Midwifery Chain of Command

Hospital Midwifery Chain of Command

Chain of command (COC) is a familiar concept to many, such as those with backgrounds in the military, law enforcement, firefighting, and those who have been employed in healthcare settings. A chain of command is a power hierarchy consisting of individuals that are contacted when emergencies or difficult situations arise. For nurses working in a hospital, the COC might begin with a staff RN, ascending to a charge nurse, and then upward through various nursing managers, directors of nursing, and finally to a chief nursing officer. Hospital chains of command are individualized within different departments and specialties. Any member of medical or nursing staff in a hospital corporation must be clear on COC reporting in the context of their specialties.