Charge position

[momrn50]

Does anyone know if an LPN is designated charge nurse and an RN is designated as med nurse under the LPN for the shift, does the ultimate responsibility if something goes wrong land on the RN??? This is not meant to be a LPN vs. RN thread!!!!! Just a question due to a situation that has come up at my place of employment. Any input is welcome as I told the other RN's I'd see what you guys had to say about this. We work in WVa...

[capgirl]

this situation happened with me when I split a shift with another RN. Since the LPN was to be on the floor the entire shift, the supervisor made her the charge nurse, and the RNs passed the meds. This was in a LTC facility. We, the RNs, had a problem with this, because ultimately, it is the RN that is responsible for anything/everything that happens on that shift on that unit, regardless of having the title "charge nurse". The DON agreed with us. This is the nurse practice act in action.

[WashYaHands]

Where I've worked only an RN can be the charge nurse. This is included in our state's Nurse Practice Act.

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

I wrote Nursing magazine's legal advisor a similar question a couple of years back. I (a part timer) was assigned the bedside duties, the LPN who was the full time staff member was the team leader.

The response in my case was that the RN would be responsible. I was also advised to contact the BON.

I refused to work under those circumstances.