We finally got a new Nurse Manager!!

live4today, RN · Jun 26, 2003

Hi altomga

I hear your heart, and feel your thoughts because I am currently working on a floor where the former nurse manager is now admin, and our new nurse manager use to be admin. It is difficult for a new nurse manager to come and straighten out messes that were allowed to exist for a long time. I, too, hope our new nurse manager will eventually win the respect of all on our unit because I happen to believe she is good for our unit.

She's the kind of nurse manager who has an open door policy with her staff. She dons a uniform quite often and helps out on the floor. She's a "hands-on" nurse manager with her staff and patients.

I've had only two nurses managers in my 16 years as a nurse that I respect, and my current nurse manager is one of them.

Her hands are tied....almost in a "catch-22" situation.....when it comes to wanting to make changes that would be very appealing to the staff as a whole vs. what admin and higher ups may expect of her. I, too, can feel and understand her situation knowing the kind of nurse manager she is.

The only thing that will speed along the positive progression of any unit is the staff giving their all to making those changes take effect as the nurse manager does her best to implement them.

A nursing staff is only as strong as their nurse manager, and a nurse manager can only be as effective as her staff allows her to be. When the two fight against one another nothing gets resolved and the job will always feel like "deadweight".

Do your part in supporting your new nurse manager, and encourage the other staff to do the same. Do not be afraid of sharing your professional ideas and thoughts with your nurse manager and the staff you work with. Most of all, do not be afraid to take a strong stand on changes that need to be implemented for the betterment of the entire unit.......even if no one else will join you in that particular cause. :nurse:

altomga, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, APRN · Jun 26, 2003

thanks Cheerfuldoer!!

Great advice. I do want to make things happen on my floor. We have some great nurses. That is why I hopefully will get the position that was offered to me earlier in the year (doesn't start until Oct) It is only a SDC role, but I feel that I may be able to carry a little more weight that from that of a staff nurse. The position is for my unit; so all the nurses know me and know they can trust me.

I do have a big mouth so hopefully the new manager can put up with it. The floor could be so much better and yes I agree we do need staff and management to work together to solve the problems. Unfortunately we have a lot of staff that think they are doing US a favor by just showing up to work period (and showing up late may I add) Their attitude is "I'm here, what more do you want?" This is the type of thing that needs to get straightened out. And more of course:)

Again, thanks for the reply....It is greatly APPRECIATED!!!:):)

live4today, RN · Jun 26, 2003

Those co-workers who have an attitude such as you spoke of will eventually have to do one of two things:

Either conform to the positive changes expected of them by the nurse manager and other staff who support her/him, or move on elsewhere.

Trouble usually leaves when they feel behaving such a way is no longer working for them. Hang in there! :)