First Job

[Elk.rn]

As a mature new graduate I decided to look around at anything to give me experience. I wonder about working within my scope if I accept a CBRF job where I am the only RN. I am comfortable with the part-time duties to include delegation/training CNAs, inservices and adhering to policies and procedures. Auditing MARs and medications is something I was comfortable doing as a CNA in another CBRF. I guess I am anxious about not training under an R.N. in a first job. I would also make sure I had Liability Insurance. Is this a good choice as a first job to gain experience?

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I'm assuming that you're referring to Community Based Residential Facility - essentially, an assisted living environment, right?

You'll need to refer to your state's Nurse Practice Act for specific rules and regulations that guide nursing practice in this setting because it can vary from state to state. It's sort of a hybrid between Home Care and LTC so it can be a bit confusing in the need to differentiate what is 'nursing' (reguiring a license) and what is categorized as 'assistive' care (not requiring a license.

My chief concern would be that you, as a new grad, might have to fly solo - without a qualified RN to provide the supervision, mentoring and coaching that is so essential for any new grad. In fact, some states (mine included) have prohibitions against new grads functioning in this type of role for a specific time period after graduation.

We all have a professional, moral & legal responsibility to never accept an assignment that is beyond our own level of competency. Even though the possibility may be remote, if a situation arises in which you fail to recognize and respond appropriately to a client's need for urgent/emergent care... it could be a career-ending event.