Help with my new Clinical Sup Job?

[RNintheER]

I posted recently on interview advice and ended up getting the clinical supervisor position in my ER. Now I start in a week or two and am nervous about what to do. The job description is very vague and the schedule is one of the main things that I will be doing. Also, meetings, bulletin board maintenance, community outreach, and whatever else the director delegates me to do.

Here is my issue.....I know that JCAHO and DHS have "rules" and our hospital follows them.....I think! Where can I find this information? Is there something listed on a website? Examples of issues are having an RN at the triage window (our hospital employs LVN's in ER as well) and having hallway beds for patients. Where can I find this information?

Also, any advice or recommendations on what to read, websites to visit, etc, regarding anything that you think might help me in my new position, would be greatly appreciated. I have absolutely no experience in management of any kind. During the winter months there are always patients boarding in the ER and I know this issue causes problems between the supervisors of the ER and other floors. I just know there is so much to learn and I would like to know something before I start!

Also, the person who was previously in this position has since quit and I will basically be learning as I go. She will come in and help train me when she can but I will have a lot to learn on my own.

Thanks for any advice/guidance/recommendations!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Congratulations on your new job. Your supervisor should have established an orientation plan with you - but since it doesn't sound like she/he has, here is what I would suggest.

Develop a written plan & get your supervisor to sign of on it. The plan can be very simple... put together a simple table or outline. First, list all the "new" duties that come with your new job. Then, list all of the questions you have about that duty. Next, meet with your supervisor to see how many of the questions he/she can answer and put these answers in the third column. For any question that cannot be answered, ask for a resource (person, policy, guideline, etc) where you can find an answer....list these beside the question.

It would end up looking something like this...

Duty: Hall Bed management

Question1: Can occupied beds be placed anywhere in the hallway?

Answer1: Regulations have been changed, refer to Joint Commission / accreditation Coordinator & Safety officer

Your 'orientation' plan will naturally develop from the 'answers' you receive. Do not hesitate to meet with the experts - but when you do, be prepared with a list of your questions. They will appreciate your preparation. It will also provide you with a very nice way to get to know all your resource people.

Of course, keep good records of your 'orientation' and make sure that it gets into your personnel file. You may even have to create some 'competency checklists' and get them signed by the person who "owns" that area. Orientation to new positions is a JC 'biggie', and lack of this documentation will create problems for your supervisor - - - ironic, isn't it?

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Joint Commission and OSHA all have websites but your Safety Officer, Staff Development Educator, Plant Operations Director, Quality Director (or whoever handles JC) can help you. I recommend you get on the Environment of Care committee to learn what is going on around the facility. Don't forget to delegate - the charge nurses ought to be able to help with scheduling. AND do not forget to get a copy of your Nurse Practice Act. It amazes me how many Directors call me weekly about things that are clearly stated in the NPA (and online!).