New Unit Manager - short term

[ComeTogether, LPN]

I've recently accepted a position as Unit Manager for a 38 bed sub-acute unit.   I don't have management experience in nursing, and honestly - I have no idea what I'm doing, but they know that.  

Looking for advice in how to transition from my current role as floor nurse/bedside nurse.  I won't be starting for a few more weeks at least.  

My DON is going to train/teach me as I go, but I'm feeling very anxious and almost as if I have no business taking this position.  Is that normal?  Am I in way over my head? 

I have 5 years of experience as a nurse, have good clinical judgement and a great relationship with the medical director as well as most of the covering NP/PA providers with the exception of one NP. 

 I also have good rapport with most of the patients and their families for our handful of long term and frequent flier patients and I develop a good rapport pretty quickly with any new patients.  That being said I have NO IDEA about regulations and so forth. 

 

Any advice on organization systems for schedules for psychotropic consents, assessments, etc.?   

 

Thanks in advance if you're still reading. ?

[86toronado, BSN, RN]

I took a position as a unit Manager in a LTC facility last year.  I had no LTC experience whatsoever.  It was scary, and then we got to deal with a COVID outbreak in our facility on top of everything else!  
I have been muddling through.  I have found that my staff nurses are my best source of information when I don’t know something, they usually do, LOL.

[La'sBlueSky]

Review policy and procedures for your facility (esp. concerning education/clinical concern/disciplines pertaining to staff, documentation requirements, discharges, death in the facility). Review performance plan for unit managers from HR. Unit Manager duties may be in Policy and Procedures for your facility.