Am I setting myself up for failure?

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Specializes in School Nursing.

While unsuccessfully trying to find my niche in nursing over the last year, I am in between jobs and desperately need work. Basically I have only worked in a clinic since graduation last year so my skill set is phone triage and staple removing. You could really consider me a new grad.

There is a 110-bed long term nursing facility close to my home and I have been offered an RN supervisor position. The LVNs and CNAs do practically everything there including med pass. I guess this position is more for keeping staffing issues in check and making sure floor is running smooth. They said they would go over skills with me, but I hope I'm not just a warm body because they need an RN in the house. I don't want to lose my license but I need a job. Can anyone offer me any advice on this?

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Specializes in LTC.

Why would you loose your license taking that job? Sounds like what it is, a supervisor pos..you'll just be makin sure everyone else does their job right...I'd take it. You'll get good experience.

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Specializes in School Nursing.
Why would you loose your license taking that job? Sounds like what it is, a supervisor pos..you'll just be makin sure everyone else does their job right...I'd take it. You'll get good experience.

Well for instance, if there is a code, I believe the responsibility falls on me. I did go to nursing school but have never actively participated in a code. I don't know. Maybe I am worrying too much.

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If there's a code wouldn't you just do CPR and call 911?

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Specializes in ICU.

Personally, I wouldn't touch that without some actual hands on experience.

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Specializes in LTC.

In LTC..a code is CPR and call 911 emergency response, but yeah you're the RN so it goes on you...Biff is kinda right that you might nee dmore experience, but you gotta get it somewhere...sounds like they may train you;..I'd be *careful* but don't look a job in the mouth too much in this economy..you can always get out later.

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I know you need a job, most of us do! However, you are absolutely correct when you define it as "setting yourself up for failure".

This facility is so desperate for a figure head RN, they will accept a new RN.

You cannot possibly have acquired the skills necessary to fill this position.

The first time something happens, you will be held accountable, canned and have that on your resume.

Please.. don't put yourself in this position.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

If it was 30 or 40 residents, I'd say go for it. 110 is a different story. I'm a new grad RN in LTC, in charge of 30 plus the NAs. It's not that bad, but I have 20 years of previous mgmt experience (not nursing), so the transition has been ok. Even still, I learn every day, and I've now been there 6 months. However, I wouldn't want the responsibility of 110. 30 is plenty. Good luck with your decision.

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Maybe find out how much training you'll get before they let you go out on your own. But remember, everyone starts out with no experience. You have to get it somehow.

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Specializes in School Nursing.
If it was 30 or 40 residents, I'd say go for it. 110 is a different story. I'm a new grad RN in LTC, in charge of 30 plus the NAs. It's not that bad, but I have 20 years of previous mgmt experience (not nursing), so the transition has been ok. Even still, I learn every day, and I've now been there 6 months. However, I wouldn't want the responsibility of 110. 30 is plenty. Good luck with your decision.

What are all of your responsibilities? Do you assess all patients and pass meds? I don't think I will have any of these responsibilities for the most part. I would be handling wound care. And while the facility is a 110 bed facility, I am not sure if I would have a section of that... surely not the whole 110 beds or there would be no way I would do it. Our interview was cut short because she had an emergency to tend to, so I need to ask more questions before I make my decision. The HR person couldn't answer my questions when making the offer because she didn't know, she is not clinical.. I'm waiting to hear back.

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Specializes in Home Care.

Perhaps you can ask to shadow one of the RNs for a half day. Then you'd get an idea of what the job entails.

Its certainly not a job I'd ever want. I worked in an LTC, our weekend RN supervisor had to deal with employee issues, building maintenance problems, family members, resident emergencies...you name it.

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Well for instance, if there is a code, I believe the responsibility falls on me. I did go to nursing school but have never actively participated in a code. I don't know. Maybe I am worrying too much.

Worrying too much AND too unsure of yourself!! Get some confidence in your title. Utilize your floor nurses to your full extinct AND the NA's . They know patients best and will be with you! As a supervisor, in a code situation you should be in control as far as calling 911, getting papers ready for transport, grabbing crash cart, etc. You keep things running smooth and your floor nurse and aide caring for that patient should be in room, then you as a supervisor will call the other floor nurses and aides to assist while you keep everything in line, papers, 911, calling family, ER, Dr, etc. Supervisor oversees floor nurses and aides. Have faith and trust your staff under you dont control them and think you are better than them, work as a team and you will see things would run super smoothly. Just dont let them run all over you either!

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