New psych RN as charge nurse?

I worked psych right after graduation and was usually charge nurse after I finished an ample orientation. I could be the nurse for up to 8 patients. I had no other staff with me. It was not a safe or easy position to be in. There was no way to be in more than one place at a time. My unit wasn't "intensive care psych (the sickest of the sick)" but sometimes people were there who should have been on the more well-staffed unit. I had suicide attempts during my time as only staff there. The patients also TP'd the unit one night...ahem....

Anyway, I think it's doable if there are other staff members there, and the number of other staff members required depends on the acuity of the patients. It also depends on whether you are working the day or the night shift. Nights tend to be much more quiet, a good portion of the time at least.

I just started working in Psych as well, new grad RN of 8 months. I am Charge RN on the floor, I work nights, and am the only nurse on shift for 30 patients so yeah its doable, and not too bad!

Are there other units? That is, will there be other, more experienced RNs nearby, on other units?

It's v. doable -- I work in a facility where it is routine to have one RN (and some techs) on units with up to 12 clients (the larger units have an RN plus an LPN (and techs)), and the RN charges, gives meds, admits/discharges, and anything else that needs doing. If you will have more experienced RNs around with whom to consult when you have questions/concerns, I'd say you'll probably be fine.

I think you will be fine and far more qualified than I was as a new grad without a manager on duty! Congratulations and good luck.

It depends on the acuity of the patients and what kind of ancillary support you have. You can have patients with med surg issues like feeding tubes, dressing changes, IV fluid replacements, ambulation issues. Will they be potentially violent? Is there a supervisor available for off-unit support when you need it? Is there a nurse to relieve you for breaks? Is security capable and quickly available? These are all questions I would ask before accepting the position.

My personal feeling is that it is never safe to be alone on a unit where there is a potential for violence.

Ditto

double ditto