In facilities with a census of 59 or less, a charge nurse may be designated only on which tour of duty?

In facilities where the patient census is 59 or less, the regulations often stipulate specific staffing requirements, particularly regarding leadership roles such as a charge nurse. The designation of a charge nurse is typically focused on ensuring proper oversight and management during peak operational hours.

Assigning a charge nurse on the night shift is often considered appropriate for several reasons. Firstly, during nights, there may be fewer staff present, making it critical to have a charge nurse to oversee care, manage incidents, and facilitate communication among disparate team members. This role is especially vital in settings where the acuity of the patient population requires constant supervision.

Designating a charge nurse specifically during the night shift allows the day and evening shifts to operate under the usual policies of having multiple supervisory positions available, which can often be better supported by an expanded resource pool of staff and management presence. Hence, by focusing the charge nurse role on the night tour in a facility with a smaller census, the organization can effectively balance resource utilization while maintaining necessary oversight in the most vulnerable hours of operation.