New psych RN as charge nurse?

Whispera, MSN, RN · Sep 3, 2009

I worked psych right after graduation and was usually charge nurse after I finished an ample orientation. I could be the nurse for up to 8 patients. I had no other staff with me. It was not a safe or easy position to be in. There was no way to be in more than one place at a time. My unit wasn't "intensive care psych (the sickest of the sick)" but sometimes people were there who should have been on the more well-staffed unit. I had suicide attempts during my time as only staff there. The patients also TP'd the unit one night...ahem....

Anyway, I think it's doable if there are other staff members there, and the number of other staff members required depends on the acuity of the patients. It also depends on whether you are working the day or the night shift. Nights tend to be much more quiet, a good portion of the time at least.

chingy1206 · Sep 3, 2009

I just started working in Psych as well, new grad RN of 8 months. I am Charge RN on the floor, I work nights, and am the only nurse on shift for 30 patients so yeah its doable, and not too bad!

elkpark · Sep 3, 2009

Are there other units? That is, will there be other, more experienced RNs nearby, on other units?

It's v. doable -- I work in a facility where it is routine to have one RN (and some techs) on units with up to 12 clients (the larger units have an RN plus an LPN (and techs)), and the RN charges, gives meds, admits/discharges, and anything else that needs doing. If you will have more experienced RNs around with whom to consult when you have questions/concerns, I'd say you'll probably be fine.

PAERRN20 · Sep 3, 2009

Yes, this unit is in a hospital. There would be a ospital-wide manager on duty every shift to consult if I needed anything. Thanks guys! I think I am going to go ahead go for this job!

Jules A, MSN · Sep 3, 2009

I think you will be fine and far more qualified than I was as a new grad without a manager on duty! Congratulations and good luck.

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Sep 8, 2009

It depends on the acuity of the patients and what kind of ancillary support you have. You can have patients with med surg issues like feeding tubes, dressing changes, IV fluid replacements, ambulation issues. Will they be potentially violent? Is there a supervisor available for off-unit support when you need it? Is there a nurse to relieve you for breaks? Is security capable and quickly available? These are all questions I would ask before accepting the position.

My personal feeling is that it is never safe to be alone on a unit where there is a potential for violence.

PAERRN20 · Sep 10, 2009

It depends on the acuity of the patients and what kind of ancillary support you have. You can have patients with med surg issues like feeding tubes, dressing changes, IV fluid replacements, ambulation issues. Will they be potentially violent? Is there a supervisor available for off-unit support when you need it? Is there a nurse to relieve you for breaks? Is security capable and quickly available? These are all questions I would ask before accepting the position.
My personal feeling is that it is never safe to be alone on a unit where there is a potential for violence.

No IVs, feeding tubes, ambulation issues. Possibly minor dressing changes. There will be techs as well as aides on the floor as well. I would just be the only RN if census is below 10. A supervisor off-unit would be available PRN. Security would easily available. Thanks for replying.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Sep 10, 2009

My personal feeling is that it is never safe to be alone on a unit where there is a potential for violence.

Ditto

Whispera, MSN, RN · Sep 10, 2009

double ditto

PAERRN20 · Sep 18, 2009

Just updating. I got an interview and I will post next week what I find out re: being the only RN in the unit.

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Sep 22, 2009

I was put in charge of an adult mental health unit on swing shift as a new graduate. Since this was a new unit, none of my colleagues had any more experience with policies and protocols than I did (although several were veteran nurses). I literally opened my unit, taking in the first admission we ever got (three total during the first shift). I had never taken a doctor's order over the phone and I had never assembled a chart. The first night it was a psych tech (roughly equivalent to a CNA) and me. I had that job for four years. If I made it through, I'm sure you can.