Only one RN on nights--me. Time to go?

[learning08]

Hi, all!

I'm a new grad 2-3 weeks away from completing orientation on a med-surg floor that as of less than 2 weeks ago only takes surgical patients (pre- and postop cases).

They are now keeping the patient population down to 10 max and only having 1 RN, 1 LPN and 1 PCT per shift.

I'm going to nights, and when I'm scheduled to work, I'll be the only RN with an LPN, no PCT on nights, to the whole floor.

That makes me very uncomfortable as a new nurse because there's not another RN to turn to, besides calling the house supervisor. (There are no Drs. around since we are not a teaching hospital, but sure, we can call them if need be). LPNs are terrific here, but not all are IV certified and the ones on nights are mostly new nurses themselves.

I don't want to potentially jeopardize patients or my license. Too soon to transfer to another dept. without special permission, but would this be the time to plead for it? I am also actively job-hunting elsewhere.

Thank-you for any input!

[RNrural]

I work in a small rural hospital with 15 med/surg beds, 2 OB beds, 2 special care beds, ER and we do surgery. I also am working nights and there are 2 nurses on, sometimes one is an LPN. There are three of us that are new grads. We are required to have NRP, STABLE, PALS, ACLS and TNCC. I got my RN on July 15th and will finish my other certifications by next month when I will begin to work with the other new RN's or the LPN's. Although I have all of the required classes and certifications I am still very nervous because I know that nothing can take the place of experience. I was a CNA in this facility for 9 years prior to becoming a nurse which helps a bit. So, I understand exactly how you feel!

Renada

[seanpdent, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP]

YEP.

If I were in your shoes, I'd be voicing my opinion on pt safety. If nothing can be done, I'd be looking for a new job.

To many open windows for possible incidents. And you are the one who is ultimately responsible.

Go with your gut.

[Jolie, BSN]

You are wise and insightful to realize that this is not an appropriate setting for a new nurse.

I would start by requesting a transfer to another unit where there is at least 1 other RN per shift, preferably an RN with 2 or more years experience. Your hospital should be willing to consider this since the make-up of the unit changed since you were hired, and since it shows that you are willing to be flexible, and trying to make the best of your orientation experience by applying what you have learned to the benefit of the hospital.

If that is not possible, then I would seriously consider looking elsewhere. If you interview at another hospital, you have a perfectly good explanation for why you left this job so soon.

Good luck.

[Sterren, BSN, RN]

I would absolutely transfer off the unit or away from the hospital entirely. That's just not safe, even the brightest new grad that has ever existed shouldn't be the ONLY RN on the floor. Yikes.

[abundantjoy07, RN]

I agree with the other posters. There's nothing worse than having no one to turn to when it gets tough or when you just have a question. Granted the LPN is a nurse just like you, however, you having the title of RN cam make things a little sticky at times. I'd just ask for a transfer out of concern for patient safety and out of concern for your license.

[nurse494]

that sounds like a nigthmare. i worked on a floor similiar to that and I almost left nursing because of it. I now work in an icu and I love it! trust me there is so much better(and safer) out there!! keep searching till you find it,its your license on the line!