Info on Charge Nurse in LTC

I find that the term "charge nurse" is different in different facilities. I am a 'charge nurse" and "floor nurse" when I am on duty because I am second in line during reg business hours on an administration standpoint IE charge part of my title, and on weekends with no administration I am charge as well in lue that I am the most senior person with a degree.

Differences in floor to charge to me are rather indifferent. I have to settle call ins, handle disruptions, be the PR person for visiting family and do my floor duties (whew it is rough!!!!!).

What does the job title mean in terms of your facility..that may better clear things up for you, and for us to help.

There should be a copy of the job description available. Ask for one?

Okay I am RN, and I make 23 an hour...and that is considered pittiful since that is what a new grad makes around here. Yes I would ask for added pay for added responsiblity...that is not insane to ask for! If they say no..reconsider the proposal. Do you want more responsibility for the same rate??? Then find within yourself and be truthful to yourself..how much is that extra responsibility worth! Trust me, dealing with call ins alone is very tiring and a pain..let alone overseeing others! Remember, the height of the totem pole you are climbing means the more winds you get ..in other words...the more you get blamed from those higher then you if you don't hold them up in a storm!

Good luck and go with your heart...be true to yourself...I have declined such offers before with NO regrets!

Extra responsibility means more money in my opinion. Having management experience is nice on your resume though if you want to change jobs or go back to school. Another aspect of off-shift charge is doing teaching of staff as needed. This teaching could be as simple as enforcing a policy or as complicated as showing another nurse how to 302 a patient. I don't know what type of facility and the number of beds you will be responsible for and I don't know the LPN scope of practice in your state. I would want a few more dollars an hour and to be assured of having another management person on call for you if needed.

At my facility, there are two nurses on 11-7, we split the facility each taking two halls. We are both considered "charge" nurses for our halls. Meaning that we are in charge on that hall, we are the supervisor for the CNA's assigned to our halls that night. I certainly would not be offended if the other nurse, who has 10 years seniority, were given the title/$$ of 11-7 shift supervisor. She certainly acts in the capacity all the time. She answers my many questions, will give her opinion on a resident's status if I'm unsure...in general, she's my point of reference and I think she should be compensated for it.