Advice for a new unit manager in LTC

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Specializes in adult psych, LTC/SNF, child psych.

Hi. I'm currently a night shift supervisor at my facility but will be transferring to a sister facility within the next week and a half to act as a "DCD" (Director of Care Delivery)/unit manager. I am looking forward to the transition, both from nights to days and from being the messenger between shifts and actually getting to help with change and promote quality patient care.

Aside from getting to know a whole new set of residents (I'll be responsible for 2 units - one with 20ish beds and one with 40ish beds), new staff, and gaining the respect of both sets of new faces, what else do I need to be prepared for? I know I should be prepared to be "tested" - I'm 26 years old and have been a nurse for 5 years. I feel confident that I can do well in this position but am worried that I am going to have to work really hard to gain the respect and trust of my staff and residents.

The DON at the facility has been covering these two units while the position has been open, and it became open because the last person in the position had kids and it wasn't a very "kid-friendly" position - she went to a sister facility and is working in MDS now. The unit managers at my facility seem confident that I will be able to do well in this position, and I am excited about the change, but I've very worried about the transition. Unlike a floor nurse position, there's not going to be a "set" orientation schedule and I'm not necessarily or likely going to be shadowing someone for a length of time. I've been promised that I won't immediately be held to the standards of a competent unit manager but any suggestions, advice or reading y'all might have for me would be greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in School Nursing, Public Health, Home Care.

Keep a notebook or binder and record everything you learn. At your convenience, you can categorize or file the info. Some things you will discuss and not experience for months--that way you have your own reference instead of "oh yes, I remember that so and so said something about that....."

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You have it right, respect is earned, not a given. I agree with previous poster about keeping notes. A good planner will also help.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

FWIW... I enjoyed the DCD / ADON position, but...

hated my Unit Manager spot. It was like nursing bookkeeping... count how many foleys, adaptive equipment, psych meds, on and on and on! And on a daily basis... torture!

All the best to you!

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

As a former unit manager....get a plan of your own to stay organized. Make sure the systems that are in place are being followed-falls, weights, pharmacy recs, doctor visits.

As far as not being held to the standard of a competent unit manager when you first start.....I'd be careful. If you're there and have a license, you will be held responsible. Good luck.

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