What exactly is the responsibility of an LVN charge nurse?

Mark3539 · Jan 19, 2010

Well, to my understanding as an LPN myself, you & I work under the direction/supervision of an RN or MD/DO, and able only to perform in the fields and to the capacity for which we are trained. Charge nurse? You can be responsible for the direction of aides or incoming/student nurses in the performance of their duties. I've often seen LPN/LVN's serve as charge nurses in LTC facilities and nursing homes, more or less as supervisors, with one RN on duty. The LPN/LVN would then be free to perform procedures such as medication administration and wound care, and patient charting and verify the charting done by the aides as to the performance of their duties. Twelve hour shifts might interfere with your studies. When I made the move from aide to LPN, I worked 8-hour shifts at a nursing home while attending LPN school, with the occasional double on the weekend. If you have the wherewithall, go for it! Most nurses I've met are a special breed. Make me proud. :up:

DogWmn · Jan 19, 2010

I would also check with your state BON LPN/LVN, scope of practice does vary from state to state. If you take the job, be sure to check the facility policies also, sometimes they will try to step over the line and you will be walking a tight rope.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jan 19, 2010

Amen to Dogwmn. Go online to check out your state's nurse practice act. You are responsible for knowing your scope of practice, regardless of what your employer asks of you.

PurpleLVN · Jan 20, 2010

Amen to Dogwmn. Go online to check out your state's nurse practice act. You are responsible for knowing your scope of practice, regardless of what your employer asks of you.

I am not questioning my scope of practice-I've been an LVN for 7 years!!!!!! I'm asking what are the JOB responsibilites of an LVN Charge Nurse!!! Either I didn't make it clear enough in my post or many of you are misreading what I've written. :uhoh3:

PurpleLVN · Jan 20, 2010

Well, to my understanding as an LPN myself, you & I work under the direction/supervision of an RN or MD/DO, and able only to perform in the fields and to the capacity for which we are trained. Charge nurse? You can be responsible for the direction of aides or incoming/student nurses in the performance of their duties. I've often seen LPN/LVN's serve as charge nurses in LTC facilities and nursing homes, more or less as supervisors, with one RN on duty. The LPN/LVN would then be free to perform procedures such as medication administration and wound care, and patient charting and verify the charting done by the aides as to the performance of their duties. Twelve hour shifts might interfere with your studies. When I made the move from aide to LPN, I worked 8-hour shifts at a nursing home while attending LPN school, with the occasional double on the weekend. If you have the wherewithall, go for it! Most nurses I've met are a special breed. Make me proud.

Thanks Mark3539 for your answer regarding job . Requirements probably would have been a better choice of words. Although I am going to look into :Dit further, I wanted some feedback from those who have actually been a Charge nurse at this type of facility!!!

Finallydidit · Jan 20, 2010

As charge in a LTC I do 2 med passes,for 30 Residents, 12 of them are diabetics, so also do two accuchecks, 2 skin assessment, 2 monthly assessments, MC charting, as well as alert charting (usually about 15 of my res. need to be charted on per shift). If there are falls, skin tears, new pressure areas etc. I have to chart and fill out accident reports on them as well. Decide if someone needs to be sent to the ER, I take off orders, deal with the pharmacy, order meds etc. I also have to over see the CNAs on my unit, decide who does which hall, who does smokers, dining room etc. (They are responsible adults so I usually let them decide who does what, but it has to be documented). At my facility we have an RN and also a treatment nurse, so that helps alot, I have very few treatment that I have to do, and Unless the RN is busy she will usually offer to hang an IV antibiotic, grab a urine catch or insert a foley, or do an incident report, take off orders call the pharmacy, etc. ( anyway she can help out :) ) I also have to deal with alot of family members in the evening, either in person or just calling to check on grandma... But all in all it goes by very fast, I never look at the clock and think Geeeese I have another 3 hours to go.. Its more like WOW, I only have 3 hours to get this all done!!

PurpleLVN · Jan 20, 2010

As charge in a LTC I do 2 med passes,for 30 Residents, 12 of them are diabetics, so also do two accuchecks, 2 skin assessment, 2 monthly assessments, MC charting, as well as alert charting (usually about 15 of my res. need to be charted on per shift). If there are falls, skin tears, new pressure areas etc. I have to chart and fill out accident reports on them as well. Decide if someone needs to be sent to the ER, I take off orders, deal with the pharmacy, order meds etc. I also have to over see the CNAs on my unit, decide who does which hall, who does smokers, dining room etc. (They are responsible adults so I usually let them decide who does what, but it has to be documented). At my facility we have an RN and also a treatment nurse, so that helps alot, I have very few treatment that I have to do, and Unless the RN is busy she will usually offer to hang an IV antibiotic, grab a urine catch or insert a foley, or do an incident report, take off orders call the pharmacy, etc. ( anyway she can help out :) ) I also have to deal with alot of family members in the evening, either in person or just calling to check on grandma... But all in all it goes by very fast, I never look at the clock and think Geeeese I have another 3 hours to go.. Its more like WOW, I only have 3 hours to get this all done!!

Thanks Finallydidit-Wow! This would definitely be more responsibility (work) than my current position. It will also help me update my skills!! Thanks so much for the details!! :nurse:

joyLVN · Dec 6, 2010

I am a new LVN, I am contemplating taking a position as a charge nurse. I don't have any prior experience company is willing to train, but is this responsibility worth it? Also, I plan to start RN school in March. What are your thoughts?

cecilsgirl · Dec 7, 2010

OP, some duties I can think of off the top of my head our, call dr with changes in res. statis, incident reports, handle falls, staff assignments ( cma and cna's) follow ups, call families with updates, ect.. transcribe orders, help feed, chart, wound care, meds if no cma, .. just to name a few..