First RN Job and are asking me to do Charge Nurse Duty...

[electricblack]

So it is officially my second week at work. This has been my very first nursing job since I graduated on 2011 and they are already asking to train me for Charge Nurse Duties (keep in mind...this is a one to two shift training only and they start scheduling me for it already). In the next two weeks I will be working night shifts and there is usually only one RN and the rest are RPN's.

I understand that as nurses we ought to be leaders and it is expected of us. Plus the RPN's as they told me are very experienced and can help me through my struggles as Charge throughout my shift...and on top of that...it is NIGHT shift so it ought to be slower. My concerns are that after 8 shifts of Orientation, I am still familiarizing myself with my role on my Acute Psych floor. I am a quick learner but there is still a lot for me to learn about the basics. I just got my license and I want to keep it for a longer period of time. My schedules are up already for the next few night shifts. Any advice? I really am not thrilled over this pressure.

Can I not refuse being charge?

[kara89]

I would love to hear some feedback on this because I am in a very similar situation...

[elkpark]

My first job out of school was in psych, on an acute inpatient unit in a small community hospital, and I was told in the job interview that they rotate charge responsibilities and I would be in charge on 2nd shift about half of the time. I was fortunate to have a great NM and lots of support. It worked out fine (a few "bumps in the road," but nothing horrible :)).

I guess you can "refuse" to be in charge, but I would guess that would lead to you not being employed there much longer.

[electricblack]

That's harsh... I'd at least hope that they'd train those to be charge a little longer I have a feeling that they might train me for a day or not at all and am to just ask as I go along. Either way i hope I don't screw up. I do want to keep my license