Leadership question

LPN27713 · May 8, 2015

well its a legit question, ive been to many interviews and this question comes up allot!

they basically want to know if you can baby-sit CNA's and other staff- because when the push come to shove - you have a code or a very bussy / stressful day- you want to make sure the CNA's are on the same page as you are.

just let them know if you- suppose in school would gather people together for a group study, or in a previous job were you given the "boss powers" and were you a good leader. Generally as a charge nurse you have to make sure that there are no miscommunications so that everything runs smoothly during your shift so let them know you are a great communicator

good luck job hunting :)

go to indeed, glass door and other websites if you cant find one...

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 9, 2015

The reality in many employment markets is that new grad LPNs are hired as charge nurses in certain settings, especially nursing homes, assisted living, and rehab.

An LPN charge nurse needs basic leadership skills, such as good communication techniques, the ability to supervise CNAs without being treated like a doormat, and interpersonal skills to navigate social situations (upset families, unhappy residents, coworker conflicts, etc).

MedChica · May 11, 2015

LVN/PNs are 'charge' nurses. (RNs are 'supervisors'.)

-- You've got to know how to manage or effectively lead the CNAs. Dont be a pushover but dont be a *****, either. Be fair. There will be aide to aide isdues that you must get under control bc such break down unit cohesion AND slow you down in your work. There will be lazy aides who half do their work. You must handle this. Ppl have bad days and a good amt of CNA complaints are valid/legit. Its not really a 'do as I say. Im the nurse' situation, after all. But, you will come across 'problem children': Half do their work, disappear, bad attitudes, abusing other aides, taking advantage if other audes, scheming to get out of work, etc....

Dont give an inch to ppl like this.

We once had a girl who had her bf come tp work faking chest pain. Whatd we do? Call 911, informed the fireteam rescue that he was possibly malingering but we called to be on the safe side. All 100 of them came marching down the hall and ambushed both of them. Ticked off. LOL The aides and the nurses were giggling around the corner. In the end, they took her bf's lying a--to the hospital, they had to pay for the transport and visit, nurse coworker called the ADON to report her shifty ways and she STILL had to stay and finish her shift. She was fired the following week.

Nurses:5

Lazy CNA: 0

RN was gone for the day so dont blame the RN. It was just us two little LPNs being 'messy'. The RN laughed her butt off about it, the next day.

For that matter, any aide of this type, telling you what theyre 'not gonna do' is an aide that needs paperwork and to be sent home.

"Clock out and go home."

Bad attitude new aide who indirectly states that theyre gonna walk off shift as they've done in other facilities? Confront and beat them to the punch. "Clock out and go home." Tell them why, of course.

The point is: F-- ppl like that.

Im not bluffing when I saw that Id rather hit the floor with the aides myself than deal with a deadweight, malingering CNA with an attitude problem Screw it. We'll bust a--. We'll order pizza and Dew or Wingstop...and talk s-- about the loser aide.

On another note, when you can and when it's necessary (against rude family mbrs. Bc some will talk down to and completely disrespecf our aides but behave like perfect angels around the nurse.)? Back your aides up.

-- You've got to know how to manage 'the floor'. Meals behind? You must f/u and discover why.

Housekeeping vs CNAs or Dietary vs CNAs...? Gotta fix it. Short staffed or aides walked off the job? Gotta find a way to keep the plates spinning, regardless.

There's a lot of troubleshooting involved in nursing and the RN isn't always around -- and even if they are, most just supervise. They're like backup.

You cannot hide behind the RN. Youre 'charge'. Be 'charge'.

Emily456 · May 11, 2015

I think it's a very legitimate question. I was thrown off by this in my first interview. But then I got on the floor and I understood why. You've got to know how to delegate, manage, support, and work together with your CNA's/RCA's/STNA's, what have you. When I first became I nurse (just a year ago) I learned the hard way, that you can't let your nurses aids walk all over you. Because things simply just won't get done. Don't get me wrong, you cannot dictate them around and speak condiscendingly to them. Nurses aids and the unknown Angels of the nursing world. They're your eyes and ears, and they know those patients better than anybody else. So treat them that way. You've got to work with authority, and as a team. knowing how to work with your aids in a way that they respect you, get things done, but also feel that they can come to you is incredibly important. í ½í¸Š