jwhitern

lssrd7, congrats on the new position. I will tell you that in my first position supervising employees it was definitely a learning experience, sorta 'trial by fire'. You will not be able to please everyone and you sometimes will not get along with everyone. It is important to remember that you are there to do a job and to do it to the best of your ability. I found that being as honest as possible with my team and letting them know that I was there for them, to guide them and assist whenever needed, let them see that I wouldn't ask them to do something that I, myself wouldn't do. Even then....there will be someone that gets upset with you about a decision that you have made. It is difficult sometimes to balance the line of standing your ground but also being open to others ideas and suggestions. Obviously you have some qualities that your employer thinks will be an asset to your facility. Good luck!

Can someone tell me the difference between a Nurse Manager, a Nursing Supervisor and Nursing Director? I have been called all 3 of these titles in my current position.

After reading all of these posts I am thankful that my biggest mistake to date is more embarrasing than life threatening. It was my first week as a GN at a teaching hospital. My preceptor was very comfortable with my skills and decided that I was more than capable to deliver meds without her. She would be in the nurses' station (playing games on the computer) if I needed anything. Well, with a swelled head from the compliment, I proceeded to give my 6 pts. their medications. I get to Mr. X and start collecting his meds and notice that he is to receive " two sprays PR" of this Hurricane Spray. I'm thinking to myself, why would be "spraying" his rectum? I go ask the RN (who is having a ball in the nurses' station) and show her the order. She confirms the order and , stupid me, doesn't ask why? I go into Mr. X's room and explain that I have to spray his bottom. He gets up, doesn't ask why? and leans over the bed. I spread his "cheeks" and give him 2 large sprays. Well, he starts dancing around and waving at his behind and tells me that it's burning and can we wipe some of it off. I say sure and give him some tissue. He finally settles down and I go off to the next pt. About an hour or so later, I still can't understand why we would give this guy butt spray. I take the can and go to the pharmacy. They tell me that it's Hurricane Spray and it's for the throat. (Duh??!! My guy has an NG tube). The order should have been PRN and the unit clerk misread the order. I am mortified. I go to the RN and explain the situation. She laughs and says to give it PO. I can not tell this poor guy that I just sprayed his *** with spray that was intended for his throat. So, I play it off, " Guess what Mr. X, the doctor has ordered another spray and this one's for your sore throat!" I could barely tell my husband what happened that night, I was laughing so hard. This guy probably warned his friends not to go to that hospital, "they spray your ***!! Bet he wondered why it wasn't on his bill. Compliments of the nursing staff. This taught me to trust no one when it came to delivering meds.