance the leadership skill since it handles decision making most of the time. But of course, it also comes with great responsibility since charge nurse should guide the less experienced nurse staff.
In order for you to be a successful charge nurse, if ever you choose to be one, you should have the following remarkable traits:
Leadership. Of course, it is a must that you should be a good leader for you to be able to handle your subordinates well. Having a good leadership will make your group into an effective team which will make your tasks easy to carry out.
Self-confidence. It is normal that other nurses finds the charge nurse annoying (well, mostly hates them), but having self-confidence is the key to be competent. You are to take charge of the patient, so you have to be confident to perform your duties and responsibilities. Worrying how to please other nurses won’t help.
Flexibility. Even before you became a charge nurse, you should always be flexible. Because when duty calls, you should be ready. Less workload doesn’t mean you’ll never be busy the whole shift.
Inspire/Motivate others. An efficient charge nurse should be able to inspire and motivate their staff nurses. Show your team that you value each member and you trust their ability to do their task and even new responsibilities. Ask them about their opinion on something too, to make them feel they are team player.
Empathy. Expect to be a ‘guidance counsellor’ when you become a charge nurse, not only to your staff nurse but to your patients as well. Let them see and feel that you are listening and that their concerns are not neglected.
Sense of Humor. Sure you have to be strict and hard sometimes, but it won’t hurt if you crack on some jokes to ease the mood of the other nurses. A good laugh is still a stress reliever.
Now that you know these traits, you can use these as guides to help you be successful as a charge nurse in your department.
Published at: 02/27/2015
