I'm a new grad. I've been working as a med nurse for the last month at a 155 bed skilled nursing facility. Repeat: I've been working as a nurse for ONE MONTH. Tonight the charge nurse called out sick and I was informed I would be charge, supervisor of the entire facility, the ONLY RN, no administrators, no docs. I panicked and then tried to collect my cool.
I had a fall, an admission, and a 911 call out for SOB. I had IVs and TPNs, all the while passing meds for my 26 patients. It was a rough night and bow that it's over, I'm looking for consolation.
Does anyone know of a law or policy in California that allows me to enact safe harbor before accepting an assignment? I called the DON and told him I was not experienced enough for the role but he insisted. I couldn't decline it and walk out, I'd be charged with patient abandonment! What can I do in the future if this happens again?
Specializes in Ambulatory Care Certfied (infusion/home health).
Wait, you accepted the job. Sometimes being charge for the day/night comes with the job. That being said, i know how hard working at a SNF can be. I had 45 pts per night 30 if i worked the skilled hall and since i was the only RN at night it was my license on the line every night for all 4 halls bcuz the other nurses were LPNs. Ps, I only lasted 2 months and it was my first job out of nursing school. So, I feel your pain. You will find something perfect for you, it just takes some time.
tlucero49, BSN
5 Posts
Wait, you accepted the job. Sometimes being charge for the day/night comes with the job. That being said, i know how hard working at a SNF can be. I had 45 pts per night 30 if i worked the skilled hall and since i was the only RN at night it was my license on the line every night for all 4 halls bcuz the other nurses were LPNs. Ps, I only lasted 2 months and it was my first job out of nursing school. So, I feel your pain. You will find something perfect for you, it just takes some time.