For which group of residents can the DON act as a charge nurse?

The correct choice indicates that the Director of Nursing (DON) can act as a charge nurse specifically for facilities with a daily occupancy of 60 residents or less. In nursing practice, especially within long-term care facilities, the responsibilities of nursing leadership can vary based on the size and complexity of the facility.

When occupancy is limited, it allows the DON to take on dual roles, ensuring a more hands-on approach to patient care and staff management. This arrangement can enhance communication within the team, allow for immediate decision-making regarding resident care, and maintain oversight over the nursing staff in a manageable environment.

In larger facilities or those with higher resident numbers, it becomes increasingly challenging for a single individual to effectively manage both operational aspects and direct patient care without compromising either role. Therefore, regulations often delineate these boundaries based on the number of residents, justifying why the DON's ability to act as a charge nurse is limited to smaller facilities.