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Discussion

No manager on the ward today - who is in charge?

We normally have 5 nurses and a manager on but for the last few weeks one of the managers is off so there are a few days a week without one. Do we have to pick someone ourselves to be in charge or does it go by seniority? And if so, can you refuse?

The ward is very busy and it's hard enough to do our own jobs without doing someone else's!

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    • Featured Replies

    I would think this question would be more appropriate for your manager or a hospital administrator. There isn't really a standard answer for this question.

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    I've never heard of a unit being without a manager unless it's a pre-arranged vacation. In that case, there is always a designated substitute.

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    • Guides

    Your management team should be addressing this.

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    • Author

    'Should be' being the operative words! Our superior told us to sort it out amongst ourselves. I was just wondering if anyone else came across this. It happens quite alot.

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    • Expert

    I would think that if something happened ... the manager's immediate supervisor would be the one on the legal hook. If the manager left without designating anyone to cover for her, the next person up the chain of command would be the right person to take any issues to. Do that a few times and the manager's boss might solve your problems for you.

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    I worked on a newly formed unit like this. The director, who was not a nurse, decided that only day shift needed a team leader(charge nurse). I worked evenings, so every time some one asked for the team leader or a decision needed to be made, I referred them to the house supervisor. things changed real quick. If your superior refuses to designate someone to assume the manager role, then you refer everything to her.

    In my experience, being a manager requires extra training, carries a great deal of responsibility and is usually salaried, not hourly. If you aren't going to train me or pay me, then I am not going to do it. There could be legal ramifications, too.

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    'Should be' being the operative words! Our superior told us to sort it out amongst ourselves. I was just wondering if anyone else came across this. It happens quite alot.

    I've seen it happen once or twice. Usually, one of the more senior nurses is in charge. Your manager should have specified a charge nurse.

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