Key Elements to Include in a Training for Charge Nurses: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: The position of the charge nurse involves clinico-administrative responsibilities and requires five essential competencies: leadership, interpersonal communication, clinical-administrative caring, problem-solving, and knowledge and understanding of the work environment. However, these competencies are rarely addressed in ongoing training for charge nurses in health care institutions, and the existing trainings identified either do not cover all five required competencies or provide only limited content related to them. As a result, without appropriate training, charge nurses may be unable to fully meet the complex demands of their position and there will be a gap between the complex requirements of this position and the ability to meet them. There is a clear need for a scientifically grounded training that addresses these gaps.

Objective: To identify the key elements for operationalizing and strengthening the competencies required for the position of charge nurse, with a view to incorporating them into a training to be developed for this purpose.

Method: A scoping review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. Using a strategy developed by the research team, the CINAHL, MEDLINE, Cairn, and ScienceDirect databases as well as grey literature sources were queried. To be included, publications had to meet the following criteria: address the charge nurse position and include at least one key element for implementing or strengthening at least one of the five core competencies; be published between 2000 and 2021; and be written in either French or English.

Findings: Out of 2,672 records identified, 23 articles met the inclusion criteria for this scoping review. Analysis of these publications revealed key elements that could be associated with conceptual content, practical application or knowledge integration.

Conclusion: This scoping review helped identify the content to be incorporated into charge nurse training currently under development, thus supporting the development and reinforcement of charge nurses’ competencies, thereby enabling them to effectively fulfill their position.