Charge nurse issues

sing_anyway · Mar 18, 2009

just because you aren't natuarally inclined to lead, doesn't mean you can't rely on your stronger attributes to get you through. You are probably organized, efficiant, and precise, rely on your strengths, the leadership will follow. and I feel for you, as no matter what kind of leader you are, you are the target of those you lead.

mama_d, BSN, RN · Mar 18, 2009

You're kinder than I am....

I don't get to be charge b/c I'm a LPN, not RN. However, if I faced that kind of situation, I'd be one of the first people to say something along the lines of "If you don't like how I'm handling this, why don't you step up and do it instead?" It's all too easy for people to be critical of others in roles that they themselves avoid or are incapable of.

Hold your head high, chin up, all that jazz. Three years of med-surg experience is nothing to sneeze at, you sound like you're selling yourself short. Take some time for yourself to really analyze where your strengths and weaknesses lie in relation to that role; ask for advice from someone you trust that you work with. Work on your "weaknesses" and find ways to turn them into strengths. You're soft spoken and like to avoid confrontation? Perhaps that means that you've developed some great diplomatic skills that could serve you well in this role and are slow to get angry, even when it's warranted...which means that you'll keep your cool and an even temper where others would be going off and adding to the stress of the floor.

Good luck, trust in your skills, and ignore those b's who are giving you a hard time.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Mar 18, 2009

There is a TON of literature to show that rotating charge is not good management practice, but it is still used by organizations that want to avoid any salary increases that come with the official title. Is functioning as a charge nurse part of your job requirements? If so, you won't be able to escape this - so you'll have to focus on gaining competency instead.

If your organization is JCAH accredited, they must provide training whenever aspects you are required to take on additional tasks - such as floating to an unfamiliar dept or functioning as charge. Take advantage of any classes offered. If there are no classes, ask your supervisor to arrange training for you. It appears that one of your biggest challenges is dealing with conflict and confronting negative behavior- so that may be a good place to start. You'll probably never be comfortable with conflict, but you can learn how to deal effectively with it.

nurseforlife · Mar 18, 2009

If you absolutely have to charge then Just do your best and don't expect to please everyone all of the time. Look at it this way. You are in charge.... they come to you for advice, and you don't have to know the answer to everything all of the time. If you don't, admit you don't and call your supervisor or the doctor. If you are not told about a situation you cannot be expected to help or be responsible. So, don't change who you are, or how you nurse. Stop stressing about it. You can lead the horse to water but you can't make them drink. If you think they aren't taking you seriously, then just remember to do your job the best you can and cover your a--. Therefore do not fear trying to direct others when your in this position.

neatnurse30 · Mar 19, 2009

Thank you all with your responses, I really appreciate your feedback! You gave me a lot of good advice and I will apply it next time I'm in charge!