Issues faced by Nurse Managers

Carrie RN · Mar 13, 2014

There are two schools of thought. The first is that the manager of the department is the "best" nurse on the floor. The second is a good manager is good at managing people. Rarely do the two coexist. Will you be filling in on the floor if someone calls in or the acuity raises? Then keep your skill set up. The best thing to do is have expectations in writing that nurses and other staff can be held accountable to. Do not let people cross the line or there will be a stampede of biblical proportions. If your employer offers training; take it. Every class counts.

NCineas · Mar 13, 2014

I agree with you Carrie. The combination of the two are key to staff feeling they can come to you with a clinica issue and holding them accountable.

PHXRN1 · Mar 13, 2014

Your question covers an exceptionally broad range of skills. For example, are you asking about:

-time management

-performance management of direct reports

-unit productivity

-hospital logistics/patient flow

-employee scheduling

-patient relations

-career development of direct reports

-project management

-crucial conversations with staff

-balance of clinical assistance vs executive presence

-encouraging work/life balance of staff

-meaningful employee recognition

-HCAHPS and unit accountability

-MD relations

-etc

There are a lot of hats we wear. Often you just need to put one on and where it till it fits.

Any of those in particular that you were wondering about?