Becoming Charge Nurse in less than a year?

[Nurse 2009]

I just graduated in December 08 and started working as a RN in February. I work at a rehabilitation hospital. I love my job and think I am doing pretty well but by any means am not ready to become a charge nurse. A lot of the nurses at my work have told me that they want their nurses to train for the charge position within 6 months to a year. I can't completely say how I will feel at that time but right now thinking about it scares me. What is the criteria at your work place for becoming charge nurse? Do you think this is too soon?

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

Well, I've worked on my unit for 6 years and 7 months and I have not been oriented to charge. Having said that, I truly don't think that anyone is ready to be in charge until they've got AT LEAST a year of experience on that unit under their belt, preferably a year and a half. But that's only my .

[Intubate89]

Are you ready to say No to a doctor and tell him/her what you want? Are you ready to be a resource for the rest of the staff? Are you ready to take on the added responsibility and liability for the entire unit? There's a fallacy out there that charge nurses simply create the staffing assignment for the next shift and ensure everyone gets breaks. Be careful!

[Fiona59]

Jan, at my hell hole, experienced RNs get charge trained after six months on the floor. New grads after one year of full time experience.

Right now, we are all praying (RN & LPN) that one new grad doesn't last long enough to take charge duties.

I know that sounds ****** but there are details I can't post.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Everyone's different. I think it depends on the unit, the shift, and the expectations of a charge nurse, and the nurse him/herself. I was oriented to charge at six months and did it a few times before I moved to another state. I worked night shift and being in charge was really no big deal as the RNs did their own thing, and we were on automatic pilot. Day shift was another story though, when I rotated into days, I felt uncomfortable but realized I had more resources available. After I moved, I worked another three years before being oriented to charge again.

I would just keep an open mind and if you absolutely don't feel comfortable, then don't do it. If you feel you probably can do it, but have everyday normal fear which all new charge nurses have, then you should challenge yourself and rise to the occasion.

[AllieRat]

At my old hospital I was post-grad newbie at six months and was placed in charge.. Then was subsequently in charge afterwards because of the fact I was the only RN on staff during that shift.. I HATED it and still HATE doing it but it's part of the expectation. New place you have to be at least a year.. WHEW!

[vashtee, RN]

You and I graduated and started working at the same time. I work on a DOU floor and if they asked me to be charge, I would say absolutely not.

[Safe_Passage]

Becoming charge is not an easy task. I would say that an excellent charge nurse should have at least 1 year of experience on the floor, has the readiness to act as resource for the rest of the staff on the floor, is not easily intimidated by the docs, and I must add, should possess good leadership skills. Deep inside you, you know what you are and are not capable of. Assess your personal capabilities and if you think you can handle it...go for it.

Peace.