Care Team Leaders (CTL), or Charge Nurses, are an incredible breed of nurses. But what does it take to be a really good one?
- Be a strong advocate for your nurses and nursing assistants. In doing so, you are looking out for our professional and personal wellbeing. This allows us to feel comfortable bringing you our concerns, work or non-work related. Advocating for your staff also provides a united front when dealing with difficult patients, family members, or other providers. There is nothing more comforting than having a higher up on your side when navigating challenging situations.
- Don’t hesitate to provide direct patient care. It speaks volumes when a CTL gloves up and comes bedside for a procedure, dressing change, second opinion, or extra set of hands for a transfer. Remember, you’re still a nurse. Yes, you answer staffing calls, patient assignments, and assist with discharges and admissions. But you have a plethora of knowledge to share with your floor and they greatly appreciate your expertise.
- In the ever-changing times of new information, remain transparent about policy changes and keep us as updated as possible. I know this may seem out of your control, and that’s okay to admit, too. All we ask to be on as much of the same page as possible.
- Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know something. But when that’s the case, help direct us towards the answer.
- Make the nurse’s station feel like an open-door policy. Welcome questions without intimidation. Don’t act surprised that it isn’t necessarily common sense.
- Have burnout awareness. Check in with your new nurses. Check in with your floats. Know who still hasn’t gone to lunch yet… at 1600. Asking for help and delegating to a CTL can be hard. We don’t want to seem incompetent or like we’re drowning. But you’d be amazed how much help hanging an antibiotic or answering a quick phone call from lab can be during a busy day.
- Be committed to your staff. Be present during your shift. Get to know them as people. You will have smoother shifts if you know your nurses and assistants and how they operate as a staff.
- Boost morale! Whether that’s affirming words, sending a thank you email, or bringing in donuts. In a career where serving others is “just part of the job”, it’s nice to be recognized by your coworkers and team leaders.
If you can work on incorporating any or all of these into your charge nurse practice, I promise you your team will rise to your standards and your patients will benefit.
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