New RN as a charge nurse in snf

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I have not been working as an RN for 4 years due to having a hard time looking for a job. i worked in a home health office that's about it. I'am afraid that i might not able to catch up with how they do work... Any advice for me to review or ask during the orientation? I am really scared to take the job but i just went for it for me to have experience....

Thanks

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

You need to make sure that there is a qualified RN immediately available to assist you. In my state, our BON specifically states that nurses are NOT to be put in "charge" positions in the first 12 months of employment. Depends on the scope of the job, I guess. If you are "THE" RN who is expected to respond appropriately to clinical changes or emergencies.

I have never heard of any state Nurse Practice Act whose definition of unprofessional conduct does not include phrases such as: "accepting an assignment for which you are not qualified" or "attempting to perform tasks/functions in which you are not competent". If this is the case for you state, you may be putting your professional license in jeopardy if you accept a job that does not provide qualified supervision.

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Specializes in Ambulatory, Home Health, LTC/Rehab.

I have to agree with having someone to back you up if you do not have the experience to make critical choices. The real down fall of being an RN some places like SNF will put you in poor scenarios and hang you out to dry. Speak up and ask for assistance. You probalby have the right stuff to do the job but just be careful of what they ask of you. Best Wishes.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Charge for a SNF needs some hands on SNF nursing skills. Do you have any? How long is the orientation?

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Charge for a SNF needs some hands on SNF nursing skills. Do you have any? How long is the orientation?

I have no experience at all... I'll be having my orientation with paper works tomorrow... They didn't tell me how long the orientation is... They just told me that i have to learn fast ... According to some people orientation will at least be 3 days :(

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Ok, then charge nurse is not the proper job. Set up to fail. Are there no other RN's that can do charge?

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