Charge Nurse Already????

Binkles100 · Jan 16, 2008

To me, it seems crazy to put a nurse with little experience in charge. I was put in charge of the night shift of my unit my first week off of orientation - and even the orientation was just 5 weeks total. For me, I found some very helpful experienced nurses on other units that I could call with questions - and the night nurse supervisor is always available. I wish you the best of luck. I've been in charge for several weeks now. It's tough, but I'm hanging in there with a smile.

Sabby_NC · Jan 16, 2008

I have currently been at my job for 10 months which is my first nursing job! I arrived at work last week to find that low and behold I AM IN CHARGE???? :angryfire I was very upset because noone never spoke to me about this prior nor was I prepared. Granted I did have someone there who helped me and showed me the ropes but I was not happy. I am also pregnant right now suffering from hyperemesis but still making it to work. I want to speak to my nurse manager about this and explain to her how I feel-but at the same time I don't know if I should just suck it up and deal with it!!
I don't feel competent nor emotionally ready because I am not feeling well.....I was thinking about asking my nurse manager if I can start this after I had my baby which will be in June. That way I can have a little more experience under my belt.....
Another thing the more experience nurses all say well it happened to me before where I came into work and was put in charge..but the difference is they all had MORE experience then me as a nurse....I don't think this is fair!!!!
What do you guys think! Thanks for the advice-

Enough said go and express your opinion before you in a situation that you may difficult to handle.

I DO hope your sickies settles down soon.

I agree with you, the more 'general' experience the better. :up:

MelBel · Jan 16, 2008

I've been put in charge about half the nights I've worked since coming off orientation in early September. At first, I HATED it, and was TERRIFIED every night. I can't say that I really enjoy it now, and I still don't think I should be doing it, but...

1) I am told I do a good job (by managers, supervisors, more experienced nurses)...which down the road will hopefully mean good recommendations.

2) It has caused me to really "learn the job" and everything that goes into it all.

3) I've become MUCH more confident!

I also had the advantage of knowing (but still not expecting it...) while on orientation that I would probably have to charge at some point, and having some charge orientation worked into my floor orientation.

It is a challenge, it isn't always fun, but as long as you have resources available to you, take it as an opportunity to further yourself!

EmmaG, RN · Jan 16, 2008

Just remember you are not alone and there are always resources available to assist you. You don't have to know everything, you just need to know where to find the answers

I was still working as a GN, (this was back in the day when the exams were given twice a year and you had to wait a loooong time for results) and came into work one night to find that --- low and behold --- all the RNs on my floor had called in sick. So I was in charge. Woohoo! But my supervisor had my back, and I made it through the night intact.

You'll do fine :)

november17, ASN, RN · Jan 22, 2008

I applied for a day position several weeks ago and just found out today that I can have it if I'm willing to be charge more often than not when I work. I've only been an RN for a few months. There are plenty of experienced nurses on the unit. I don't know why they aren't being made charge on day shift (except unless they don't want to be)? I'm thinking that they know something that I don't. It's sending up a few red flags in my head. I'd like to think it is my even temperament, easygoing attitude, and good work ethic...but still..

nyforlove · Apr 13, 2008

I applied for a day position several weeks ago and just found out today that I can have it if I'm willing to be charge more often than not when I work. I've only been an RN for a few months. There are plenty of experienced nurses on the unit. I don't know why they aren't being made charge on day shift (except unless they don't want to be)? I'm thinking that they know something that I don't. It's sending up a few red flags in my head. I'd like to think it is my even temperament, easygoing attitude, and good work ethic...but still..

In my unit, some nurses do NOT want to be charge nurse--despite the extra couple bucks/hr.---because they have the same # of patients, plus the added administrative responsibility and duties.....I'm relatively new myself, but I'm thinking that they may feel frustrated that they have this added responsibility, but not much actual authority because they are "just another staff nurse" who--on another day---may be subject to the dictates of a fellow staff nurse who is "charge nurse" for that shift????...also, I think they may dislike being the "sounding board" for everyone's complaints: fellow nurses', patients', administration's, doctors'.....my initial instinct is that if you have any interest in moving to a full-time administrative position, showing your ability as a charge nurse may be a positive....Did you end up taking the day position?