At first thought, I perceived that the charge nurse was someone that supervises the staff and make assignments. However, I was correct in my assumption that the charge nurse must have good communication techniques. In addition, the charge nurse must have experience to ensure the unit flows properly. Nonetheless, the charge nurse oversees the unit, the patients, and the nurses.
Firstly, the charge nurse is responsible for overseeing the unit to ensure the unit runs as smoothly as possible. For instances, ensuring that the unit is prepared to handle an emergency by performing a variety of duties. One significant duty is to ensure that the crash cart is fully stock with the medication seal intact, along with a full oxygen tank, and a working defibrillator. Likewise, the nurse ensures the unit have intubation kits and thoracotomy trays in the event of an emergency. In addition, the charge nurse check and reorder supplies as needed. Also, record and monitor the temperature log for the refrigerator as well as run controls to ensure the blood glucose monitor is working properly.
Secondly, the charge nurse has a broad idea of the condition of all the patients on the nurse. The charge nurse is aware of the patient that require ventilation assistance or those requiring high risk drip medications. …show more content…
For instances, the charge nurse offered a helping hand to assist another nurse with a stat order because the nurse was busy when the medication arrived on the unit. Moreover, the charge nurse run reports to the ensure the medication is administered on time and ensures the nurses do not overlook a newly ordered medication. In addition, the charge nurse make pharmacy runs so the primary nurse can stay and monitor the patients. Also, the charge nurse delivers the laboratory specimen to the lab at the end of the shift. All in all, the charge nurse assists the nursing staff with any task to ensure the unit flows