New grad nursing home charge nurse.. help?! - Page 2

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  1. Aug 9, '10 by
    when I read your post, and saw 2 LPN's as two of the staffs you are supervising, I actually knows exactly what to advice: Seek their help. Especially if they are experienced. I'm a new grad when I started working in a long term care facility. I was hired a charge nurse. And in my experience, LPN's actually know more than I do even though I got more education. Its because they have more experience. And seriously, if I can confer an honorary degree, I'll confer a BSN to them.
    marthyellen, Forever Sunshine, Sparrowhawk, and 2 others like this.
  2. Aug 10, '10 by
    I completely agree with you about the LPNs. They have been there for 20+ years and are going to be a great asset! When I found out they had so much experience I felt a little better about the whole situation. They are very knowledgable.
    Sparrowhawk and NamasteNurse like this.
  3. Aug 10, '10 by
    Hi there,
    I started out as a new grad in a charge nurse/supervisor role. I was the sole nurse on 3-11 so it was considered a supervisor position.
    1. Ask for as MUCH orientation as you can get.
    2. Make a list of situations that you a nervous about and try to ask another supervisors advice, but keep in mind every situation is unique
    3. Get to know your staff and residents
    4. Follow your gut! When you get the feeling that something is wrong, go with it! Those feelings are usually right.

    LPN's aren't allowed to "assess" in my state...it is out of their scope of practice. But come on ..if they tell you something is wrong with a resident that they have taken care of for who knows how long, believe them!
    You will do fine!!
    Forever Sunshine, Sparrowhawk, and Baboosh123 like this.
  4. Oct 28, '10 by
    So how are things going now? I was just hired in a nursing home in a supervisor position. I am feeling everything you were feeling a couple months ago. I would love to get some tips and advice.
  5. Nov 1, '10 by
    I've been there for a little over 2 months now and it was a lot to take in at first. As a new nurse I was put in a position where I have to make important decisions but thankfully I have a lot of support. I found it hard to be a very young new nurse that is in charge of staff that is much older and much more experienced. Mostly the nurse's aides give me a hard time, not the LPN's, but from what I hear that happens everywhere. The most important thing is to cover your butt and document everything! There's a book charting made incredibly easy that's helpful. I made friends with another RN supervisor that works my shift so I can phone-a-friend when I need some advice, which happens at least twice a day. Also, I now think that long term care nurse's don't get the respect they need. When I got the job I was happy to get a job because a lot of my friends were having a hard time finding something. I didn't like the idea of working in a nursing home, which is petty on my part. I like working there now. I like seeing the same people everyday and I truly care about their health because I'm going to have to care for them today, tomorrow and the next day. It's not like a med/surg floor where your likely not going to have many patients for multiple days in a row. And i think it's good experience. I address labs and other test results, perform procedures and handle emergencies. The exciting things just don't happen as frequently as they do in the hospital. I think this is a great position for a new nurse if they're ready to work hard and have a lot of patience. Congratulations!
    VegetasGRL03RN and Forever Sunshine like this.
  6. Nov 14, '10 by
    I've read all your comments here, wow... I'm happy for Bairkr.

    I have a question for experienced nurses out there: would you recommend a new grad RN a home health agency job or a nursing home job? I understand they are not ideal jobs for inexperienced new grads, but I was wondering which one of these poses less threat to having your license suspended?? Thank you,
  7. Guide
    Nov 14, '10 by
    Quote from rainbow11
    i've read all your comments here, wow... i'm happy for bairkr.

    i have a question for experienced nurses out there: would you recommend a new grad rn a home health agency job or a nursing home job? i understand they are not ideal jobs for inexperienced new grads, but i was wondering which one of these poses less threat to having your license suspended?? thank you,
    i have never done home health but as i understand it, you will be by yourself when you go to their house and only have a phone to call your supervisor for advice (i hope). anyway, i will pick ltc. you will learn tons of things and you have people that will come and help when you have emergencies.
  8. Jan 28, '11 by
    I have several years experience as an LPN, frequently thrown into the position of leadership. I just graduated with my ADN. I have been offered a RN supervisor job near my home. During the interview I got the distinct impression they weren't concerned about my lack of "proficiency" in their paperwork (it is a rehab/subacute setting). They were more interested in my ability to take control of the facility once the administration goes home for the day (3-11 shift position). I gathered that the CNA's more or less run wild, and they need a strong personality to regain control. I am a new RN, but I have been a leader for a long time....this should be an interesting experiment! Any other words of wisdom Nurses?
  9. Feb 5, '11 by
    "I have several years experience as an LPN, frequently thrown into the position of leadership. I just graduated with my ADN. I have been offered a RN supervisor job near my home. During the interview I got the distinct impression they weren't concerned about my lack of "proficiency" in their paperwork (it is a rehab/subacute setting). They were more interested in my ability to take control of the facility once the administration goes home for the day (3-11 shift position). I gathered that the CNA's more or less run wild, and they need a strong personality to regain control. I am a new RN, but I have been a leader for a long time....this should be an interesting experiment! Any other words of wisdom Nurses?"


    Words of wisdom from a DON
    1) Leadership is about mentoring not controlling.
    2) Praise in public -- criticize in private.
    3) Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
    4) Always show respect. (and believe me you can reprimand someone with respect.)
    5) Customer Service is the top of the list when administration is out of the building
    6) Fear and intimidation are not useful tools for leadership. A title does not give you power, you must earn it.
    7) Get a good leadership book (My favorites are by John Maxwell)

    I hope that helps.
    positivern likes this.
  10. Sep 21, '12 by
    I work at a nursing home and recently felt like I got thrown under the bus for not knowing exactly what to do after a patient falls. If the facility doesn't teach you what to do after and incident then ask because elderly, confused patients tend to fall often. I is not like the hopital where everything and every test is at your fingertips so make sure any tests requested by the md done the same day of a fall and f/u to see that it is done to cya and of course for the patient's safety.