Is 2 years experience charge nurse ready?

[C0252786]

I have 2 years on med/surg/tele. I regard myself as charge nurse material in terms of leadership management qualities, but my fear is that my knowlege base is that of two years and may hinder my ability to be a good resource to the team. I have been offered a charge position on a med tele unit, but dont want to set myself up for failure. Should i take this opportunity or pass?

[Old.Timer]

Your personality may be that you will never believe you are aequately prepared untl you've jumped in, done it, and actually have experience as charge. Sounds like you have insight into your strenghts and weaknesses for the role and that you might be ready to go for it.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

You should take the opportunity. Somebody feels you are up to the challenge.

Make sure you know what your new job description entails. I was a charge nurse for many years...

found it to be all of the responsibility ... with none of the authority.

You can't be sure of your ability to be a resource yet. Just ...know who you can go to.. to find the answer.

Good luck, keep us posted.

[Mandychelle79, ASN, RN]

I would have loved to have had 2 yrs experience before being charge nurse. Everyone on our floor takes charge at some point in time so ever since I got of Orientation ( and the majority of my orientation was the charge role) I have been in charge more often then not.

[RNperdiem, RN]

What kind of charge nurse are you looking at?

Will you be more like an assistant nurse manager, or will you be in charge of the nurses for the shift you work sometimes, and take patients without being in charge on other shifts? Where I work, most of the senior nurses take turns being in charge.

Two years sounds like enough preparation in terms of nursing knowledge. Managing people and leadership is another type of learning that most people learn on the job.

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

Sounds like you are ready! Go for it!

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

Are you full time or part time? A 2 yr part timer has less experience than a 2 yr FT'r.

I think it all depends on your skill set. Charge nurses can't know everything. I certainly don't and I tell people that, lol. But I do find the answer for them.