Charge Nurses Who Micromanage

Buckeye.nurse · Apr 13, 2018

Maybe respond with something like "Thanks for checking in on me. "X" interventions have already been done, I'm working on "Y", it would be a big help if you could do "Z". Is there anything else I might be missing?"

KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 13, 2018

"Oh, THANKS!! Now, I've got x and y, I will need (this and that) for z, and I would REALLY appreciate if you can help me with (whatever to get her out of the point where you are - calling a doctor is one of ideal choices, as well as fetching a CENA). It is so LOVELY you help, thank you!!!

The key is to keep charge busy so she has no time to sit on your neck and micromanage. If that can be combined with her actually helping, that's even better. And, of course, it is you who needs to know first what the patient from 123 is complaining on - in this case, charge even won't know.

Cowboyardee · Apr 13, 2018

On one hand: it's not about you. It's about the patient. Frankly, if a medical crisis is at hand, managing it correctly is more important than your feelings/validation/etc. As long as they're behaving in a professional manner, try not to take it personally.

On the other hand: you practice under your license, not that of the charge nurse. All you really have to do to convince most people that you are competent over the long run is to take control over your patients' situations and manage them competently. In other words, you don't have to cede the charge nurse more authority than they actually have. Calm, confident competence goes a long way. Getting rattled when someone second-guesses you undermines that.

psu_213, BSN, RN · Apr 13, 2018

I totally agree with the idea of not taking it personally. The vast majority of float whom I have worked with have been great. OTOH, there have been a few disasters. As a charge, I would want to error on the side of caution--if it is someone whom I have not worked with before, I think it's reasonable to keep a closer eye on this person, that a nurse from my unit whose work I am familiar with. For the nurse to say "do X then Y then Z" is a bit much, but, again, don't take it as her critiquing you abilities as a nurse.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Apr 13, 2018

Hi all,
I've been a nurse for about 3 years and have worked at my current position for about six months as a float pool nurse. Most of the charge nurses I work with are fantastic and supportive, however, there are a few that I feel micromanage.
How can I make it clear that I'm perfectly capable of doing my job and gain some trust? I've had some issues with charge nurses micromanagement in the past, and it makes me feel so incompetent and disrespected as a nurse. It's one thing to ask "Ok it appears patient is c/o "x", what do you need? How can I help?" vs "Ok what I need you to do is x, y, z." when I don't need that direction and know exactly how to handle the situation. I like to think my co-workers can trust my judgment as I trust theirs. If I have questions or need a second opinion, I'll always ask.
This is a floor that I float on pretty regularly so they know me pretty well. Perhaps the charge nurses are just trying to do their job and I'm taking it personally when it isn't? Would really appreciate some feedback on this. Thanks for reading. í ½í¸Š

You are a nurse with six months of experience as a float nurse. in that facility. Be glad you have somebody watching you and your patient's backs.

Smile and nod, smile and nod, ask for help from the charge nurse when you need it. It takes awhile to earn trust .

Best wishes.