don't want to charge

[yr of tx]

I work at an LTAC. I've been there for 9 months. I like the work very much, but the supervisors often schedule me as relief charge. My background is mainly home health and med-surg. I worked telemetry years ago. This LTAC often has critically ill patients on vents and drips. I'm learning, but don't feel qualified to charge. I have talked to our lead charge nurse, our director of clinical services and the CEO. I'm told that the staff likes it when I am in charge because I stay calm and try to be fair. Most of the time there is another RN working who can also charge. I feel that this is not right to have me charge when I admittedly tell them that I don't feel qualified. I'm afraid this could have legal ramifications if something goes wrong while I am charging. Any advice on what to do next? Thanks yr of tx.:)

[aprilr]

Maybe instead of saying that you do not believe that you are qualified to do charge, you could try and tell them that you are not as comfortable and confident as charge. At my facility, if you tell them that you are more comfortable on the med cart or as charge, they do their best to try to accomidate. Also, if they are receiving feedback that you are good as charge you should take it as a compliment and believe in yourself. You could ask for a few days of orientation at charge for a refresher...

[AnnemRN]

I work at an LTAC. I've been there for 9 months. I like the work very much, but the supervisors often schedule me as relief charge. My background is mainly home health and med-surg. I worked telemetry years ago. This LTAC often has critically ill patients on vents and drips. I'm learning, but don't feel qualified to charge. I have talked to our lead charge nurse, our director of clinical services and the CEO. I'm told that the staff likes it when I am in charge because I stay calm and try to be fair. Most of the time there is another RN working who can also charge. I feel that this is not right to have me charge when I admittedly tell them that I don't feel qualified. I'm afraid this could have legal ramifications if something goes wrong while I am charging. Any advice on what to do next? Thanks yr of tx.:)

LTAC patients are very ill and require a charge nurse who is experienced. I can understand why you're nervous. I think you should put your concerns in writing and give a copy to your director. Stand your ground, your license is very imlportant.