Scoping review protocol examining charge nurse skills: requirement for the development of training

The charge nurse (CN) holds a position in clinical-administrative management and is essential for improving the quality and safety of care in healthcare institutions. The position requires five essential skills: leadership; interpersonal communication; clinical-administrative caring; problem solving; and knowledge and understanding of the work environment. The scientific literature has not widely examined the importance of providing these skills as part of initial training, nor when CNs begin their duties. This study aims to fill this gap through an exhaustive review of the literature with the aim of developing standardised training for the CN when they start in their position.

A scoping review using the Joanna Briggs Institute framework will be conducted. The CINAHL, MEDLINE, Science Direct and Cairn, databases as well as grey literature from ProQuest dissertations and thesis global database, Google Scholar and the website of the Order of Nurses of Quebec will be queried using keywords. Relevant literature in French and English, published between 2000 and 2022 will be retained. The CN is the target population. Outcomes address at least one of the five CN skills, describe how they are operationalised and what their impact is on the organisation of work and quality of care. This analysis will identify essential and relevant elements for the development of standardised, up-to-date and appropriate training for the position of CN.

Ethical approval is not required, as data does not include individual patient data. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at conferences and presented to nursing managers and directors.

Research Registry ID: researchregistry7030.