Charge nurse training

[YassKween, BSN]

Hi Guys,

So I've been an RN for just over a year now and have been working on this medical unit for over a year now too. I have seniority of this co-worker of mine who graduated a semester behind me. I found out today that she was just trained to do charge nurse before they even asked me to be trained for the job. I didn't really care to be being charge anyway because I don't want to deal with all the headache that comes with that role. But it makes me doubt myself if I am not competent enough to be a charge nurse? Other way I could think why she was trained first is she is a lot more confident than I am and she has a bigger line or FTE than me. But they have trained other nurses before who were casual or less experience. What do you guys think?

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[dishes, BSN, RN]

I don't think you need to worry about any implications behind a colleague becoming a charge nurse before you, congratulate the colleague and offer to help in her new role. Also, let your manager know that you are interested in the charge nurse position and ask if she will keep you in mind for future positions. Make becoming charge nurse one of your career goals. Take steps towards educating yourself about the role and responsibilities and qualities of an effective leader. In my experience, most nurses really grow from being in this role, and I encourage anyone who is interested in professional growth to try being in charge.

[Fiona59]

In my hospital, ALL RNs are eventually given Charge training. Usually it's after 6-9 months on the job. Those given the training first have the larger lines because they are on the unit more often than smaller position holding part timers. Casuals are rarely permitted to be a Charge (think about it, they float through up to seven surgical units in my hospital, so they are never on one unit long enough to understand the dynamics).

It's hardly a "career goal" in my hospital. I know RNs who refuse to Charge, they don't want the stress and responsibility for an extra $2/hr. These are RNs with over 20 years experience and they don't feel the least bit slighted when newer nurses assume command. Dealing with the patient population and their families served by my facility it's a wonder anyone wants to Charge somedays.

We (I'm talking regular staff nurses) NEED and want our Charges to be confident in their assessment and interpersonal skills.

You stated you lack confidence. That is why your Unit Manager hasn't given you the training.

Dishes: I've seen some major wars errupt with people making "offers to help in the new role". Where do you work that nurses are that easy going???

[loriangel14, RN]

It's like that where I work too Fiona.All floors have an official Charge Nurse but each shift has an RN in charge as well when the official charge isn't there.All of our RNs are capable of being in charge and our new grads got training to handle the desk about 2-3 months after they were hired.

[Fiona59]

Hey Lori, clean out your mailbox it's FULL!

[loriangel14, RN]

Done. lol

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

You've basically answered your own question. If your colleague has a larger FTE, and she appears more confident, this is probably the reason she was selected. This does not mean that you won't be given the opportunity. Make your goals known to your supervisor so they can accommodate you.

[YassKween, BSN]

Thanks for the feedback you guys. I guess I worded myself wrong with what I originally said. I meant to say is that it made me wonder if my manager thought I am not ready for the job yet. Like if I am not a strong nurse compared to her? And It's true that I am not as confident compared to her but it doesn't always equal to being more knowledgeable and experienced. I feel that I have gained the assessment and interpersonal skills after a year of working, its more the leadership skills that I would think you learn as you go as a charge nurse. I am scheduled to be trained in the spring which I forgot to mention but just wondered why she went before me. Yes, I guess I answered my own question... My coworker has a higher FTE... and apparently she asked to be trained. Being a charge nurse is not a career goal for me but it will definitely put my degree to the full potential (critical thinking and leadership skills) and it looks good on the resume. :)

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

If for whatever reason your supervisor feels that you need to develop assertiveness or confidence, this will factor in her decision. While you may be very knowledgeable, nurses in a charge role often display natural leadership characteristics. Certainly, you can and will develop leadership skills within that role, if you don't have a thick skin to begin with and the ability to lead....well, this is often why someone else might be selected. It doesn't mean you won't succeed in the role. Really, it depends on your manager.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

BTW, I'm a charge nurse. It's no picnic. You need to be able to take charge in many situations, be fair, act as a mediator....etc, etc. HOWEVER, some people will try to push your buttons, especially when you're new at it. There's a lot of politics to deal with, aside from the nursing knowledge. At some point, if you're asked...consider accepting. You can learn many valuable skills.

[YassKween, BSN]

Thanks Joanna. I completely agree with everything you said. It's not an easy job. I will definitely be working on those skills as soon as possible. Knowing me, I tend to be a push over and I try to please everyone so I will definitely work on changing that!