New Grad- Charge Nurse?

[jbee]

I'm a new grad nurse who has been working on a surgical floor for the past eleven months. I've recently been asked to orientate as charge nurse/to assume the role of charge nurse PRN. On our unit, we have a regularly scheduled 0600-1400 charge nurse and then the role of charge is rotated throughout more senior RNs for the rest of the day/night/weekend. I'm reluctant to accept this role because I'm such a new nurse- I still have a lot to learn! Although I know my co-workers would back me up/help out as needed, this feels like a lot more responsibility. Is it normal for a new grad to be asked to orientate as charge? How long do people generally work on your unit before becoming a charge nurse? Should I ask for a few more months on the floor before orientating to charge, or should I just give it a try ?

[bill4745, RN]

11 months may be too early, especially if you don't feel ready. On the other hand, this may be a complement on your abilities, as I don't think they would ask you if they felt you were not ready.

[lil pixi]

On the other hand, this may be a complement on your abilities, as I don't think they would ask you if they felt you were not ready.

Just what I was thinking.

And if that's the case, I say good for you!

Of course, it depends how comfortable you feel excepting the role at this time, IMO.

May feel a lil awkward at first considering you're such a young nurse who's been on the floor for under a year, and how some of the more senior RNs could take to it.

Still a complimentary offer whether or not you accept the position, IMO. :)

[JulieCVICURN, BSN, RN]

If you're not comfortable, say so. Every unit is different. I hate being charge because you're responsible for everything that goes on on the floor - not to the point where your license is in jeopardy because of something another nurse does, but if the **** hits the fan, you're the one standing in front of it. Plus, in my facility you only get an extra dollar an hour for charge-not worth the headache.

But if you feel like you can handle it, go ahead. It's always good to be trusted with additional responsibility. It must mean they think you're doing well.

[RunningRNBSN]

On my PICU floor, nearly every new nurse (regardless of experience) is expected to begin training as a relief charge nurse at 12 months after your hire date. Our manager wants everyone trained as relief charge because if there is a shift where all of the seniors call in sick, you still need a charge nurse. There are very few instances where a young nurse is put in charge though -- I can only recall a few instances.