Manager

[special1rn]

I am just wondering how many people have become managers of departments with nurses they have previously worked with. I am interviewing for director position in ICU. I worked with these nurses for about 5 years, and would be their direct supervisor hired. I am wondering for those that have been through this what was the transition like. I should also add that the moral on the unit is awful.

[vulupure]

I am in the same position. Would love to hear some feedback.

[Libby1987]

I went into administration. It has been a smooth transition and I would say that is because I had the clinical performance credibility, regulatory and reimbursement knowledge and had already acted as a leader in various ways that built trust and confidence.

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

Supervising those who were once peers is always a challenge. However, it is not impossible. Some will find it easier than others to accept your new role, but accept it they must. Not playing favorites is the first piece of advice I would give you - and don't let your new subordinates take advantage of your prior relationship to get away with things that you would not tolerate from those who you did not previously know. Even though you were once coworkers, they need to know that substandard work is not acceptable regardless.

[jrt4]

I was in this spot when I first got into leadership. Its challenging...they will test your new relationship. Its important to just treat everyone consistently. I was fortunate that I was not friends with any of them outside of work. I keep my work and home life separate as much as possible. I have seen managers be friends with their "employees" but it doesn't come without risks. If you are good friends with any of them I would encourage you to have a sit down and chat about the new dynamic...no agenda but just have a chat and acknowledge that it has to be different and its going to feel weird at times.

[luvsltcrn]

Going from coworker to manager is a difficult transition. I was friends with many of my coworkers before I became their manager and I had a hard time. Eventually you drift away from the friendship role and assume the manager role. It was very lonely for a while - until I became friends with other managers. Now I make sure to never form a friendship with anyone that I supervise. It makes your work life much easier to maintain the boundaries between yourself and the people you supervise.