Managing nurses that used to be your preceptors

[dableaper]

I became a floor manager over 40 LTC beds after three years out of nursing school. I'm having a problem approaching coworkers when they need to be disciplined because I used to be their equal and now I'm their manager. A lot of them have worked on our floor for years before I even thought about nursing school. I just find it difficult to address people as a boss when i used to be their equal. We have a good rapport on our shift and always work together as a team but sometimes there is the occasional mishap that needs to be addressed and I always find it difficult to address the situation. I don't want to get anyone in trouble, but i want everyone to do their job and do it well. It was even brought up on my annual eval that I do not address disciplinary action in a timely manner. What can i do to "toughen" myself up to be able to approach these people without worrying about what they will think about me?

[PsychNurseWannaBe, BSN, RN]

Its always rough in the beginning. It takes time. When I talk with a nurse or CNA I try to incorporate some education into it... and offer suggestions that may help them. Try to remember to always have a line of communication open. Lead by example. Help out where you can. In the end you will have to understand that they will be upset if they are getting disciplined but I feel when I do it, I try to do it in a way that doesn't come across judgemental or condenscending. Help them problem solve the situation. Will they be upset if they are disciplined... I am sure they will be. Who wouldn't? No one like to be reprimanded. But there are ways to do it that retains the person's dignity.

The one thing that annoys me is when management doesn't say anything UNTIL a review occurs and then the person is presented with a laundry list of areas where they need to improve. I am a firm believer that if my staff is surprised with something on their review, then I wasn't an effective manager.

[montecarlo64, ASN, BSN, LPN]

When I was an LPN, I trained many of the new nurses...Some of these nurses have excelled to management and one is almost finished with her masters' degree for nurse practitioner...I now have many years of nursing experience, and am now a RN...I would welcome constructive criticism or a "heads up" that I need to improve, as any good health care provider would...Don't be fearful of your mentors...I am sure they are very proud of your accomplishments, as I am of the many that I mentored...Remember, they were and still are part of making you become successful in who you are & don't forget to remind them of that...good luck!