I need help supervising!

[bwilsonrn]

I am Med Surg supervisor for a 40 bed rural hospital. I want to love my people and make work fun. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[foggnm]

Learn how to engage in honest, direct communications and be fair in any discipline you have to hand out. Learn your facility's policies and current priorities. Lead by example. Don't play favorites. Take care of yourself outside of work so you can be your best at work.

[SmilingBluEyes]

I dunno---- it almost sounds like you are worried about popularity, not really being a leader. They need a leader, someone not afraid to stand alone when they have to, to support and do what's right and to have their backs no matter what. Someone whose word is solid and actions predictable and is clear on expectations and boundaries. Someone they can look up to, who takes an interest in them, in who they are---- and appreciates and capitalizes on their individual strengths and talents.

All of that is what I look for and what I try to do as a charge nurse and supervisor in a clinic, myself. Being "fun" is all well and good, but the above is my priority in supervision.

Fun is important too, don't get me wrong; you can have theme potlucks and yes, nurses' week activities, of course. Celebrating holidays, dressing up (within reason) on Halloween and Christmas, for example, all fun. And being lighthearted and having a great sense of humor, also key.

Good luck.