Starting to be Charge Nurse

[Waitingformyresults]

I was thrown into a situation where I was the only senior nurse on the floor and was Charge Nurse one night 2 weeks ago. I've been a resource nurse alot so I know what the charge nurse does. I've been blown away that I know so much on my floor to be a resource for the other nurses. Making the assignments for the dayshift nurses was difficult, but I think with time I can manage. what I've learned is that you can't make everyone happy with their assignments. theres bound to be a couple of nurses who might not like their assignments. What do you guys think? Also I have been a nurse for almost 2 years now, and The nurse manager/CNIV want me to orient to Charge nurse already. What do you guys think? am I ready? cause to tell you guys the truth, I am. And I'm going to take this Charge Nurse thing head on =)

What are the qualities of a great Charge Nurse so I can probably learn from it?

-Kris

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

Only 2 years as a RN and already you're asking to do the Charge Nurse Orientation. There's a lot to learn in nursing as you're still considered a newbie, but obviously they see some qualities in you that are that of the Charge Nurse. Take that as a compliment on their part. If you feel that you're ready and want to take this head on, I'd say go for it. Don't let nothing stop you. Take it seriously, and learn as much as you can. It's good because you're beyond that fear of being in charge. As that's a great fear that I have right now, so someone like me could never be a Charge Nurse at this time. But you on the other hand, you've conqured that fear and now it's time to move on. Good luck and please let me know how you're doing.

[Waitingformyresults]

Well actually i've experienced alot since ive been an RN for two years. I was actually approached by my Nurse Manager and CNIV, so its not me asking to be charge nurse, its them telling me that they think I have what it takes to charge. And I've already charged before, so me orienting to charge wont be as bad. I know the floor in and out and know the types of patients we get. I take it as a complement that they would trust someone like me to charge the floor. The other charge nurses think I'm already ready for it, and I've been mentored on my floor by some of the best, not to mention that I'm also the Chairman of the UPC council for me floor. I mean I know that I have alot to learn, but at least I will experience it down the road since as nurses we are always learning. All I wanted to know was what makes a great charge nurse, besides not being taken advantage of and being straightforward.