[RNINBC]

Hello,
I recently left my medical surgical floor to get experience on an IMC unit. I graduated in 1989, but left nursing in 1998 to raise children. I returned in 2004 to the medical surgical unit, sand transfered to IMC 4 months ago.My charge nurse recently ask me to do relief charge. I am happy to have the opportunity but want to cover my a _ _. (CYA) I am looking for information on being a charge nurse: what are the legal responsibilites? how to cover your a_ _? I am pretty good with people so I am not worried about conflict or upset patients. I know how to CYA as a nurse but am not so sure how to CYA as a nurse. Any advice on books to read would be apprecaited.

[nursinghumor]

My wife works charge in an ICU frequently. The basics are the same as working as a staff nurse.

Chart defensively, as if you expect to be sued.

When in doubt, call the doctor, supervisor, medical resident if you can't figure out what is going on among your fellow nurses.

Keep the bioethics committee's number handy for ethical issues that are sure to come up.

Be ready to "deal" with family members and other nurses who will be looking to you to "solve" their issues.

Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.nursinga2z.com