Confused

Specialties Urology

Published

So I recently got hired in a big Dialysis company . I'm a new grad RN but been an LON prior getting my RN for about 2 years . Here's my dilemma. One time the charge nurse had a family emergency so she needed days off . So what happened was my FA told me since I'm there they will be able to open the clinic because they needed an RN in order to start accepting pt for te that day but , the acting charge nurse will be the LPN which is my preceptor . BTW I'm in my 6 week training there. My FA didn't make a big deal of it but , at the back In my mind I know it's not right . Even if the LPN is the acting charge nurse since I'm the only RN in the building if something goes wrong it will be on me right? So, now the charge nurse unfortunately quit . Today was her last day. I was thinking .. if my clinic will be short of nurse and they will do it again . Have me in the building and the charge nurse will be the LPN I will have to say something about it . Like, my preceptor the LPN is great ! He works there for about 10 years but there's something noticed that I don't like . Like he gave epo even if pt BP is really high .. stuff like that because he doesn't what hgb to get lower even more. What do you think is the best approach of this situation? I love the job .. but I work so hard for my license .

Specializes in med/surg.

First of all I think all grads should do a year of med/surg before going into any field. That being said, while you are in training you should not be counted as staff. You are just orientating to this job. Your gut feelings are right. There is nothing wrong with a LPN being your preceptor especially a strong one. There should be another RN there. You are right you are smart and you worked hard for that license. I would talk to the manager and tell him or her you don't feel comfortable in that situation and the reasons. If nothing changes start looking for a new job. Good Luck.

Thank you for the response I appreciate it a lot . I'm just worried right now , tomorrow will be the same thing I will be the only RN in the building but the charge nurse will be my LPN preceptor. I trust my preceptor he's smart and he knows what he is doing . I feel bad for him actually because he will be the charge nurse tomorrow at the same time he will have a pod of four patient and me as a trainee. I don't think it's right . I just need a job so I can't quit.

Specializes in Dialysis.

I assume LPNs can charge in your state? I'd be nervous, too. Allroach your manager. If they have integrity, they are looking for another RN to cover in the mean time. Are you in a bay with patients as well? How many chairs in the clinic?

16 chairs . She said that they only need RN in the building but I'm not the charge nurse . I'm not exactly understanding what she mean by this . I've seen patient going unstable halfway through treatment . I just don't understand why they need RN to open and close clinic if LPN can take charge nurse role .

According to V-tag 686 and 687 if LPN's are allowed to function as a charge nurse in your state then "technically" they can do this. It just does not sound like a great plan that puts the patient first. What if you didn't show up, would they have to close the clinic?

As for your trailing comment about Epogen being given even though the patients blood pressure was elevated; this is a correct action as it is given to maintain Hgb/Hct at a safe level over time and does not have an acute action that is contraindicated in this situation.

It is hard being a new employee raising questions about the inner workings of the facility, you may want to request to talk with the area director since the FA is not available, after all the LPN is working under your supervision and your license.

Thank you for your reply .. actually I got another job .. I accepted a residency offer . I cried the day I hand out my resignation letter in davita because I didn't realized that a dream job would turn out to be a nightmare . When I was hired they told me the training period is between 9-12 weeks but that didn't happen . 5 week during my training the RN quit so that screw up everything . I was working as the only RN , while my preceptor who was a very smart LPN was working a pod of four patients and also has a trainee tech . It wasn't worth it . Some days I work a pod by myself and I wasn't fully train they just needed me to fill in . So I started looking for another job after a day got a call then offered a residency position so I took it .

Specializes in Peds Critical Care, Dialysis, General.
Thank you for your reply .. actually I got another job .. I accepted a residency offer . I cried the day I hand out my resignation letter in davita because I didn't realized that a dream job would turn out to be a nightmare . When I was hired they told me the training period is between 9-12 weeks but that didn't happen . 5 week during my training the RN quit so that screw up everything . I was working as the only RN , while my preceptor who was a very smart LPN was working a pod of four patients and also has a trainee tech . It wasn't worth it . Some days I work a pod by myself and I wasn't fully train they just needed me to fill in . So I started looking for another job after a day got a call then offered a residency position so I took it .

I've been in your shoes on the acute side for the same company. I quit in February and went back to my previous employer and am much happier. The turnover was insane! They didn't think I was serious and did not send through the paperwork and it's been ridiculous getting things settled! I'm much happier.

Glad to know you're happier now with your current job . I'm working in MS and I know this job will be harder . Anyway , I think this is way better than my situation at the dialysis place . If only my FA was kind enough to

Listen to my concern Perhaps I wouldn't leave .

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