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

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.