how to be a great supervisor?

I'm not a supervisor, but I started as a CNA, and then became an RN--so I've been on both sides of the divide, I think that it's everywhere. I think there is a natural stigma that RNs look down on the CNAs and expect that they will do all of the dirty work, ie: bedpans, bathing, etc. while the RN doesn't pitch in. Some RNs unfortunately are like that, and have no problem sending a CNA into a room to change a patient, instead of doing it themselves. As a supervisor, you've got to break that barrier...create a two way road of respect. I had one of the best relationships on my unit with all of the CNAs because I had been there, and I refused to be one of those RNs that used and abused my CNA, and I very rarely got attitude or laziness.

What is wrong with asking a CNA to change a patient? I did this very thing the other morning. I had a lady who had soiled her bed, two patients with critical labs that had to be called and an IV to start on a patient with a late anitbiotic who also needed blood. Was I wrong to get the things I, and only I, can do done and ask the CNA to do the one thing on that list that she could do? I help when I can, but I think being able to priortize is what makes me the professional nurse whose job it is to manage the care...not necessarily do all of it. Am I wrong?

what is wrong with asking a cna to change a patient? i did this very thing the other morning. i had a lady who had soiled her bed, two patients with critical labs that had to be called and an iv to start on a patient with a late anitbiotic who also needed blood. was i wrong to get the things i, and only i, can do done and ask the cna to do the one thing on that list that she could do? i help when i can, but i think being able to priortize is what makes me the professional nurse whose job it is to manage the care...not necessarily do all of it. am i wrong?

oh gosh, of course you're not wrong to ask a cna to change a pt. that's part of his/her job. nurses can pitch in and help when able but cna's need to realize their duties. if you get refusals from the cna's to do such tasks, you need to counsel them and/or write them up.

Be fair, be consistent, and help out when you can. I can't tell you how many times I have seen nurses spend 10 minutes looking for a CNA to answer a call light. It's quicker to answer it yourself and find out what the person wants. Another thing, have clear expectations for how you want things done and communicate that to the staff.

Be willing to pitch in and get your hands dirty helping the CNAs - and don't brag about how unlike some nurses you are because you help out. Treat your coworkers with respect, but also let them know that, when it comes down to it, you're in charge. Create a team-like work environment, don't put anyone down, especially to your subordinates.

Good luck!

I also think it's good to know the people. My last administrator was fantastic. She could walk up/down halls asking staff.. how did your dad's surgery go, did your kid win their game last night, love that new car you got, etc. All staff, from managers to CNA's to dishwashers loved her because she seemed to really care about the people NOT just the work.

Thanks for all the wonderful input so far!:redpinkhe

There is no exact way of being one. It comes through time, experiences and mastery of the art of nursing as a team. Each of us play set of roles. The nurse plays the role of a coach/team captain/player delegating tasks and the cna's as co players with proper communication and a set goal of having the best care for the patient makes you win the game. I myself have a principle of role modelling. If the cna's know you can do it then there is no reason you can't. But of course nursing is by priority. First things first and others are delegated accordingly and commands are said appropriately.

Be willing to pitch in and get your hands dirty helping the CNAs - and don't brag about how unlike some nurses you are because you help out. Treat your coworkers with respect, but also let them know that, when it comes down to it, you're in charge. Create a team-like work environment, don't put anyone down, especially to your subordinates.

Good luck!

AMEN TO THAT! If you can do that when you can and when its really needed, your shift staff will always respect and appreciate you and they will most likely go the extra mile for you and in turn, they will be valuable to you and the facility. TRUST ME ON THIS! Good luck to you!

Its called "TEAMWORK" I could never do my job without my CNAs and I never forget that, nor let my CNAs forget it. I have 6 mins per resident to get my med pass finished according to protocal, I don't have alot of extra time, but I always make myself available to assist when needed. If something is important to them, then it is important to me as well. I don't micro-manage, we as a team get the job done period. I wouldn't trade my CNAs for anything.

What is wrong with asking a CNA to change a patient? I did this very thing the other morning. I had a lady who had soiled her bed, two patients with critical labs that had to be called and an IV to start on a patient with a late anitbiotic who also needed blood. Was I wrong to get the things I, and only I, can do done and ask the CNA to do the one thing on that list that she could do? I help when I can, but I think being able to priortize is what makes me the professional nurse whose job it is to manage the care...not necessarily do all of it. Am I wrong?

I don't think that there is anything wrong with asking a CNA to change a patient, however--I think that the problem lies when there is no teamwork...the scenario that you outlined states that you are going off to do other things that only you as a nurse can manage. Where I have witnessed most, if not all of the problems, from both sides of the coin, is that a nurse is in a room, sees that a patient is soiled and leaves the room to get the CNA to change the patient and the nurse isn't busy tending to anything else except for her personal life. It does portray an image of hierarchy that shouldn't exist. There is nothing in the job description of a nurse that says that he/she can't change a soiled patient or bathe a patient, etc. There is also a lot to be said for the tone, and the way that people are spoken to.

Last week an aide was in a johnny and I asked if she had spilled something. She answered the she was going to wash up a poopy resident. Contracted, demented, very sweet, but difficult. I asked if she needed help and she told me no. I got into a gown and gloves anyway and told, "She's due for a body audit, anyway." She broke into a big smile and we cleaned her up. News of that has traveled throughout the staff.

On the other hand, my floor nurses have been sniping at me for weeks, insinuating that I am not doing my job, etc. One blew up about something that was not me responsibility in front of and TO the DON, made sure everyone heard about it and, when I asked her why she's been angry at me, told me she hasn't been. I said, "You were already angry this morning." She said, "You're right."

She had NO examples she could give me of what I am not doing, NO specifics other than that she's not happy. NOTHING.