New graduate, offered a job as "Nurse Delegate". Can I handle this job?

[amyyy]

Hello All!

I graduated from Nursing School June 15th, and received my RN license on July 11th. In the past two months, I have applied for upwards of 50 jobs here in town and within a 100 mile radius. So far, I have had no success in obtaining employment, and I have only landed 3 interviews from all my efforts. I realize this is NOT a unique experience, and I am describing this only to give relevance to my desperation, as it relates to my concern about a job offer I have been granted. There is a facility in town which offers housing and services to developmentally disabled and mentally ill adults. It has been undergoing many changes, and has plans to open a memory care center. An experienced nurse friend of mine told me that the facility will be actively seeking a Registered Nurse to work in this new area, and provided me with a contact within the company. When I approached him, he was VERY excited about my interest, and eager to bring me on board when he learned that I am comfortable and interested in serving patients who suffer from a mental illness as well as those who struggle with the limitations of a disability. He told me that they will not be starting work on the memory care unit for at least four months, but, he is currently seeking a RN to serve as a "Nurse Delegate", as the woman working there now is planning to move on as soon as a replacement can be found. He said that in her role, she must assess the more chronically ill patients (those with Diabetes, or wounds, respiratory issues, etc.) and develop a plan of care, and delegate the duties involved appropriately. He said, "We can't even put a Band-Aid on without an order from her!". I have attempted researching this role, and can find very little information about it, other than that a nurse must attend DSHS classes to obtain certification, and that all acts of delegation must be in accordance with Nurse Practice laws. I did tell my contact that I would like to shadow his Nurse for a day and see what it's all about if possible.

What I want to know is...what is this job, really? Has anyone out there worked in this capacity, and can you tell me if I, an inexperienced new nurse, would be able to take on this job? I am truly feeling desperate about finding work, but I would never want my desperation to endanger a patient, or hinder the facility's mission if I am not qualified to perform at the level needed for such a position. Any input will be appreciated, and please don't fear hurting my feelings. I am humble and can take criticism and honesty where it is due.

Thank you so much

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Do you have any pre-graduation nursing experience? Is there an experienced nurse available to mentor you?

[amyyy]

Hello and thank you for responding,

No, I have no experience to speak of other than my clinical rotations during school. I am not sure about a nurse mentor for this specific job, although there are a few experienced nurses that I am in contact with that may be able to assist me with questions from time to time.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Well, I think since assessment and delegation are a big part of this job it would be very hard for a new grad with no previous experience. If there was an experienced nurse at the company for you to consult with at least by phone then I think you could do it.

How do you feel you would do say planning and delegating care for mentally delayed individual with a seizure disorder or a bed sore knowing that aides would implement your care? Would you even know what to tell them to do? Would you know where to find the info you need?

I am not saying not to do it. However, I would think long and hard. This is a very independant role. It makes me wonder if the person doing the hiring has any medical experience at all.

[amyyy]

Thank you for your input, what you are saying completely reinforces my own concerns with this situation. I am new, inexperienced, and feeling very overwhelmed by the prospect of finding employment. In all honesty, if I had more job options at this time I probably would not be considering this so seriously...I do not want my personal concerns to lead me to a place where my role is not a benefit to a patient, or even worse, a liability. My gut is telling me that this is not an appropriate role for a novice and I think I will verbalize this to the hiring manager. He is a social worker but not a medical provider by any means, so I do not think he fully understands the scope of this position or the limitations of a nurse's abilities as she/he first enters into the working role. I am not entirely incompetent, but I am not arrogant either. Thanks again for your responses...

---Amy

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

If you can do a 1 day shadow that would be worth it. Maybe they all have specific MD orders and it will be simple to figure out, or maybe not!

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

I would have reservations about putting a new graduate into a position like this. It requires a degree of independence that I wouldn't have had fresh out of school.

[amyyy]

Thank you both for your honest opinions on this topic. :) Fortunately, I have been offered a RN position at a large LTC/Rehab facility! The downside is that it is an hour and twenty minute drive away..but the upside is that it is a JOB! Much better starting wage than the facilities here in my hometown, plus medical, dental, and vision benefits. It is a very nice place, with a great reputation and excellent ratings on its state inspections. I feel fortunate to have been given this opportunity, even though it is not my "Dream Job". I hope the experience and insight I will gain in this setting can help me form a stronger foundation of skills and abilities to help propel me into a hospital job in the future. I also believe that working in an environment such as this will be personally rewarding for me, although many new nurses I know feel it is not glamorous or exciting enough for them...I am pleased to offer my compassion and fresh nursing knowledge to such a deserving population.

Best wishes to you all, and to my fellow new graduate job hunters stick with it!! There's enough to go around for all of us, we just need to remain flexible and open to experiences that may differ from our vision. :)

---Amy Y

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Hey, the 1st time a little old lady pats you on the cheek and says "thank you honey" and sincerely means it, you will know that you have made a difference in someones life..... Update us when you can.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Can I just say how refreshing it is to hear that you are excited about the job? No whining about LTC - no 'poor me- it's not my dream job'? You'll be amazed at how far in your career that attitude will take you.

Congrats!

[amyyy]

Thank you!! :)