Course Description and Competencies

What to Expect

In this course, you will work through three modules of material and one case study that follows a day in the life of a new charge nurse. Each module is broken into smaller lessons. These will teach you the skills needed to become a successful and effective nurse leader.

Throughout these modules, you will find readings, videos, knowledge checks, ungraded quizzes, and scenario-based questions from a case study. Engaging with these activities reinforces new learning. It also complements the knowledge you bring to this area of study. 

Prerequisites:

Interprofessional Communication and Leadership in Healthcare (D235A) and Intrapersonal Leadership and Professional Growth (D218A) are prerequisites for this course.

Course Competencies

This course covers the following competencies:

  • Building on prior learning, the student effectively leads, motivates, and manages team members to achieve organizational goals by evaluating team dynamics, using effective communication, fostering collaboration and inclusion, and implementing coaching strategies to promote growth.
  • Building on prior learning, the student efficiently organizes, prioritizes, delegates, and executes tasks to maximize productivity and achieve goals within given timeframes.
  • Building on prior learning, the student implements techniques to create a work environment focused on patient safety and worker well-being, including cultural competence, stress management, and conflict resolution.
  • Building on prior learning, the student continually assesses and enhances their own leadership skills to optimize effectiveness, overcome challenges, and thrive in high-stress situations.

Assessment

You will demonstrate competency through one performance-based assessment. You must achieve a ranking of Competent on the assessment to pass the course.

The assessment provides an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the competencies in this course. You may attempt the assessment two times before additional support is necessary. If you require further attempts, please contact our support team at (888) 320-0540 or support@academy.wgu.edu.

1 performance assessment
3 Competency Units

Course Outline

ModuleUpon completion of this module, you will be able to:
Managing People
  • Evaluate the skills, experience levels, and strengths of the nursing staff and delegate tasks accordingly and equitably.
  • Apply effective coaching techniques that motivate staff and minimize fatigue and burnout among employees.
  • Apply conflict resolution techniques to de-escalate conflict in the workplace.
Managing Time
  • Coordinate admissions and discharges.
  • Prioritize tasks and responsibilities to maximize productivity and manage workloads.
  • Distribute available resources to ensure patients' needs are addressed in a timely manner while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Building a Healthy Work Environment
  • Assume responsibility for your actions and hold all personnel on your staff accountable for their duties and responsibilities.
  • Identify potential patient safety issues and implement a solution.
  • Implement applicable techniques to create a healthy workplace that minimizes stress and fatigue among employees.

Key Contacts

Certificate Connect
Check out this online community to take advantage of course resources, including videos and tips from your educators. You can ask and answer questions, provide feedback on your progress, and interact with fellow students. You will find this platform in the Student Resources section of the course. Log on and do some exploring!

Technical Support
If you encounter technical issues, be sure to contact the Help Desk. Just submit a Support Request for assistance.

Program Support
Do you have questions about your account? Student Support has answers. They can help with billing, switching courses, and other requests. You can contact them at (888) 320-0540 or support@academy.wgu.edu.

Accommodations

WGU provides compliant and accessible learning experiences. If you require accommodation, please contact us at the start of the course. You can email disability@academy.wgu.edu.

We are committed to ensuring that all students with disabilities have equal access to WGU's services and materials. We strive to use best practices for accessibility. Our goal is to conform to existing U.S. laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Our learning management system (LMS) platform is Open edX. Open edX’s commitment to accessible content is published in their Website Accessibility Policy.