The Impact of a Formal Leadership Development Program on Charge Nurse Leadership Competencies: An Integrative Review

This integrative review focuses on the current body of evidence for charge nurse leadership development (CNLD). It identifies common skills and competencies, provides a synthesis of existing training practices, and identifies gaps in the evidence. A thorough literature search of electronic databases and reference lists was completed, resulting in the identification of 22 studies published between 2011 and 2020. Data from the selected studies were evaluated and categorized into common themes; virtually all reported positive outcomes for the charge nurse development program implemented. Two of the studies reviewed were integrative reviews that compared identified themes and methodologies. Four studies were qualitative, identifying needed charge nurse competencies. Fifteen studies were quantitative, evaluating the effectiveness of charge nurse professional development programs implemented in the health care organization. One correlational study compared face-to-face learning with a blended learning format of face-to-face and online learning. Four major themes were identified: management of daily clinical operations, mentoring and empowering of staff, communication and conflict resolution skills, and role clarity and self-confidence. Two minor themes, budgetary knowledge and customer relations associated with patient/family-centered care, were identified. The majority of the charge nurse professional development programs were offered using multiple educational formats. Research supports the importance of a formal charge nurse professional development program to strengthen charge nurse role development and promote sustainable organizational goals and optimal patient outcomes