HELP-New role nightmare

[KJAVRN]

I recently changed roles from an ICU RN to a supervisory role. When I interviewed for the job I was told that hours ere flexible as long a the job gets done. Flexibility is important to me because I have a young child and no family on the east coast at all to help with childcare. I told my manager this at the interview, and she assured me it would not be an issue. Last week I put in 60 hours ( for my 40 hr a week salaried position). This week I worked 50 hours. When I wanted to leave 2 hours early one day, I was told it doesn't matter how many hours I had put in previousy, that long hours are what the job takes and that I could not leave. I feel like i have mandatory OT. I like my job, and don't mind long hours if I can leave a little early once in a while. I feel like this is not what I signed up for. I want to keep climbing the career ladder, but I also would like to be able to see my family. Somebody please offer some suggestions on how I can remind my boss of what was promised when I interviewed, without jepordizing my new position!

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

I would request a meeting (or simply catch her and say "can we talk for a few minutes?) and be quite honest and upfront. Start off on a positive note, that you like the job and the organization and are committed. Tell her that your family is your first priority and your child is going to be young only once and you're not going to miss it and live a life of regret that you put job over family. Inform her that you're also committed to getting the job done as evidenced by your many hours and your committment, but you expect that the organization is going to be supportive of the flexible hours that were offered during the interview, and that before you put in your notice, you'd like to work something out.

Usually positive direct confrontation and asking for what you need works.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

KJAVRN,

Welcome to nursing management

Is it any wonder that experienced nurses are opting out of 'management' jobs at record levels these days? Been there, done that.

Of course, everything really depends on your environment - doesn't sound very supportive to me. But the most important thing in any type of 'exempt' (salaried) position is to learn to set limits. Otherwise, you will find that you are actually earning minimum wage - because of all the hours you put in. You really need to know your limitations.

Second most important thing - delegation. You don't have to do everything yourself. If you aren't permitted to delegate, I would advise you to seek another job 'cause you aren't really in a supervisor role. But if you can -- triage your work and see what you can hand off to others. Keep all of the critical, high priority stuff for yourself. Be sure to follow up and make sure that handed-off tasks are done right. Be generous with acknowledgment and recognition of the efforts of your subordinates when they finish the task. Make sure they know how much you value them.

Take a good hard look at all the 'stuff' you are doing. Is all of it really necessary?? I have always found that there were lots of 'must do' things such as scheduled reports - that simply weren't needed anymore. I stopped doing them - held my breath - but no one ever asked me to resume the activity. Go figure. Busy work seems to multiply if you are willing to do it.

If you can carve out the time - embark on some self-education to increase your confidence in your management competence. If nothing else, find an experienced manager to be your mentor -- NOT anyone in your own reporting line. She/he can guide you through the 'rough patches'

Lastly, if you have a goal of moving into management - don't let your current job become a show-stopper. Stay in your current job long enough to get the experience on your resume & then move on to another organization with a better environment and support for their managers. Chalk all of this up to an intense learning experience - all you have to do is remember your current manager & you'll really know what NOT to do.