In a healthcare setting, who primarily oversees the accountability of care provided?

The primary accountability for the care provided in a healthcare setting typically rests with the registered nurse. Registered nurses have the education, training, and licensure that positions them as the key providers of patient care. They are responsible for assessing patient needs, developing care plans, implementing interventions, and evaluating outcomes. This level of responsibility places the registered nurse in a central role in ensuring that patient care meets quality and safety standards, and they often serve as a liaison between patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.

While charge nurses and healthcare managers hold significant responsibilities in managing nursing staff and healthcare operations respectively, they do not provide direct patient care as nurses do. Licensed practical nurses also play an important role in care delivery, but their scope of practice is generally more limited compared to registered nurses. Therefore, the registered nurse's accountability is crucial in maintaining high standards of patient care within the healthcare setting.