Exploring the Charge Nurse Role Transition

Abstract

The novice charge nurse role transition is not well understood. This article reports on a qualitative descriptive study of the novice charge nurse role transition. Rubin and Rubin’s responsive interviewing was used. Fourteen novice charge nurses participated in Zoom interviews. Thematic analysis revealed three phases: taxiing to the runway, takeoff, and reaching cruising altitude, each with distinct themes. Nursing professional development practitioners can use these findings to better understand and support new charge nurses through this transition.

Charge nurses’ perceived experience in managing daily work and major incidents in emergency departments: A qualitative study

“…Several charge nurses participating in the study lacked training and support from their departmental head. This finding is consistent with previous studies [1,3,6,12].…”

“…Although, CNs described their work as demanding, they also expressed motivation and job satisfaction. This is also consistent with reports in the literature [1,6,12]. Charge nurses confront many challenges in their daily work, often with little training or the opportunity to develop in their professional [1][2][3][6][7][8]10,12].…”

“…This is also consistent with reports in the literature [1,6,12]. Charge nurses confront many challenges in their daily work, often with little training or the opportunity to develop in their professional [1][2][3][6][7][8]10,12]. CNs described having to be adaptable and manage conflicts to be very demanding.…”

“…Taking on the role of CN means being prepared to accept responsibilities that go beyond the norm and the need for training in leadership was identified [1][2][3]6,12]. CNs in the ED are confronted with unpredictable diseases, work-related stress, and critically ill and injured patients.…”

“…This restricts leadership development, and causes unnecessary stress for the CN [2][3][4]11]. However, registered nurses (RNs) transition to CN is not well described or understood [12]. While several studies have emphasized the importance of role preparation and competence development [2,3,8,11,13], less research has focused on how CNs perceive their situation [1,3,6].…”