New at Charge, HELP!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hey everyone.

So, I have been stressing over this lately more than I would like to! Recently at work, I've been told that I HAVE TO be oriented and start performing in the role as charge nurse. I have been a nurse for about 5-6 years, but am new-ish (in my opinion) to the hospital setting. I've only worked at this hospital for 18 months, switched floors (which is a specialty floor) about 6 months ago ( from nights to days shift too)! I feel like these other new factors haven't been considered as well? I also think the only reason they want me to do charge is because we lost a nurse who often did charge and we worked the same weekends. Also, I am a younger nurse considering age/experience compared to other nurses on the floor (who have been very supportive, we all work well together, thank God!) So we are rotating this responsibility. Of note, the more senior nurses who have worked this floor over 10 years + often complain that "charge sucks, hate doing charge" basically negative and general disdain for this position. I did express that I did not feel ready for charge but was told that it's time and that I have the support of my supervisor (which is half truth). I feel like I can't complain about it until I've at least done a few shifts of charge, (I've done about 5 so far).

I'm trying to find a solution to this, as the days where I don't have to charge, I am relieved, and love my job! Whereas the days I have to do charge my stomach is turning, and I'm miserable because I am stressed and feel like I am spread more thinly and would prefer to be with my patients than playing secretary and room assigner.

Anyways, I'm trying to blow some steam as well as get any input from others willing to share in any support or tips for how to make the role of Charge with full assignment a little easier? Any words and insight are much appreciated!

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
Hey everyone.

So, I have been stressing over this lately more than I would like to! Recently at work, I've been told that I HAVE TO be oriented and start performing in the role as charge nurse. I have been a nurse for about 5-6 years, but am new-ish (in my opinion) to the hospital setting. I've only worked at this hospital for 18 months, switched floors (which is a specialty floor) about 6 months ago ( from nights to days shift too)! I feel like these other new factors haven't been considered as well? I also think the only reason they want me to do charge is because we lost a nurse who often did charge and we worked the same weekends. Also, I am a younger nurse considering age/experience compared to other nurses on the floor (who have been very supportive, we all work well together, thank God!) So we are rotating this responsibility. Of note, the more senior nurses who have worked this floor over 10 years + often complain that "charge sucks, hate doing charge" basically negative and general disdain for this position. I did express that I did not feel ready for charge but was told that it's time and that I have the support of my supervisor (which is half truth). I feel like I can't complain about it until I've at least done a few shifts of charge, (I've done about 5 so far).

I'm trying to find a solution to this, as the days where I don't have to charge, I am relieved, and love my job! Whereas the days I have to do charge my stomach is turning, and I'm miserable because I am stressed and feel like I am spread more thinly and would prefer to be with my patients than playing secretary and room assigner.

Anyways, I'm trying to blow some steam as well as get any input from others willing to share in any support or tips for how to make the role of Charge with full assignment a little easier? Any words and insight are much appreciated!

Every unit has nurses who hate doing charge and nurses who LOVE it despite humble bragging that they hate it. If you really don't like doing charge, I'm sure you can think of a nurse or two who will jump on the chance to do your charge shifts. If you can't think of one right now, give it a week. I think six months in a new specialty is a bit soon to be doing charge. If you cannot get out of doing charge, identify a couple of nurses on your weekend who seem to excel at it. Pick their brains. Even as an experienced charge nurse, I will pick the brains of the other charge nurses (and some who should be charge nurses but aren't because they hate it) when I make an especially difficult call. I learn something and that invites consensus in the decision.

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Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

If they are willing to actually give you some training as charge, jump on that! I was ambushed into the role six months into the job when we lost a number of our senior nurses for a number of reasons. If they are actually going to teach you, embrace it.

It's okay to hate charge. It kind of sucks. At the same time, I think it's an experience like being a new grad, where it's awful at first and you doubt your whole career choice. But if you give it some time and gain experience, it can become just another part of the routine. Plus, it's good for the resume and all that jazz. I think it's okay to trade with people who genuinely enjoy it, but there's also a lot to be said for knowing the role should you ever HAVE to be charge.

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I was forced into being charge. It started off as "we need someone for Saturday nights" and then it turned into an every night I work I'm charge kind of thing...

Being successful at charge nurse does not depend solely on your experience, although experience certainly helps. The right kind of personality and ability to be a team player as well as a leader are the most important things to focus on. Rely on the experienced nurses as resources and mentors.

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I was asked by my manager to do charge after 1 year, was new grad to boot. This was in a 40+ bed med-surg unit. I told her I didn't know enough yet and I still went to my seniors with questions. Her reply was that I would learn a lot as charge, so I reluctantly said I would try it. She was right, I learned a lot and though some days were crazy busy, it was mostly good. Give it a good try, if you really hate it after 6 months, opt out.

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