Role and Training of Emergency Department Charge Nurses: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Processes, Needs, and Expectations

The ED CN is critical to the safety of both nursing environment and patient care. Nurses in this pivotal role do not receive adequate leadership orientation or formal training in the key areas of nurse patient assignment, communication, and situational awareness. Formal training in nurse-patient assignment, communication, and situational awareness are critical to appropriate patient care and maintenance of interprofessional trust necessary for successful execution of the CN role. ED nurse managers should advocate for this training.