Changing a unit's culture?

[JenniferSews]

I started in LTC/subacute 6 months ago as a new grad. Fast forward to today and I am now unit manager of a different unit. 60 beds of subacute patients with a crew that doesn't work like my old team did. I'm at a loss. My old unit worked together out of mutual respect for each other and our patients. This team seems burned out and they know going the extra mile today means that an extra 2 miles will be expected tomorrow. I have no idea what to do to turn this all around. The pt complaints are innumerable. I somehow need to change the culture to a group effort like my old unit but I really don't know how. On my previous unit things worked smoothly before I ever started. I "led" by example. My CNA's knew I had their back so they always went the extra mile. When call lights were going off I answered them. But that's a tricky road since some will just take advantage.

I'd really appreciate some practical advice. What makes you, or your nurse manager, effective? How can I support my team without being ridden into the ground? In my previous careers I led well because people respected me. I was usually promoted from within and my coworkers knew that I knew what I was doing. They knew I wasn't asking them anything I wouldn't do myself if I could. They knew I'd stay late and work hard to make their lives a little easier and they knew I respected them and their strengths from the bottom of my heart. I haven't had the opportunity to work with these people like that so they only know me as the "favorite child" who kicked out their buddyr.

Before we start, management knows my lack of experience. They know the challenges and still think I can do this despite my spoken misgivings and the petition from the unit to keep their previous manager. OTOH everyone in the building including myself would follow the administrator to hell and back (and many have in the last 10+ years.) I respect that individual enough to push myself. I also had no choice in the move other than get a job somewhere else. In this economy I'd be better off winning the lottery. Any constructive input is appreciated.