Just graduated and now Charge with 60 pts!

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I'm a recent grad and got my LVN license a month ago and I finally got a job at this nursing home. I'm training to be the charge nurse in a unit with 60 pts(!). That's seems like a bit much to me, but that's ok - I'm up for a challenge. At least my colleagues are nice.

I'm just a little trepidatious. My preceptors say they won't just leave me alone and that they realize that this is my first job as a nurse and it will take some time to get to know all my pts. I've never been in charge of anyone before and I don't want to be bossy.

I was hoping for some or a lot of advice in working at a nursing home and being the charge, delegating, dealing with family, dealing with tired and entrenched co-workers, pts who keep seeing things that aren't there (lol), pts who won't let you touch them, etc. I'm most worried about those emergency situations and people are going to look to me to do something...

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Wow, a new grad and a charge nurse. I wish you the best of luck. That's a lot of responsibility for a new grad, but that's just my opinion.

I am an ED nurse of 2 months and it is tough!! There is still tons to learn, even after school.

Best of luck. Let us know how you are managing.

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That seems a bit much to me. How long are they giving you before you will charge? I think that it would be much better for you to get some experience first before taking on so many responsibilities. Will there be someone more experienced that you can turn to? I would just be weary of a facility that would let a new grad charge. To me this says that they just want a warm body in the position and don't care what they put that person through. You worked hard for your license. Don't put yourself in a situation that it might be jeopardy.

It is nice that you are so willing to step up to a challenge. That will certainly help you in nursing. However, in my opinion you might want to get some experience first and learn how to do your job before you start telling others how to do theirs.

Best of luck.

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Margie... what are your reponsibilities going to be?? and when they say charge nurse, what do they really mean??

I ask you this because I am currently working at an LTC, and I'm also a brand new nurse. I started my job and I am also a charge nurse, they call me this because I'm in charge of the pts i'm giving meds/treatment to. This doesn't mean i'm in charge of supervising other nurses, etc. Please clarify with your supervisors, and make sure that the training is more than 3 days. Ask them to give you hints on organization and charting. Because when they say that you are on your own... YOU are on your own. I dont' want to be negative, and I wish you the best. But I want you to be succesful, well informed, and not stressed out about this.

Good luck and tell us of your experience :)

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Oh no, I'm not supervising the other nurses! lol

I guess I'm only "charge nurse" in my unit. My preceptor repeatedly said to me that I should never hesitate to call for help or assistance from the other nurses. I guess I'm the "warm body" that they needed. I will tell them that I will not feel comfortable with inadequate training.

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Also,

Like you said, VIVABONITA, I give out the meds/tx. I actually have a med aid to help me. Can you talk more about your experiences as a new nurse in LTC? I've never been in a supervisor position before, so I'm just a little nervous about that. Also, any DOs and DON'Ts?

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