My daughter is a nurse in a large hospital locally, and gave me some input into what is required for her as charge. At this particular hospital the majority of charge nurses have a longer history with their position, usually 1-1/2 years on their floor. When they are moved to the position of charge they are given a full month of training FOR THAT POSITION before they are asked to do that job. There are usually 2 charges scheduled by management for each shift so there is always a back up in case *stuff* happens. The charge assignment isn't just decided by the nurses on the floor but are planned. I think I would ask what the hospitals policy is regarding charge designation. For her this works out well. She is on a very busy floor and has a great group of people to work with.