1. Charge nurse orientation. 5. Charge Nurse Competencies. As a charge nurse, you can expect to assist with monitoring and caring for patients, including recording vital signs and administering medications. As caretakers, supervisors, liaisons and point people, these professionals balance the responsibility found in managerial roles with the medical competencies of registered nurses. Their nursing leadership is right at the point of care and critical to better patient outcomes. ... 24 hours a day. Many charge nurses also work closely with care managers and physicians in an effort to create or update patient care plans. Good nurses realize that every step they take in … Get a quick view of the requirements as well as details about job duties to find out if this is the career for you. Many nurses today are reluctant to take charge nurse roles. In one study of charge nurse competencies published in the October 2003 issue of MedSurg Nursing, the participants identified some characteristics they thought a charge nurse should possess, including accountability, assertiveness, fairness, flexibility, humor, maturity and the ability to learn from mistakes. Yet, we know that many nurses assume charge nurse roles without the skills that they need to effectively lead teams. Charge nurses fill a unique role. For patients, nurses are the face of the hospital and doctors depend on them for carrying out several tasks. 5 Critical Qualities of a Charge Nurse . One of the best traits for charge nurses to have is organizational skills. Charge nurses are unsung heroes in today's health-care environment. Attention to Detail. For those considering a career in this exciting field, here are some useful tips. A great nurse is able to strike the right balance between doctors’ and patients’ needs. Learn about the education and preparation needed to become a charge nurse. Role of a Charge Nurse Typically, a nurse manager is a fixture in this role during the day shift, but in his or her absence a charge nurse, also known as an assistant nurse manager, keeps the plates spinning, so to speak, and ensures a seamless transition from one shift to the next. To be effective, charge nurses must know their responsibilities.