New nurse just became nurse manager!

Published

Specializes in PMHNP.

I've been a nurse for 8 months and I was just hired as a unit manager for a small SNF. I'm excited but nervous. Any tips?:yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

1. Get plenty of orientation as to CMS rules and regs.

2. Know the employee handbook inside and out.

3. Ensure you have upper management back-up.

4. Know your duties and your scope.

5. Take some management courses outside of work.

6. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB, NICU, Nursing Education (academic).

Diplomacy will get you far!

Stand up for the nurses on your unit.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Overcome your inexperience (perception by others) with tact, graciousness and go to the wall for your nurses!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Congrats! insist on a full orientation, don't let them push you before you're ready to assume the full role.

Step lightly. You're messing with the facility's money.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER,ICU,L+D,OR.

good luck, congratulations, condolences

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Behavioral Health, Show Biz.

:yeah:CONGRATS!@

We need young, "fresh" Nurse Manangers

to bring

a breath of life

to nursing!

Kudos to you for starting early!

:yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rehab, Infection, LTC.

have you lost your mind??????????

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in medicine and psychiatry.

southernbeegirl you are a hoot:chuckle

If you do take the position ( which I would reccoment that you not ) I would accept all of the above advice given.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU.

Good luck :yeah:

do you have Master Degree on Nursing? If I want to take manager position am I need MSN?:confused:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

All of the above.

Head over to the LTC forum..many great threads!

Good Luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.
have you lost your mind??????????

:chuckle This was my first reaction. I remember what I was like 8 months out of school. I did it, I did it well, but it was tough.

Having said that, be prepared for some (maybe a lot) of skepticism about your abilities, get to know your facility backwards and forwards, and yes, back up your staff. Be firm - have the backbone to run your unit effectively, but be diplomatic, dignified and fair. One cardinal rule to remember, actually two: 1) Counseling absolutely must be done in private. No dressing down of staff in front of other staff or residents. 2) Take nothing personally. Do your job to the best of your ability and remember: no one knows everything. Be willing to admit mistakes and treat everything as a continuation of your education.

Good luck, young grasshoppah! :yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion