Advice for the new Nsg. Supervisor

[bsrn0523]

I recently accepted a position at a local LTC facility as one of two 8a-4p supervisors. My background is primarily in med-surg, peds, and home health care, but I did work as 3-11p charge on a LTC unit as a LPN years ago.

I was wondering if you could post any sage advice for me? Anything that you might think is relevant to my success as a supervisor, as well as what to expect within a typical (or atypical) day. Another posterhas been kind enough to give me some advice, and now I would like to ask the rest of you as well.

Thanks so much!

[achot chavi]

Get the best orientation you can and keep your eyes open, and mouth shut in the beginning. I kept a notebook with ideas and notes and that was very helpful. I keep another notebook with a page for each staff member according to unit and i write notes if i notice problems or the need to reeducate someone- it helps me track recurrent problems and reminds me who needs in-services in what. You cant always point out a problem (depending on the severity) on the same day it happened (for so many reasons) this allows me to get back to when I feel the message will be better received

Have regular (weekly?) meetings to organize tasks and stay on top of things and make sure that they understand how you want things done.

Keep a calender detailing that needs to be done by when etc.

relax, smile and enjoy!!