Role and Training of Emergency Department Charge Nurses: A Phenomenological Inquiry

In the fast-paced emergency department, charge nurses ensure efficient operations and excellent patient care. Emergency department charge nurses' roles and training affect patient outcomes and staff satisfaction. This phenomenological study aimed to explore the lived experiences of emergency department charge nurses and examine their training needs and challenges. A qualitative research approach utilizing phenomenology was employed to capture the rich and subjective experiences of emergency department charge nurses. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of charge nurses working in different emergency departments. The interviews focused on understanding the role expectations, responsibilities, and training experiences of charge nurses. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common themes and patterns within the participants' narratives. The analysis revealed several key themes related to the role and training of emergency department charge nurses. Charge nurses described their role as multifaceted, encompassing responsibilities such as coordinating patient flow, managing staff assignments, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, and ensuring quality care delivery. Training needs identified by charge nurses included leadership skills development, conflict resolution, effective communication, and clinical expertise enhancement. Challenges faced by charge nurses included high workload, time constraints, and the need to balance administrative tasks with direct patient care. This phenomenological investigation illuminated emergency department charge nurse roles and training requirements. Understanding charge nurses' life experiences may help create successful and satisfying training and support programs. Healthcare companies may enhance emergency department patient outcomes and staff engagement by addressing charge nurse training requirements and concerns.