Academic Journal
Leadership at the Point of Care: Developing Charge Nurses for Complex Healthcare Environments.
| Title: | Leadership at the Point of Care: Developing Charge Nurses for Complex Healthcare Environments. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Oscar N; Associate Director, Nursing, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; and., Best R; Director, Nursing, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. |
| Source: | Nursing administration quarterly [Nurs Adm Q] 2026 Jul-Sep 01; Vol. 50 (3), pp. 147-151. |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 7703976 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1550-5103 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 03639568 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Nurs Adm Q Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Publication: 2003- : Hagerstown, MD : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Original Publication: Germantown, Md., Aspen Systems Corp. |
| MeSH Terms: | Nurse Administrators*/education , Staff Development*/methods , Leadership* , Nursing, Supervisory*, Humans |
| Abstract: | Charge nurses serve as essential frontline leaders within increasingly complex healthcare systems; however, many transition into these positions without formal leadership preparation. To address this gap, a large academic hospital implemented a 6-month Clinical Charge Nurse Leadership Development Program grounded in the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) Nurse Leader Competencies. The program aimed to strengthen leadership readiness among new or aspiring charge nurses through self-assessment, case-based learning, scenario practice, mentorship, and structured role-specific tools. Core content included emotional intelligence, conflict and change management, professional practice models, human resources concepts, and basic financial principles. Participants reported increased confidence, improved communication and conflict resolution skills, and enhanced understanding of operational responsibilities. Several nurses assumed additional leadership responsibilities after completion of the program. This article describes the program's development, structure, and outcomes and offers a replicable model for organizations seeking to prepare frontline leaders. Integrating competency-based training before assuming charge responsibilities supports nurse retention, team effectiveness, and operational efficiency. Structured, role-specific training guided by national standards can strengthen nursing leadership capacity at the point of care. (Copyright © 2026 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.) |
| References: | Cummings GG, Tate K, Lee S, et al. Leadership styles and outcome patterns for the nursing workforce and work environment: a systematic review. Int J Nurs Stud. 2018;85:19–60. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2018.04.016. (PMID: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2018.04.016) American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education. AACN Press; 2021. Institute of Medicine. The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. National Academies Press; 2011. American Organization for Nursing Leadership. Nurse Leader Competencies; 2023. Sheridan R. The clinical charge nurse leadership survey. Nurs Manage. 2013;44:44–50. Sherman RO, Pross E. Growing future nurse leaders to build and sustain healthy work environments at the unit level. Online J Issues Nurs. 2010;15:Manuscript 1. MacPhee M, Skelton-Green J, Bouthillette F, et al. An empowerment framework for nursing leadership development: supporting evidence. J Adv Nurs. 2012;68:159–169. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2011.05746.x. (PMID: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2011.05746.x) Knowles MS, Holton EF, Swanson RA. The Adult Learner: The Definitive Classic in Adult Education and Human Resource Development. 8th ed. Routledge; 2015. |
| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: AONL nurse leader competencies; charge nurse leadership; frontline nurse leadership; leadership development; nursing professional development |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20260529 Date Completed: 20260717 Latest Revision: 20260717 |
| Update Code: | 20260717 |
| DOI: | 10.1097/NAQ.0000000000000760 |
| PMID: | 42214420 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
| ISSN: | 1550-5103 |
|---|---|
| DOI: | 10.1097/NAQ.0000000000000760 |