Calling all Chrge Nurses

novairene · May 10, 2011

First of all, get ready for a lot of phone calls. All things (falls, change in condition, etc.) have to be reported to you (or someone like you) 24 hours a day. Second of all, count your blessings that you have 2 med "passers". Meds in LTC are CRAZY!!! Also, please advocate for those you manage. LTC is a very faced passed environment with a lot of families and demands that change every minute. Just when you think things are okay...it is like WWII. I do not know, you may have experience and already know these things, but wanted to give you "heads up".

I have committed myself to stay away from LTC after 2 years because of the lack of good management, obsession with profits verses patient care and too many risks to my license. I really hope that where you live is better at managing LTC.

I wish you only the best.

alphabetsoup · May 10, 2011

You will be dealing with more than just the day to day business of providing good care. You will now have staff issues/conflicts, family complaints, and other anticipated problems. If the plumbing is backing up in room 207 you will be the first to hear about it. If someone feels shafted on their assignment you will be the first to hear about it. My best advice is to always keep your cool, always listen, be assertive versus confrontational, and be well versed in policies and procedures. Offer a helping hand but do not be a doormat. Always have a plan B in the back of your mind (you will be pulling up these plans frequently). There are some nice leadrship and management courses out there. Honestly, 9/10th of your job is effective leading and that can be hard to do. Best of luck!

Chin up · May 11, 2011

We would call you a unit manager at my facility. You would be in charge of all things paper. Assessments, appointments, doctors orders, care plans, assignments...you should Know everything about your residents, room, bed, dx, tx, meds, weight, diet, allergies, appointments, ADL, etc..you are expected to follow through on each and every residents plan of care. You will report this, every morning, to clinical management team and together will assess needed interventions. You said, you are working days only....well, you are responsible 24-7 for your unit. You may have to fill in as a floor nurse at any time, you will do admissions and a lot of overtime. Come in early, leave late, delegate, teach and help your staff complete their duties. It is a huge job, but when organized, very rewarding. You will learn much about policy and procedure, state regs, Medicare, Medicaid and what makes LTC tick. Congrats! I loved it years ago, one of my favorite positions. Lots of resident interaction, but little of the day to day, floor nursing task. Remember, you are part of a team... So Be a part of the team. It takes all parts of the team, for the unit to run. Treat your staff with respect and they in kind, will do the same. But you must be an example first. Peace!

Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN · May 11, 2011

Don't ever put yourself above helping on the floor, but learn to draw the line somewhere.

If your CNAs think something is going on with a resident.. listen to them.

Relax on your time off, because you will be stressing at work. Being charge nurse isn't easy.

NamasteNurse, BSN, RN · May 11, 2011

Thank you for your responses so far! Novairene, I have been a floor nurse so far so I know about the craziness of LTC. :) I have managerial/teaching experience so I think this will be a good fit for me. I am looking forward to the challenges, and it sounds like there will be plenty! I have also been a CNA so hopefully I will remember how that felt as well. I appreciate your help. :)

CapeCodMermaid, RN · May 11, 2011

Don't ever put yourself above helping on the floor, but learn to draw the line somewhere.
If your CNAs think something is going on with a resident.. listen to them.
Relax on your time off, because you will be stressing at work. Being charge nurse isn't easy.

Excellent advice.