straddling the fence

[tokmom]

How does one that is a charge nurse straddle the fence between management and being a staff member? Our hospital never had this position until approx 8 months ago, when I and another nurse stepped into the role full time. Managment pulls us into many meetings and gives us a lot of responsibility, other than a simple charge nurse position. The other nurse and I are feeling a bit alienated by the other nurses. They seem ok, until we have to give them a patient or give them some mild remprimand for various things. Let's just say my facebook friends are dwindling! One nurse told my co worker that she wasn't a 'real' charge nurse. Whatever that meant. (yes it was reported to management that alienates my co worker even more)

I'm not a thin skinned person, but when you get dumped or completely ignored by some of your co workers (and not just for the day) for giving them a patient, it gets pretty old. Believe it or not, my manager is turning into my friend. The other charge and I can only vent to each other about a bad work day. Sunday night is our phone night.

Any advice? We don't gossip about others, and try to be positive in our role and role models.

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

Thanks everyone. All excellent advice. I guess I really needed to hear that no matter how caring, fair and just I'am that it will never be enough for everyone. It just seems to come with the territory. I really like the ladder analogy.

I don't take a pt load, but I do all the admits, discharges, run the floor and do bed flow. When I'm not working like a crazy person, I'm out on that floor helping them any way I can. We also do work weekends and holidays, so they see that too.

No, the 2.25 more an hour isn't worth it some days. I didn't do it for the money, I did it for the hours as I don't take low census and I'm a primary bread winner.

I feel better now. You guys rock. :)

[RHIA, RN]

continue to work the floor as a staff nurse at least once per week. rotate shifts and work an occasional weekend and holiday so you are visible and available to all staff members.

speak privately and promptly to employees needing counseling. speak publically and profusely about employees who do well.

don't ask an employee to do anything that you haven't done yourself first, or are at least capable and willing to do.

don't make promises that you don't have the authority to keep.

:)

qualities of my favorite charge nurse/ house supervisor ever! sandee my dear, i miss you!

[Jolie, BSN]

qualities of my favorite charge nurse/ house supervisor ever! sandee my dear, i miss you!

my mentor was cathy r. of rock hill, sc. she was a wonderful manager and teacher :)