Really new and need some input

CCL"Babe", BSN, RN · Feb 12, 2003

My best advice.

Be an advocate for your staff.

Don't fix it unless it's broke.

Have an open door and mind.

These are the things that I appreciate the most in managers

dingofred · Feb 12, 2003

I'd certainly try to find out why the RN's around you do not seem to be supportive. You could meet with all staff you supervise and

gather their ideas on what "drives" them and what sort of changes they would like to see happen. You are certainly right

about the complexities of the developmentally disabled, I work with them in the community through an agency that supports

them in the residential setting. I am only RN in 3 county area.

Charis · Feb 14, 2003

There are 5 other RNs around me. 4 are in the clinic onsite. of the clinic....1 is a director of the clinic..she did not have a good relationship with my predecessor, other 2 are workers in clinic and one boasts of having had my job (back in the day when it was different than what it is), the last one is a casemanger who is nicer to me than the rest but is clearly on the "side" of the others. The other RN is on a support team that had my job once upon a time but left it due to the complexities. It appears that i have landed in a vacarious, twisted kind of relationship where people have these agendas and all i have been focused on doing is trying to learn my job. There was no person to train me in this position and I have & am learning this job as i go along with the compass being the needs of my clients and the needs of my staff.

I have read a lot of good stuff here on the boards and I had hoped more people would have responded to my query but if the commitment seems too heavy.....I would welcome general suggestions.

thanks charis

lpnga · Feb 14, 2003

Where in Tennessee are you? First, I would sit down and brain storm on everything you want the facility to be. Then I would watch the nurses and make notes of what they do right and wrong. HOw do they want things handed to them? and general questions like that I would ask myself....then I would make a packet for the nurses with a page of questions on what would make them work..what do they like at the job...what don't they like...etc....then I would put your notes and their notes together and come up with pros and cons on a poster board...but them in the hallway and have a few meetings and go from there... See what the nurses like what would make them work harder..and be more interested in their job and there patients...I am only a CNA and I would love to be over a facility one day......Good luck

sjoe · Feb 14, 2003

So let's see if I got this right:

1) you took a supervisory job in a highly dysfunctional facility (as most seem to be these days)

2) it is understaffed by 33% and apparently will continue to be for some time

3) the remaining staff is lacking in motivation

4) you are getting little support, no training and no clear direction from your supervisor, though you were given a set of "departmental goals" (before your were sufficiently experienced to be able to negotiate these items)

First of all, I applaud your seeking a mentor/advisor, since this would be ideal. You might find it useful to take some leaders in nearby ICFs to lunch, or see if there is a formal or informal support network already formed in your area.

Secondly, I would suggest you step back mentally/emotionally a bit from this. Slow down and take your time. Seeking information and feedback and ideas from your employees is a major task, and necessary before you will be able to make any useful changes in this environment that is unfamiliar to you. If you had been doing the same job in 3 other similar facilities for several years, you would be able to hit the ground running, but this is not the case, so give it all some space.

Third, the LVNs aren't some strange kind of creature who are motivated by something mysterious. They are disempowered, detached, alienated, and running on habit and inertia.

Fourth, a couple of books that may be of use to you:

"Management for Dummies" and "What Management Is."

essarge · Feb 14, 2003

Although I am only a student, I have been in various management positions and maybe I can make a few suggestions.

Something I found that worked for me very well is, after observing, take the person that is the "leader of the pack" and give them a "title" and a specific function that will involve the whole team (e.g. spokesperson for needed improvements, safety issues with patients etc.). This will accomplish two things for you. It will create a unity of sorts and keep this person on your "side". It will also make a good liasson between you and other staff members.

Let everyone know that you are creating this position so that you might become familiar with the ins/outs of the facility that you work in. You may even ask the management if this person might get extra pay for their continued effort with helping you.

Hope this helps.

Charis · Feb 17, 2003

These are great ideas. I have a leader of the pack person...I'm working to get the streess off them and hoping that by doing this this person will be happier and more willing to do my bidding :)

My nurses are not strange creatures but they have been abused, used and kicked to the curb. I started a new developement program and got raises for everyone......but they seem harder to get on board but the greater majority do make an effort. This is a very large challenge. Any other ideas to these great ones?

lpnga · Feb 17, 2003

where in tennessee are you from

Charis · Feb 18, 2003

the southeastern part............just on the chance that u might work for my company......

thats my kind of luck......I go online ...tell my story....then someone recognizes it.:chuckle :chuckle

lpnga · Feb 18, 2003

oh..I am looking for someone in my area to chat with on area hospitals and nursing homes. I am getting my CNA and I am wanting to find somewhere to work that pays well where I can pay bills and still have time for my family and school.. I am in Flintstone, GA and live near Chattanooga. Email me if I can chat with you at [email protected] i would never discuss your story with someone else that's wrong....I just want to know if you know places in this area to work and who pays better and benefits and so on...thanks

lpnga · Feb 24, 2003

hey where are you from? I am wanting to know...