Impact of Evidence-Based Charge Nurse Education on Charge Nurse Skills and Nurse-Specific Metrics

Abstract

Objective: This research study was designed to analyze the impact of an evidence-based charge nurse (CN) education program on novice and experienced CNs' self-confidence and satisfaction with the role, skill competencies, and nursing metrics.

Background: Charge nurses are critical to effective daily unit operations. However, executive nursing leadership found that unit performance varied by CN despite experience.

Methods: University faculty partnering with nurse leaders developed an evidence-based CN education program including a series of classes, coaching in skills and role responsibilities by nurse leaders, and evaluation of skills competencies before and after the CN education program.

Results: The CN program was associated with significant positive changes in CN performance, nurse-specific metrics, hospital-acquired events, and patient satisfaction.

Conclusions: Interventions targeting frontline leaders positively impact CN performance.