Misguided Charge

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I recently graduated from a second degree BSN program and have started working in Pediatrics. My charge nurse is a very nice and young nurse. Unfortunately, she is all to willing to answer questions when she doesn't know the right answer. I've discovered after the fact that she has given me inaccurate guidance on certain tasks. Example, I asked if I should check the residual before starting the feeding on one of my babies. She says, no it's not necessary because she has a button. After coming home that morning, I should went back and looked at my fundementals book and I should have checked the residual..... Grrrrr!!!! Also, she discourages me from calling the doctors at night for any reason. My thought is that, sure the MD may be mad that I woke him up, but if my patient's status is declining, shouldn't I notify the physician??? She is a BSN prepared nurse just as I am. I'm worried that after following her advice, I may end up being held responsible for doing something wrong. I'm scared to death. I've been spending my downtime studying treatments for common things we see (RSV, Dehydration, etc.). Any advice???

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

You are never wrong in asking another person for advice. However, asking for advice does not necessarily mean you have to follow it exactly. You were absolutely correct in researching your question as soon as you could.

Maybe you could consider purchasing a pocket computer and a few nursing programs to download unto it so that you can use it while on duty to provide common protocols and other information.

I use Skyscape and PEPID programs as a Paramedic and will soon use them to help me as a new RN. I cannot remember everything, so I must compensate.

Now, if only I could figure out how to remember my wife’s birthday and our anniversary, I might live a little longer.

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You are never wrong in asking another person for advice. However, asking for advice does not necessarily mean you have to follow it exactly. You were absolutely correct in researching your question as soon as you could.

Maybe you could consider purchasing a pocket computer and a few nursing programs to download unto it so that you can use it while on duty to provide common protocols and other information.

I use Skyscape and PEPID programs as a Paramedic and will soon use them to help me as a new RN. I cannot remember everything, so I must compensate.

Now, if only I could figure out how to remember my wife's birthday and our anniversary, I might live a little longer.

hmm isnt there a way to program that into your cell phone? giving yourself a few days warning, of course!

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

Yes Sir you are correct!

Not only did I program it into my cellular telephone, I also put it into my laptop computer. I still forgot.

I know, what a dufuss. Ha, Ha.

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Specializes in home health, dialysis, others.

Strepto - - buy a few really nice gifts, keep them hidden. When the occassion arises, you will have something already on hand! If you know what kind of scent she likes - or you like! - keep a bottle on hand 'just because'!

I agree about having some kind of techno gadget to look up common procedures, etc. Wish they had those when I started working in 1974!!!

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Yes Sir you are correct!

Not only did I program it into my cellular telephone, I also put it into my laptop computer. I still forgot.

I know, what a dufuss. Ha, Ha.

but you have to have a built in time cushion.....you know it starts reminding you 3 days ahead..... if that doesnt work, i am afraid you are correct...lol.

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Specializes in MSP, Informatics.

ok, just a question... you are asking the charge nurse about policy? (checking residual) I think everyone has been hung out to dry that way. You ask the one that has been there... they tell you one thing. the policy says a different thing. to quote a great one... just because you have always done it that way doesn't make it correct!

Dont' ask the charge nurse how to do something...esp if you don't trust her. Ask her where the policy is.

And as far as calling Dr's. who's name is on the assessment? your name or the charge nurse's name? If you are in a position in your hosp where you can not take a Dr order, then you have to rely on someone else....but if you can legaly take a Dr order, then you should be the one to call the Doc. Anytime your gut tells you to.

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Specializes in ED, CTSurg, IVTeam, Oncology.

Ditto to what respondent CathyLew stated.

One has to realize that at work, we all have our own licenses and are professionally accountable for each of our own actions. While a charge nurse may make administrative changes or provide direction to the way that overall nursing resources is delivered on a unit, we are each held responsible for our own practice. Sometimes, very young RNs placed in charge begin to have Napoleon complexes, where they think and act as if they're the final authority on the unit for all things nursing. They're not; please don't let them commandeer your practice decision making process. Gently remind them that, it's your license and your patient; the policy states to do it a certain way, and ultimately that the charge nurse has no authority to summarily amend hospital policy. Call the doctor if you feel it is in the patient's best interest.

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

In my opinion, charge nurses should be chosen from the most experienced, knowledgeable, and skilled candidates. It just floors me that nurses without a whole lot of experience or preparation are placed into this position. The charge nurse should be a resource and an asset to the entire unit. It is so frustrating to read of yet another charge nurse who doesn't know what the heck they're talking about, yet are in this position. What gives??????

[/rant]

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

It's your responsibilty to become familiar with your policy and procedures.Looking up the info helps you retain it better then asking a co-worker. And if you cause harm to a patient because someone gave you the wrong info you won't have a defense.

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Unfortunately this nurse was put into a CN position prematurely. If you need to call the doc pls call them. If something happens to that patient it will be on you. Protect your license.

CathyLew gave excellent advice. Ask for actual policy.

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Specializes in cardiothoracic surgery.
In my opinion, charge nurses should be chosen from the most experienced, knowledgeable, and skilled candidates. It just floors me that nurses without a whole lot of experience or preparation are placed into this position. The charge nurse should be a resource and an asset to the entire unit. It is so frustrating to read of yet another charge nurse who doesn't know what the heck they're talking about, yet are in this position. What gives??????

[/rant]

I totally agree!!! This frustrates me too. Same thing with having newer nurses precept new nurses/student nurses.

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