Newly qualified nurse- being left in charge of the ward?!

[Chloer43]

Hi,

I am a newly qualified nurse (4 months now) and my first post is on a neurological ward, where we have a big mix of rehab patients, acutely unwell patients and palliative patients.

The atmosphere on the ward is very gloomy, there is a lack of motivation and it appears that management care little about their staff. We had three newly qualifieds in September, two of which are leaving now, due to the high stress, no support ward. We have three sisters and a handful of staff nurses and hcas, meaning we rely heavily on bank and agency staff.

My question is basically about being left in charge of the ward. They have done this to the other newly qualifieds and I am petrified they are going to do it to me. I am too young and inexperienced to manage my own patients and be in charge of the ward and arrange all the discharges and bed management etc. I worked three years to earn my pin and I don't want to lose it in the space of a few months because one being left in charge. It appears management is happy enough to leave newly qualifieds in charge, but there is no support when anything goes wrong.

I don't know what to do. I am already stressed out enough as it is being on the ward, let alone being expected to take charge. Has anyone else experienced this? From my training, it was my understanding that it was senior staff nurses and sisters who were in charge and they were not expected to take patients.

It's getting me down, but I feel I cannot discuss this with my line manager, as she is not supportive.

Any advice?

[Leedeedee]

My only advice is to join UNISON, immediately. Then if anything comes up you can go chat to your rep in advance and they will help you navigate through all the rules and procedures and advocate for you. Don't bother with the RCN, they are useless.