What authority does a charge nurse lack regarding prescriptions?

A charge nurse typically lacks the authority to write prescriptions because this responsibility is reserved for licensed prescribers, such as physicians or nurse practitioners. Writing prescriptions requires a specific scope of practice and licensing that a charge nurse, who primarily focuses on managing nursing staff and patient care on a unit, does not possess.

In contrast, contacting prescribers is a common responsibility for charge nurses, as they often serve as a liaison between nursing staff and physicians or other healthcare providers. Administering medication is also within the scope of practice for a charge nurse, as they are licensed nurses trained to deliver medications based on existing prescriptions. Managing patients' medical records is another task that a charge nurse can perform, as they have access to patient information necessary for care coordination and documentation. Thus, the authority to write prescriptions is the primary limitation in this context.