Developing and Standardizing an Orientation for Outpatient Charge Nurses

Charge nurses often act as the eyes and ears of the unit. They are leaders, clinical experts, educators, policy enforcers, and patient advocates. They ensure patients and caregivers receive high-quality, safe, and evidence-based care. With the shift in health care from the in-patient to outpatient setting, patients are becoming more acute and complex for staff nurses. Charge nurses are pivotal in the successful care and management of these patients. Unfortunately, charge nurses often receive minimal training and are placed in this role with inadequate preparation and support. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and dissatisfaction with their job. Providing nurses with structured education about this role can create a safer and more positive work environment. This article discusses the development, implementation, and evaluation of a charge nurse orientation program in the outpatient infusion setting. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2019;50(11):517-521.].