Ward sister/charge nurse: the key role in nursing

Twenty years ago, Pembrey (1980) measured the performance of ward sisters in relation to individualized nursing, and emphasized how crucial the ward sister's role was, but also identified some key factors towards its success.

Abstract

Twenty years ago, Pembrey (1980) measured the performance of ward sisters in relation to individualized nursing. The report not only emphasized how crucial the ward sister's role was, but also identified some key factors towards its success. One factor was the importance of preparation, education and experience. Many sisters identified role models (often other senior sisters) as the source of their learned behaviour, rather than formal management training. Although ward sisters had a lot of authority over their wards, they lacked formal managerial authority to exercise power over some services, e.g. supplies, catering and finance.