So upset got passed for charge

mama_d, BSN, RN · May 28, 2009

I couldn't tell you why without working with both of you...and even then I may not have the answer.

Go to whoever was in control of the decision and tactfully ask them, so that you know what to cultivate if that is your desire. Asking anyone else is just getting conjecture and possible false information.

pagandeva2000, LPN · May 28, 2009

Was there an application process and if so, did you apply or express interest? Are you an ADN or BSN graduate (that alone may have made the difference)? Sometimes, it is the squeakier wheels that get oiled. I would make my desires known in case another opportunity arises. I can also say that charge position may be more overwhelming, more trouble than what it is worth, so, look before you leap.

Aneroo, LPN · May 28, 2009

Ask.

When I worked in the ER, a girl who started the same time as I did was oriented to triage before me. I wanted to know why. I didn't want to raise a big deal about it, but if there was something I was or wasn't doing that would help me improve and move up the ranks a little, I wanted to know so I could improve.

sweet sunshine · May 28, 2009

I wouldn't worry about it, they might think your a better floor nurse as it sounds from your post, maybe with time you'll be asked as well.in the meantime keep up the good work. If your really interested in charge let your manager know so if oppurtunity comes up she knows your interested.

Moogie · May 28, 2009

Perhaps your nurse manager is looking for someone to work charge full-time or else he/she feels that the full-time person working charge would be more consistent than someone working part-time.

The previous posters have some good ideas. You might want to ask your nurse manager---in a non-defensive way---why you were passed over and if there is anything you can do to improve your skills so that you can be trained to work charge.

Try not to take it personally---chances are this has nothing to do with your ability as a nurse but more with the other nurse working full-time while you aren't. Still, it hurts to get passed over.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · May 28, 2009

When you asked for your hours to be decreased so was your chance of advancement.

allnurses Guide · May 28, 2009

When you asked for your hours to be decreased so was your chance of advancement.

That is probably true but . . . I'm a big fan of part-time (or not working at all;)) when you have kids at home! :up: I'd gladly be passed over.

I also truly dislike the bureaucracy and paperwork and politics that come with promotions. :down:

steph

moonshadeau, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APN, NP, CNS · May 28, 2009

I agree with the others that if you really feel this strongly about wanting to be in charge, you really should direct the questioning to your supervisor. There are lots of reasons why some people are put in charge and others are not (time management skills, leadership skills, ability to handle stress, hours that are worked). Being in charge is (in my experience) really not always such a great thing. Someone is always unhappy with you, it can be very stressful and often unappreciated.

My advice is to talk to the powers that be, and to really take the time to strengthen your nursing skills. And you never know the 21 year old may be scared to death that she was made to be in charge, even if she isn't saying it or acting it.

Good luck.

pagandeva2000, LPN · May 28, 2009

When you asked for your hours to be decreased so was your chance of advancement.

It could have been. Being in charge can be a 24 hour job. Being part time does not allow for consistency and may not solve the issue of who else would be in charge when the part timer is out.

That is probably true but . . . I'm a big fan of part-time (or not working at all;)) when you have kids at home! I'd gladly be passed over.
I also truly dislike the bureaucracy and paperwork and politics that come with promotions.
steph

I am with you...I'd rather not work at all. When I do, I would rather not be so committed to be involved with every nuance around. I hate the fact that I was made team leader of one corridor with three rooms, three physicians and 3 CNAs. We are still more segregated than the entire clinic as a whole, but, now, I have to become more involved with things than I care to. I would let them pass me over ANYTIME.

BabyLady, BSN, RN · May 28, 2009

Before I post this...I want to disclose here that I don't think it makes a hill of beans difference if someone has an ADN vs a BSN...they are both RN's.

However, in some hospitals....the ones where I live...only BSN's get to charge unless you have X many years of experience...they will train a new hire BSN to charge but won't an ADN.

I don't know if this applies in your case...but just throwing it out there.

Also...you never know, who knows who, who is related to who, etc...

LaneyB · May 28, 2009

I was made charge nurse ahead of a nurse with more seniority. The other nurse was hurt and upset. I mentioned it to the manager, and the manager was shocked. She didn't realize I had started later, and she also needed to make me charge because I was a day/night rotator (we were short charge nurses on nights). She started training the other nurse right away. So it might not have anything to do with your skills as a nurse. I also think they are more likely to invest in training a full time person.