Scared or just Chicken

Audreyfay · Jun 14, 2003

I, of course, am no expert, but if you are the charge nurse, you are responsible for those working under you. Yes, you don't want to know the answer, but I think you knew it already. :stone

maureeno · Jun 15, 2003

ask for an orientation!

travelbug · Jun 15, 2003

Yeah, I have but got no real answer, just "If you can think of something you want to know, ask me." I'm putting in my notice. Thanks for answering.

Nurse Ratched, RN · Jun 20, 2003

I'm sorry - I hope this hasn't turned you completely off this type of nursing. In certain fields like assisted living and adult day services, you will see more utilization of techs. Unfortunately, your position of being a travel nurse puts you in a bind because the laws governing these areas vary tremendously from state to state, so it's nearly impossible to keep up with what is allowed where.

If you are curious in the future and want to re-explore that area, ask for state regs governing assisted living from the employer. If there are none, or they are very skeletally delinieated, be wary. If your employer is unaware of them, be wary. And when in doubt, as you know, assume that you can always be held responsible for the actions of those whom you are supervising.

travelbug · Jun 20, 2003

Thanks for the advise. I got the state regulations and they were extremely vague about a nurses role in assisted living. I think I'll go back to psych travel instead of ALF. This type of work is too ambiguous for me.

mighty mouse52 · Aug 11, 2003

I am an LPN and Eve supervisor at an assisted Living facility yes we do have techs that pass meds and stuff but don't take dr orders or do dressings. They also have to be certified Nurse assisstents and I don't let any pass meds until I KNOW they have passed the training and I feel they are competent. They are not under my licence but our DON. I can sure understand your concern. When I first started out I wasen't trusted to pass meds and now no one is surprised when we do. Now that medical is mostly big business shortcuts like this will be more prevelant.