Interview for LTC Charge.... new grad

Nurses Job Hunt

Published

Specializes in Dialysis.

I was a CNA for the SNF that I interviewed at for a year and a half. I know the place and I know the people. The CNAs burn out and leave quite often, for good reason. The RNs, hardly ever leave.

Anyway, I interviewed yesterday for a charge nurse position for the Sub-acute side. These are people that were discharged from the hospital for some rehab before going home. Sometimes they are still pretty sick.

I have never held a management position before, unless you count leading children in activities. Frankly, I'm scared to death of the 60 patient, 3 nurse, 10 CNA load I would have. The orientation time given was: when I'm ready.

I feel like I interviewed well, but left with a bad gut feeling. At the end, I dread going in as a CNA. Not because of the type of work it is, but because we were chronically understaffed and ran out of supplies. I'm thinking she'll extend me a job offer, since I'm fresh out of school and cheap. I am just not sure if I want it.

I passed NCLEX a week ago, and have been filling out applications like crazy. 10 hospitals in town and most are already done hiring their new grads for the season.

Any advice?

Specializes in Dialysis.

Bump. Any advice about this possible job?

I graduated with a girl and her first job was the Assitant DON at a LTC Facility. She worked there prior to being hired as the A.DON so its a similar situation. As an RN at a LTC facility, well atleast around here, your usually a charge nurse, the LPNs passed the meds, CNAs do the manual labor. I say why not. If you find out its not for you then you can always quit! But you wont know unless you try!

Good Luck!

Specializes in Dialysis.

Thanks for the advice. I just don't want to get in over my head. I would have preferred being eased into it. No offer yet, but I think I'll take it if I get one.

Specializes in Dialysis.

I got a text from the DON today to come in tomorrow with a smiley. I think I will get an offer.

Specializes in Home Care.

So how do you think the other CNAs you worked with will react to you being in charge? Will they be with you or against you? How is your reputation with the nurses? Are they with you or against you.

You're going to need their full support in order for you to be a good leader.

Not an easy position for you to step into.

Specializes in Dialysis.

I'm well liked at all levels by the staff. I'm glad I have that.

I don't look forward to the day when I have to call somebody on something. It will just take practice. I just hope I get a decent orientation.

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

YIKES.

I would presume that this charge position means you would have to make all clinical decisions, including response to sudden changes in patient condition, based upon your own assessment skills. Being in charge means more than managing assignments and making sure that the CNAs perform their work appropriately... it means that you are ultimately responsible for the safety of your residents/clients. (gently) Do you really think that this is a good idea as a new grad? Even if your patient population is very stable, this can change unexpectedly. Is this a risk you want to take at the very beginning of your career? Is your employer going to provide you with qualified RN back-up for an extended period of time?

In TX, this would not be an option. Our BON does not permit new grads to function in clinical leadership positions until they have achieved a level of (validated) clinical competency needed for these positions.

Specializes in Dialysis.

Alright, here's the scoop. I took the job. I would be in charge of the 30 most stable residents and there would be another RN next to me in charge of a sicker 30. She would be available for questions and there are always several RNs and LPNs in the building. The LPNs do the meds and there is a specific RN for wound care. The people on my side would be mostly post knee/hip surgery. I'm familiar with the hall.

I think it's a good opportunity. I was starting to get worried that I would get passed up for months. I still plan to hunt, but I may stay depending on how well the transition goes.

Specializes in LTC, Education, Management, QAPI.

It sounds to me like you've made a good choice. The key to being a charge nurse to me is the ability to KNOW when there is a change. You may not know what to do, but that's when you use your resources. You can't know everything, right? Just be able to identify a change and know when to ask for help. I think you will be fine. To me, experience in ANY part of direct care will help prepare you. The fact that you've been a CNA will be a monumental help, especially when it comes to knowing your patients and knowing how to foster that relationship with them so you can be effective. CNA's can make you or break you, trust me. Same with all staff, truly. Your job will be to maintain those relationships and be involved with them, not over them. As I said earlier, your key to success will be knowing when you don't know, and who to ask. Call in your lifelines and don't be afraid to ask! good luck, and keep us posted!

Specializes in Dialysis.

So far, I am liking it. There is no end to excitement though. I've been at this two weeks and I've had one hospice passing, an attempted elopement, two trips to the ER. One was a flu, but get this about the other one... I came to work and this gentleman had a drooping face and left sided weakness. I sent him on to the hospital. He got admitted to the ICU. I got a thumbs up from my boss for that.

I get a kick out of my patients and wish I could spend more time just talking to them.

Specializes in LTC, Education, Management, QAPI.

Sounds to me like you're being a nurse :-) Well done!

+ Add a Comment