Who typically supervises and supports the nursing staff of a unit and treats a limited number of residents?

• A. Charge nurse
• B. House supervisor
• C. Unit manager
• D. Staff nurse

Answer: (A)

On a hospital or long-term care unit, the on-shift leader is the charge nurse. The charge nurse supervises and supports the nursing staff on the unit—organizing assignments, guiding less-experienced teammates, stepping in to help with care when needed, and coordinating care with other caregivers. They also may provide direct patient care to a smaller number of residents, especially when staffing is tight or a quick assessment is needed. This blend of leadership and hands-on care is what sets the role apart from others: a house supervisor oversees broader facility operations, a unit manager handles administrative duties and policy implementation, and a staff nurse focuses on direct bedside care without unit-wide supervision.