Being a Charge Nurse is like being a parent.
Sometimes I come home from work feeling as if I have children, mostly because I spent the entirety of my shift parenting. Don’t get me wrong, I understand that as a charge nurse I have some responsibility to shepherd my charges, but we are all adults here, right? Let me share a few thoughts with you that are present in the mind of a “night shift parent”:
- Telling people what they can or can’t do.
Scope of practice and hospital policies and procedures don’t always match up, and it’s a lot to keep up with, so why do it when your charge nurse can do it for you? - Knowing where everything is at the drop of a hat.
While I make it look easy, you were trained in the art of observation too. - Mediating sibling arguments.
Okay, so you are just work siblings but sometimes you fight as if you actually are related. - Making sure everyone does their homework.
If I have to double check your restraint orders to complete my paperwork, then you ought to have already looked at them. Also, why do they send me a message to make sure you get your CEU’s and recertifications done on time? Apparently someone thinks I have more power over you than the people who can withhold your paycheck. - Making sure everyone eats dinner.
It’s called time management, and if you don’t bring your own food, you at least have to pick the restaurant and I will make sure it gets here. Hangry nurses are whiney nurses. - Making sure everyone gets home okay.
Finish charting and go home, it’s a 24-hour facility. Whether it’s car trouble or someone forgetting to pick you up, if you need a ride home I also take tips as a limo driver.
All this, and you still don’t get out of cleaning up a lot of poop, even as charge nurse.