Abstract
Within the next decade it is estimated that one million nurses will retire, many of whom fulfill the charge nurse role. Charge nurses are designated leaders who oversee nursing unit operations including monitoring patient care, advocating for unit staff, and engaging with interprofessional colleagues. Charge nurses positively impact patient, staff, and organizational outcomes. Despite the significance of their contributions, their selection is often based on the nurse’s clinical skills or tenure in an organization, rather than their capacity to lead. With an influx of novice charge nurses rising to meet these leadership needs, there is a greater demand on nursing professional development practitioners to prepare and support them through this role transition. The novice charge nurse role transition is currently not well understood. The aim of this study was to describe the experience of novice charge nurses who recently transitioned from direct patient care to the charge nurse role; to determine the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to lead; and how professional development activities supported or hindered their ability to lead. A qualitative descriptive design with Rubin and Rubin’s responsive interviewing method was used. Fourteen novice charge nurses aged 24-41 with between 2-12 months of charge nurse experience participated in the study. In-depth, audio-recorded Zoom interviews allowed for rich description. Participants were recruited through social media and professional networking. Data collection continued until no new information emerged and data saturation was reached. Strategies from Rubin and Rubin guided data collection and analysis. Thematic analysis revealed three phases: taxiing to the runway, take-off, and reaching cruising altitude with each phase containing distinct themes and subthemes. Participants also identified knowledge, skills, and attitudes charge nurses need to be an effective leader. Few participants had professional development beyond orientation and therefore were not able to provide descriptions of its impact on their leadership. Findings of the study provide researchers, nursing professional development practitioners, and healthcare leaders with new knowledge to guide future preparation for nurses transitioning to the role. This research lays the foundation to support these new leaders through the development of continuing education and organizational systems which can harness charge nurse leadership for the benefit of patients, staff, and organizations.