Role and Training of Emergency Department Charge Nurses: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Processes, Needs, and...

Charge nurses (CNs) are shift leaders who manage resources and facilitate patient care, yet CNs in EDs receive minimal training, with implications for patient safety and emergency nursing practice. The purpose of the study was to describe the experiences of emergency nurses related to training, preparation, and function of the CN role.

An explanatory sequential mixed methods design using survey data (n = 2579) and focus group data (n = 49) from both CN and staff nurse perspectives.

Participants reported minimal training for the CN role, with divergent understandings of role, required education and experience, the need for situational awareness, and the acceptability of the CN taking on other duties.

The ED CN is critical to the safety of both nursing environment and patient care. Nurses in this pivotal role do not receive adequate leadership orientation or formal training in the key areas of nurse patient assignment, communication, and situational awareness. Formal training in nurse-patient assignment, communication, and situational awareness are critical to appropriate patient care and maintenance of interprofessional trust necessary for successful execution of the CN role. ED nurse managers should advocate for this training.