New to Management, help!

[GI-RN-PDX]

Hey folks, I'm new to this forum, so thanks for reading my post!

I was recently promoted to Asst RN supervisor from a regular staff RN position. I'm only out of school 2yrs and lack management experience but have worked in healthcare in non-RN positions for 10yrs. Anyhow, our group consists of about 1/2 RN's and 1/2 MA's. I've noticed that a few of the MA's are being disrectpectful to me while our boss is out of town and I'm supposed to be running the show. I know they are probably testing me but it actually hurts my feelings and causes me a lot of stress (welcome to management, right!? LOL). I'm usually pretty tough, stand up for myself. But during a few interactions this week I've become speechless by the responses I'm getting from staff.

My question is how did you deal with disrespectful employees as a new RN supervisor? My husband is telling me to read Crucial Conversations, which I'm definitely going to do!

Any advice would be much appreciated!!!

[stephva1008]

I did love "Crucial Conversations" and you will find a lot of help there.

A couple possible responses:

"While I appreciate the fact that you feel comfortable sharing your feelings about ____ with me, I would prefer we discuss it with her present. I'd be glad to set something up with her when she returns?" (usually defuses)

"I don't want you to feel like I'm upset with you. I do want you to work on talking directly to ______ as I know that she and I both prefer direct conversation vs. discussing in front of colleagues."

I think it would help if you "scripted" different responses to scenarios and give it a go. The book will help a lot. "crucial confrontations" is also good.

Good luck! Keep us posted!

[kayern]

There is another one.............Perfect phrases for Managers & Supervisors and one about dealing with difficult people. Search them on e-bay.

I'm assuming you were promoted on your own unit so now you are managing the very same staff that were your peers. They are testing you.

Be careful when dealing with disruptive staff, don't let them bait you into a discussion/debate when they have a captive audience. Do as the previous poster suggested and keep a paper trail.

Good Luck...........The hardest part of any management role is the personnel management part. You'll be fine if you are fair.