What is the most appropriate action for a charge nurse when an unlicensed healthcare worker consistently arrives late for their shift?

The most appropriate action for a charge nurse in this scenario is to document the information before discussing it with the unlicensed healthcare worker. Documentation is essential because it provides a factual account of the worker's tardiness, which can be valuable in addressing the issue constructively. By maintaining accurate records, the charge nurse can present specific instances of lateness, ensuring that the conversation is based on objective evidence rather than subjective perception.

Additionally, documenting the situation helps the charge nurse to track patterns over time, which may indicate whether the tardiness is a recurring issue that requires further intervention. It also demonstrates a level of professionalism and due diligence when addressing employee performance issues. Having this documentation ready will also be beneficial if disciplinary action becomes necessary later or if the supervisor needs to be involved, as it provides a clear rationale to support any decisions made.

In this context, addressing the issue in a direct, non-confrontational manner after gathering the necessary documentation allows for communication that is likely to be more effective in promoting accountability and improvement, rather than immediately resorting to disciplinary measures or simply overlooking the situation.