Effective Communication As a LPN Charge Nurse

Effective communication is important for an LPN charge nurse.

A charge nurse is responsible for care of patients in the unit and coordinating all nursing activities to achieve this goal. LPNs are often charge nurses in long-term care, skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers. It's important that the charge nurse communicate clearly with staff, supervisors, physicians and members of patients' families. Responsibilities include supervision and documentation of patient care, ensuring that medication administration and treatments are properly recorded, and verifying that CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) complete and document assigned patient care tasks. Directions must be given clearly with responsibilities and procedures assigned in a fair way.

Significance

LPNs are often charge nurses in long-term care facilities.

A charge nurse communicates changes in patient conditions, describes symptoms to physicians and clarifies orders. Miscommunication may have disastrous results for patients. She is also responsible for alerting the RN Supervisor to staffing needs, changes in patient conditions and problems developing in the unit. When making patient care and unit assignments to CNAs, it's her responsibility to inform them if a patient requires specific nursing care or a special treatment, or about any scheduled activity. The LPN charge nurse is responsible for patient care on the unit and also for directing ancillary staff.

Function

Charge nurses are responsible for patient care.

Through effective communication, the LPN charge nurse sets standards, directs staff so they can meet expectations and provides support. He should communicate facility requirements and the importance of accurate documentation in addition to specific patient care directions. When delegating unit tasks, directing patient care and relaying instructions, he needs to be clear and concise. When assignments are made in this manner, the nursing staff understands what needs to be done and that they are responsible for the satisfactory completion of their tasks and patient care responsibilities.

Considerations

Charge nurses may administer medications.

The LPN charge nurse should know the capabilities and limitations of her staff. She must divide responsibilities fairly and explain patient needs completely while assisting her staff in setting reasonable goals. She supports their efforts in achieving these goals and, when mistakes are made, should evaluate the situation to determine whether directions and communications were clear. She may communicate using different words or directions when dealing with housekeeping personnel or CNA assignments than she would use when consulting a physician.

Types

Charge nurse communicates with the physician.

Oral and written communications must be clear and concise to be effective. The LPN charge nurse should ensure that written communications are complete and contain pertinent details in documentation of patient care, shift reports, incidents and unusual occurrences. He has a role in the performance evaluation process and should be able to explain his observations in a clear, fair manner. He should also take responsibility for his written comments on CNA performance and be able to explain the rationale for his observations

Benefits

LPNs can be charge nurses in mental health facilities.

The LPN charge nurse is an information conduit as she directs her staff in providing patient care and supervising unit activities. The nursing supervisor receives information about changes in patient conditions, significant events or unit staffing needs while physicians are contacted for orders and patient updates. An important key to success for the LPN charge nurse is the development of effective communication skills.

References

• Nurses First: Taking Charge: What Every Charge Nurse Needs to Know
• NC Board of Nursing: Position Statement for RN and LPN Practice