Just promoted, but coworkers are mean!

I can personally relate to your problem as I am going through the same thing. You won't be able to get this to work without consensus from the staff. Meaning, you're going to need 'buy in' from them. To accomplish this, you're going to need frequent staff meetings to get everyone together. Let them know your goals: what you're trying to accomplish. Let them know your ground rules: you expect them to be efficient, timely, and competent. There is no tolerance for unprofessional behavior, such as gossiping, undermining, and disrespect. Let them know that they are an integral part of the team: they have worked here longer, they are in tune with what has happened in the past, as well as seen what has/has not worked in the past. Let them know that the changes you're trying to make are geered toward efficiency, patient safety, and process improvement only and that these changes, although tough at first require team involvement, team input, and support from your staff. Secondly, you need to make sure management supports these ideas and will back you up when needed. Management needs to also inform your staff that they support you and your decisions and that they would appreciate the staff 'buy in.' It's like this: you're all on a bus going in the same direction. If someone is not going in that direction, then they need to get off the bus. It's your bus! Hang tough, address issues one on one, hold frequent meetings to keep staff informed, and email/call peers that can help and support you. Best of everything. Don't give up. YOU CAN DO THIS! I can tell by your emails that you have what it takes!!!!

Thanks for your good advice. take care.

I just read the description of your working conditions and it sounds exactly like the scenario I left. You need to leave. You need to take care of yourself first or you can't help anyone else. I stuck it out for 6 months in a horrible ED as 3-11 supervisor before I left. Thirty years of nursing and I had never quit anything until last year. I am now very happily the nurse manager of a hospice unit. I agree with the other posts-you can't be friends. It is very difficult to go from co-worker to manager. Find another place to manage. Good luck!