Do you, as a unit manager, have to come in to cover shifts?

This is a discussion on Do you, as a unit manager, have to come in to cover shifts? in Nursing Management, part of Nursing Specialties ... In my job description it says, "<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;...

by stephva1008 Sep 10, '10

In my job description it says, "<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Csteph%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsoh tmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Csteph%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsoh tmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Csteph%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsoh tmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><style>  </style> The Unit Manager is responsible for the 24-hour management of the unit."

How often do you get called in? Just curious, I know it's one of the "thankless" parts of the role...

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by stephva1008 Sep 10, '10 6:01 pm

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6 Comments so far...
Sep 10, '10 by elkpark

I've never been a NM myself (have never wanted to be), but I know that, at every place I've ever working over many years, it has been the responsibility of the NM to come in and work the floor if all else failed and s/he couldn't get anyone else to work.

I haven't seen it happen much over the years -- just once in a while. In my current facility, I've even seen my NM come in and work the floor as a tech a few times.
Sep 11, '10 by catlover314

I've been in my NM job for almost a year and have worked on the floor twice so far. I'm their last resort, but they know they can call me anytime. NM's also take one weekend a month of Admin call and can be called by any of the cluster units if need be for staffing. I've never had to work staff on other units, though I get calls on Admin or staffing questions once or twice per weekend. Hope that helps.
Sep 12, '10 by stephva1008

That's good to know. Since March, it has been about 3 times so I guess that isn't too bad, though it's more than what was told me on interview. Just want to make sure this was pretty standard for UM's...Thanks1
Sep 18, '10 by kayern

As a NM of almost five years, I've never been called in to work the floor because I am not considered a direct care giver. 24/7 responsibility means much more than meeting staffing requirements. I'm called to problem solve staffing issues and have gone in to help until assistance is found but that is by MY choice not because I'm mandated to do so.
My staff knows I would come in in a heartbeat if all other means of staffing the unit fails. I'm on the unit when it is busy doing whatever it is that needs to be done, D/Cing, admitting, medicating etc.

The first and very last thing I do daily is to recheck the schedule to insure we have the staff we need. Of course there is nothing that can be done r/t unexpected sick calls other than to hope we get a float or use O/T. I treat the staffs schedule as if it were my own, so when I need something, I make deals with them which benefits both the unit and themselves.

Last edit by kayern on Sep 18, '10 : Reason: grammer
Sep 26, '10 by DCtraumarn

CNM's have 24/7 accountability to manage their unit and staffing so it is ulitilmately their responsibility to work if they have not been able to secure other staff. It happens at times.
Admin

Oct 4, '10 by NRSKarenRN

When I couldn't hire an RN to save my sanity 4 yrs ago, worked every other weekend for almost a year.

Just worked past three weeks straight as new database installed. I have per diem that that only work on WE, have other FT job and no educator. Took one 1 vacation prior to this stretch....also had off 2 separate vacations, total 5 weeks earlier in the year. So yes, I cover my dept.

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Do you, as a unit manager, have to come in to cover shifts?

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