Career Guide
Charge nurse
If you are adept at prioritizing tasks, demonstrate exceptional leadership in high-pressure situations and have a passion for patient advocacy, you might consider a career as a charge nurse.
If you are adept at prioritizing tasks, demonstrate exceptional leadership in high-pressure situations and have a passion for patient advocacy, you might consider a career as a charge nurse.
Career overview
Charge nurses are professionals who are responsible for managing and coordinating the healthcare services within a hospital or clinic setting. They function as the frontline leaders during shifts, overseeing daily operations to ensure optimal patient care. Their responsibilities include delegating tasks among nursing staff, managing patient admissions and discharges and effectively addressing any clinical issues that arise. In collaboration with primary nurses, charge nurses also ensure patients are receiving coordinated care from the interprofessional team members in the clinical setting. Additionally, they often mentor and support less experienced nurses, providing guidance and promoting a collaborative team environment. Through their leadership, charge nurses help maintain high standards of care and enhance the overall patient experience.
In 2023, there were about 3.3 million registered nurses 
(RNs) employed in the national workforce, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). As a charge nurse, you can work in various industries and settings, including but not limited to, general medical and surgical hospitals, physician offices, kidney dialysis centers and nursing care facilities.
The demand for registered nurses, including charge nurses, is projected to grow in the coming years, driven by an aging population and an increase in age-related medical issues. Nurses play a vital role in managing chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, requiring ongoing education and care. Job opportunities are expected to expand across various healthcare settings, from hospitals to outpatient centers offering same-day treatments like chemotherapy and rehabilitation. Additionally, with many elderly preferring home care, there is a rising need for skilled nursing services in non-traditional environments. This underscores the essential role of RNs, like charge nurses, in the future of healthcare, community health and home healthcare.
What to expect
Salary range
$61 - 93K
$61K
$93K
Registered nurses, including charge nurses, within the 25th to 75th percentiles earned salaries ranging from $61,630 to $93,590 in 2023, according to BLS nationwide statistics.[1]
[1] The salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. The salary ranges, job opportunities and outcomes presented represent the larger job category, which includes the particular job title. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website. The BLS Projected Growth for 2023-2033 is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects the BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.
[2] Depends on employers’ requirements.
[3] This career requires a Master's degree in Nursing and additional licensure beyond an RN.
[4] This career typically requires a Master’s degree in Nursing.
Challenges
Being a charge nurse presents its own unique set of challenges, requiring a delicate balance between clinical expertise, managerial skills and emotional intelligence. One of the primary challenges is managing high-stress environments, as charge nurses must make quick, effective decisions often under pressure, while ensuring patient safety and staff efficiency. They must lead by example, practicing within the established policies and procedures in the clinical setting. They juggle multiple responsibilities, from resource allocation to conflict resolution, which can be overwhelming, especially during busy shifts. Additionally, charge nurses face the challenge of maintaining up-to-date knowledge on the latest medical practices and hospital protocols, in order to provide the best possible guidance to their team. Ultimately, maintaining a balance between managerial duties and delivering direct patient care can be difficult, yet essential to the role, often requiring significant dedication and resilience.
Advantages
However, pursuing a career as a charge nurse comes with numerous advantages that contribute to both professional growth and personal satisfaction. As a frontline leader, charge nurses gain invaluable experience in leadership and management, enhancing their skills in decision-making, communication and teamwork. This role offers the opportunity to have a direct impact on patient care and healthcare outcomes by effectively coordinating nursing activities and optimizing the workflow within a healthcare team. Additionally, depending on where they practice, charge nurses are often at the forefront of implementing the latest medical technologies and practices, allowing them to continuously expand their clinical knowledge and expertise. The diverse responsibilities and dynamic environment foster an engaging work experience, providing a sense of accomplishment and pride in improving healthcare delivery. Furthermore, excelling in this role can open doors to advanced career opportunities, such as becoming a nurse manager or advancing into administrative positions.
What to expect
Salary range
$61 - 93K
$61K
$93K
Registered nurses, including charge nurses, within the 25th to 75th percentiles earned salaries ranging from $61,630 to $93,590 in 2023, according to BLS nationwide statistics.[1]
Projected growth (2023-2033)
197,200 jobs
National job opportunities for registered nurses, including charge nurses, are projected to grow by 6% between 2023 and 2033, BLS reports.[1]
[1] The salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. The salary ranges, job opportunities and outcomes presented represent the larger job category, which includes the particular job title. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website. The BLS Projected Growth for 2023-2033 is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects the BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.
[2] Depends on employers’ requirements.
[3] This career requires a Master's degree in Nursing and additional licensure beyond an RN.
[4] This career typically requires a Master’s degree in Nursing.
About our source
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is an agency of the United States Department of Labor that serves as part of the U.S. Federal Statistical System. Find out more: http://www.bls.gov/bls/about-bls.htm
In-demand skills
In today's competitive job market, possessing career-relevant skills is crucial for setting oneself apart. Employers look for charge nurse job candidates who demonstrate not only exceptional clinical expertise and strong leadership abilities but also a diverse range of complementary skills and knowledge that improve patient care and team dynamics.
Nurses at the BSN level may need to demonstrate the following skills and knowledge across nursing roles, including charge nurse:
Soft skills
Soft skills are interpersonal and personal attributes that enable individuals to interact effectively and harmoniously with others. Some soft skills essential for charge nurses include accountability, effective communication, collaboration, problem solving and clinical judgment.
Education and experience
If a career as a charge nurse inspires you, there are specific academic milestones, credentials and practical experiences that can help you reach your goal. Here are some key steps to guide you on your journey towards a charge nurse career:
Career enhancement
Achieving your initial career milestones as a charge nurse often sets the stage for an exciting professional journey. Continuing to seek further education and training can enhance your skills and knowledge, preparing you for rewarding opportunities that may lie ahead.
As you accumulate experience in the role of a charge nurse, you may find yourself ready for the next step in your career. Charge nurses have the potential to advance into more senior positions, such as nurse manager or director of nursing. Additionally, there is the possibility to transition into areas like healthcare administration, nurse education or consulting, where your expertise in patient care management and team leadership can be invaluable.
Here are some strategies for progressing further within the nursing career path:
- Further your education: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can expand your knowledge and open you up to new opportunities within your field. If you do not have a BSN, earning one can help you enhance your patient care, leadership skills and knowledge. For those who already hold a BSN, advanced degrees, like the MSN and DNP, can open doors to management positions and offer a deeper understanding of healthcare systems, policymaking, research and education.
- Obtain specialty industry certifications: Once you are an RN, specialty industry certifications are available in specific areas of nursing. They add to your credentials and enhance your professional growth opportunities. Examples include Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN), Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) or Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN).
- Participate in continuing education and training: Nurses must maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills. Continuing education opportunities, such as workshops, seminars or online courses, can help you stay knowledgeable about the latest medical practices and technological advancements. Additionally, attending conferences and joining professional organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) provides valuable networking opportunities and fosters continuous learning.
- Develop strong mentorship and leadership skills: Engage in leading projects or committees within your organization, and actively seek mentorship programs to guide emerging nursing professionals. This not only better prepares you for leadership roles but also helps establish you as a pivotal support figure within your team.
- Expand your professional network: Attend industry conferences, join professional nursing associations and engage in online forums and communities to connect with peers, mentors and leaders in nursing. These connections can provide valuable insights, job opportunities and collaborative endeavors that could enhance your career growth prospects.
By continuously developing your skills and experience, you can reach new heights in this fulfilling nursing career path.
Programs
Discover University of Phoenix's RN to BSN programs aligned to the charge nurse career outcome. Our flexible learning structure lets you advance your education one course at a time in five-week increments. Explore how our offerings can complement your professional journey and help you reach your goals.
How can University of Phoenix support me in pursuing my career goals?
Students and graduates can access our Career Navigator tools, which can help you evaluate career options, track career-relevant skills and discover job postings suited to your needs. From resumé building and interview preparation to networking and mentorship, University of Phoenix offers career services for life to all students and graduates. Dive deeper into our career services, resources and tools to find out how we can help you reach your goals.
