After a year, it seems the managers ignore me

[SoundofMusic]

I've been off orientation about a year now -- and now, it seems, the management doesn't have a lot to say to me. I do ok, don't get "dinged" much on my charts or care. I might get the occasional reminder -- maybe I'm doing ok, but I also wonder if they just are so overwhelmed at times trying to bring in the next crop that they just leave you alone, knowing that you are independent. I don't know. It feels weird -- like at one time I was the cute kitten that got all the attention - and now I'm just the grown up cat that doesn't anymore.

I suppose I should be glad they're leaving me alone. I don't know. Has anyone else noticed this?

[SoundofMusic]

Don't expect too much positive feedback. It'd be nice, but it just doesn't work that way. Sure, you were the little kitten that got a lot of attention - they had to mind you from jumping on the counter, climbing the curtains and eating the plants. Now you're the grown up cat and you know better than to do these things, but be assured that if you do jump up on the counter you'll get promptly blasted with the squirt gun by management.

I always enjoyed when then kittens learned to be grown up cats.

ROFL!!! Yeah, I guess I'm just a semi-grown up cat now. I do get the occasional squirt, but not often. Just wish I could get a little catnip once in a while, LOL.

Seriously, though -- our unit has grown by leaps and bounds. We have gone from a start up to a unit with great customer satisfaction ratings and statewide awards. I wasn't entirely responsible, but I was part of it. I hung with them through very difficult growing pains.

I don't know what I expect -- just perhaps an occasional "how's it going? Are you doing ok? We just appreciate what you're doing, and we think you're doing great. You've come a long way and we're really proud. A verbal would be nice. Something personal. Not just kudos for being recognized by a patient, which they give to everybody.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Don't expect too much positive feedback. It'd be nice, but it just doesn't work that way. Sure, you were the little kitten that got a lot of attention - they had to mind you from jumping on the counter, climbing the curtains and eating the plants. Now you're the grown up cat and you know better than to do these things, but be assured that if you do jump up on the counter you'll get promptly blasted with the squirt gun by management.

I always enjoyed when then kittens learned to be grown up cats.

I always did enjoy a good metaphor...........this is one of the most original and best!!

[Vito Andolini]

I think of it this way: the job of a manager is to run the unit. The manager hires, fires, handles the scheduling and budget.

Anything personal is extra.

I don't expect praise unless I have done something truly exceptional.

Yeah, but it is nice to feel that they know you exist. Although I do agree that it's best not to get much attention and that no news is usually good news.

Anyway, OP, rest assured that they will give you more attention than you ever hoped for if you screw up.:yeah:And I guess you could ask the manager how you're doing, if you really want to know. Better yet, ask her how she's doing or if she'd like to grab a coffee some time after work, if you think that would be appropriate?

[llg, PhD, RN]

Welcome to the world of being a grown-up. It sounds like you are doing a good job and that your boss knows it (or she would be letting you know.)

Being a middle-manager is one of the toughest jobs in the world. Middle managers have to deal with problem after problem after problem after problem all day long. Believe me, most would LOVE to have the time to go around and provide positive feedback to all their competent employees. But they simply don't have the time or the energy to take of the problems and also have much left over to give to those not in crisis at the moment.

That's why it is so important for everyone on the staff to provide that positive feedback to everyone else. When is the last time you took the time to tell your colleagues how much you appreciate them? ... or ... Told your boss how much you appreciates all she has done to provide you with a decent job and a decent work environment? If you start the ball rolling on your unit, maybe it will eventually roll back to you.

[loricatus]

You are 'flying under the radar,' which is a good thing for you.

Be certain that your manager has a select few that report (gossip) on the goings on, so your manager can stay aware of things on your unit. If you were not holding your own or getting along with your fellow nurses, these 'reporters' would make certain that you were on the radar.

[jmking]

I agree with several other posters, no news is good news.