The charge nurse is an ‘integral participant’ of the diagnostic and treatment process. Nurse’s professional preparedness, knowledge of ethical and deontological aspects, skills in psychology, ability to explain the course of the upcoming procedure in a ‘language’ accessible to the patient – all this significantly affects the patient’s well-being and speedy recovery. Charge nurse cares for patients in the wards, including ensuring patients’ comfortable stay in the communities.
The responsibilities of the charge nurse are extensive, and, therefore, very high demands are placed on this level of medical staff. This is a medical professional who performs the duties of caring for patients who are in the hospital and monitoring their condition. The charge nurse should monitor the patient’s adherence to the hospital regime: timely nutrition, sleep, procedures; she should also monitor the patient’s health status daily. This work includes the measurement of body temperature, heart rate, the calculation of NPV, and, if necessary, the size of daily diuresis, blood pressure; all received data is logged daily.
Charge nurse subordinates to nurse manager, whose range of responsibilities is very wide – practically, she supports the work of the entire department. This position is usually assigned to an experienced nurse with at least five years of practical experience. The functions of a nurse manager are carried out in several areas: administrative work, quality control of medical assistance provided, work with staff, methodological work. Thus, if the charge nurse is engaged in operational activities, the nurse manager performs the result of a linear manager, which includes the functions of planning, organization, motivation, and control.