New grad, charge nurse. Doable?

[Knewnurse]

Good evening all,I recently posted a topic regarding whether new grads should start in med/surg, and it seems the consensus is, though it would be beneficial, times have changed, and it isn't necessary. So, I maybe be getting a position in a complex continuing care centre to begin my new grad career as an RN. The only frightening thing, I'll be a charge nurse if I accept this job! I've been told that I'll get as much orientation as needed, and the unit isn't as "crazy" as med/surg, and that I should do fine (I did well in my med/surg clinical rotations). What do you think? Can a new grad handle this? Apparently the staff are very helpful. I'd like to brush up on my assertiveness as I used to be fairly shy but have come a little way with this issue. Shall I go for it, or keep looking?

[madwife2002, BSN, RN]

I would have serious concerns about being a new grad and in charge. How much orientation do you get before you are working in that position?

I guess my concern is once you are working as an RN it is not an excuse to say you are 'newly qualified' if and when you make a mistake. If you are a charge nurse you are expected to have lots of knowledge (hands on) and be expected to support your co-workers. If you are not knowledgeable how can you support your co-workers?

You need at least 6 months to a year to be comfortable in your role, I do not care how much you think you are ready to be in charge of a floor-trust me you are not.

Sometimes it greatly concerns me how new grads have no clue how much you need to know to be a really good RN, It concerns me that healthcare facilities will put new grads, their co-workers and most importantly their patients in such a vulnerable position.

I would investigate the history of this facility because they obviously do not look after their staff and I would imagine their patients dont always have a favorable outcome.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

they told me i was ready to be oriented to charge in a pacu 8 months after i graduated, but i had major back-up and my crusty old charge nurse watching me like a hawk and coaching me like knute rockne. i learned a huge amount doing it.

[RainMom]

I'm 6 months in & just noticed that on my schedule in a couple weeks, I will be the senior RN for my shift (nights) & likely to charge! Yikes! Glad I noticed this so I can take a little time to remind myself about a few things like admissions (which charge usually does) & staffing for giving low census (if it's not right, you'll get an earful).

[beeker]

Is it doable- probably but it will be a hard road

is it advisable? Nope.