Feeling so lost! NEW GRAD RN THROWN INTO A SUPERVISORY POSITION

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Hi! I'm a new grad RN and I was desperate for a job. I worked a couple months in a hospital in the medsurg unit but had to quit due to family relocating issues. So I tried to apply at other places besides hospital setting since most, if not all hospitals, want somebody with experience. Being a new grad, I had to think outside the box. So anyway, I finally got offered a job in a SNF/LTC facility. However, due to the fact that I have an RN license, the position that the company put me in is for a shift supervisor. I got used to the hospital setting and had to learn the hard way of the difference between hospital setting and LTC. I dont mean to sound like I'm complaining... I just don't know if this is how orientation is typically done in a facility or if facilities usually run like this. I only had 5 days of "orientation" (felt more like a crash course of the facility & everybody's job). But I oriented with different floor nurses & wasn't really given a clear idea of what I do as a supervisor. I was taught to do med pass, treatments, assessments, make sure all orders and labs were in, complete or follow up on any A&I's, make sure the other units are all ok, etcetera. Is it just me or does this sound like this facility is trying to cut corners by giving one person the job of 3-4nurses? I would appreciate if you guys can share and impart some nurse wisdom/advices/tips on how to get through this. I would like to get an idea of what an RN Supervisor does during their shift. I know there's really no "typical" shift, but will anybody share what a supervisor does from the beginning to end of shift? TIA. I would really appreciate it!!!

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Way back when, in LTC, the RN supervisors 'were'. They walked around with clipboards, checked a few diapers (the ten-pound plastic and cloth things that were closed with diaper pins), and gave the rare IV (usually anyone needing an IV was promptly sent to the hospital for a week, or even three). Other than that they'd 'be available' in their offices if a crisis developed. It was unheard of for the supervisor to do anything as mundane as pass meds, change dressings, or much else, or to even have any RNs working the floor. Times have changed.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

What you are describing is the norm-nurses in a supervisor role may have to work the cart; or do treatments, as well as put in labs and take off orders and do focused assessments; admissions and discharges; sometimes those assessments help send people out or be treated in house.

Nursing supervisors wear MANY different hats-and that goes along with the job description and territory-it's all possible-I do it give days a week as Desk Nurse (basically a resource nurse/nursing supervisor) I had more time to train though, actually 8 weeks. Most of the time you won't have a cart in a supervisory role; although you may want your fellow nurses to get a break, you may pull meds for them by covering the cart.

Ask for more time; although I will say, it gets easier. :yes:

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

Yikes...I'd never hire a new grad as a supervisor. Ask for more orientation.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

You might get more responses if you move this to the LTC forum. :up: Hope you get into your groove soon!

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Specializes in Hospice.

LTC, if u are RN

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
... I'd never hire a new grad as a supervisor...

Agree.

Good luck!

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wow! Hired as a supervisor as a new RN. This is one of the reasons that I am sad within my profession. Unfortunately you need much more training to be in that setting. I have been a supervisor and unit manager in LTC....I am sorry you are in this situation...

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
wow! Hired as a supervisor as a new RN...

Extremely concerned for patient safety... and the potential consequences and ramifications for the new grad. :wideyed:

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

The poor OP must be freaking out with all the negative comments we've been giving. Just because I wouldn't recommend it doesn't mean she won't succeed. Back in the day when I was a new grad (yes, when dinosaurs roamed the earth) I was made charge nurse on my first day working at a hospital because I was the RN. I think I was better prepared than most new grads since I had gone to a hospital based program and had to run a 30 bed hospital floor before I was allowed to graduate.

Take everything one bite at a time. If you really think you're in over your head, speak to the DON.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.
Yikes...I'd never hire a new grad as a supervisor. Ask for more orientation.

I think it's common in my area. I know a few SNF places that hired new RNs straight out of school.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
The poor OP must be freaking out with all the negative comments we've been giving...

That exactly crossed my mind before I posted.

Nevertheless, IMHO, the larger picture and the related concerns were paramount.

Freaking would not be helpful at all... but being cautious (especially in any emergent situation), continuing to learn, and securing a mentor(s) are much better alternatives.

All the best, OP!

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