Wisconsin Nursing Home Administrators (NHA) Practice Exam

An intermediate care facility shall have a charge nurse when?

1. During every daytime tour of duty, who may be the DON.

2. Only during night shifts

3. On weekdays

4. Only when needed

The correct answer is: During every daytime tour of duty, who may be the DON.

An intermediate care facility is required to have a charge nurse present during every daytime tour of duty, who may also serve as the Director of Nursing (DON). This ensures that there is a designated individual with the necessary authority and responsibility to oversee and coordinate patient care activities during the day. Having a charge nurse present on each daytime shift helps maintain continuity of care, enhances communication among staff members, and ensures that appropriate clinical decisions can be made promptly. This requirement is crucial in promoting patient safety and quality of care within the facility. In contrast, the other options are not comprehensive or specific enough in their requirements for the presence of a charge nurse in an intermediate care facility. Night shifts, weekdays, or only when needed do not provide the same level of consistency and oversight as having a charge nurse present during every daytime tour of duty.