PA as charge nurse

[eastcoastrn586]

Has anyone ever had a charge nurse who is actually not a nurse at all, but a physician's assistant? Does anyone know if this is acceptable or not?

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

A PA is not a nurse and follows the medical model, not the nursing model. So, no, it isn't appropriate. There must be more to the story.

maybe he has a nursing license in addition to his PA?

[eastcoastrn586]

I can't find any public records proving this person is also a nurse. They are a practicing PA in one hospital and a charge nurse in another. Maybe it is worth contacting the corporate office as this person is a highly ineffective charge nurse.

[djmatte, ADN, MSN, RN, NP]

If you know his first/last name, it shouldn't be hard to look up to see if they have a nursing license.

[eastcoastrn586]

right. but I have to know the middle name and I don't

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

you could just ask him if he's also an RN.

[OldDude]

The PA could be a supervisor but not a "charge nurse" if he/she isn't actually a nurse. Of course the custodian could be a supervisor also...but not a "charge nurse."

[eastcoastrn586]

right, well I think the term charge nurse has been replaced with clinical supervisor anyway. But my point is the person probably should not be in a direct leadership role over nurses.

[eastcoastrn586]

I am going to ask them because there is too much about this situation that does not make sense.

[SpankedInPittsburgh, DNP, RN]

I've never heard of such a thing but if the PA is not a nurse he / she shouldn't be called charge nurse.