Nurses are being challenged to provide increasingly complex care with more inexperienced nurses due to higher rates of retirement and registered nurse (RN) turnover in general.

High-performing charge nurses with excellent interpersonal, conflict management, communication, and leadership competencies are vital to achieving optimal outcomes. Implementing a charge nurse leadership development program focused on improving communication competencies in conflict management situations can support a healthy work environment.

Freedman (2019) asserts that "interpersonal conflict in nursing workplaces is a pervasive and complex phenomenon, with implications for patient safety and quality of care" (p.594). First-time leaders seldom receive adequate training for effective transition to leadership roles, with 60% reporting having no training (Gentry, Logan, & Tonidandel, 2014). Furthermore, many novice leaders struggle with transitioning from peer to leader, specifically related to interpersonal and communication skills (Basogul, 2020; Radovich, et al., 2011).

Inclusion Criteria:

• RN Clinical Team Leader or Charge Nurse employed at MMMC

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-employees of MMMC
• MMMC staff not in the role of Clinical Team Leader or Charge Nurse

• RN Clinical Team Leader or Charge Nurse employed at MMMC