RN Supervisor tips please.

imintrouble, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2011

Don't check your conscience at the door when you clock in to work. A supervisor I admired and respected very much said that to me on the day she quit her job. She said the above had become a job requirement that she could not live with.

Congrats and good luck.

steelydanfan · Feb 1, 2011

If you don' t know what the job entails, how could you have interviewed, much less been considered for the job in the first place?

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2011

You have to put on an entirely different hat. You will not be seen as a "buddy" any longer by your co-workers. You will gain a different view of staff-some good and some bad. You will not be able to please everyone, and living with the disappointment of people being angry at you because of this may take some time. It is a difficult transition, and you may long for the days of just being part of the team. However, now is your chance to make some small changes and lead your staff with a positive and confident attitude. That part is very rewarding and makes management all worthwhile. Good luck to you!

GHGoonette, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2011

When you refer to it as "supervisor", do you mean as a Unit Manager, or reporting to the Unit Manager? The job description will be dependent on your level of seniority and autonomy.

gladtobeOB · Feb 1, 2011

Well first of all good luck and Congratulations. You need to be confident in your nursing skills and assessments. You also need to develop a relationship with your staff and physicians of respect and knowledge. You need to gain a knowledge of the facility policies and employee handbook because I can guarantee they will test you on these things. Set up some basic things with staff expectations, rules and most importantly communication. Without adequate means of communication say a change in pt conditions your shift will not go smoothly.

AOx1 · Feb 1, 2011

First, you need to clarify the expectations of you and your job description. Communicate with those above you and be an advocate for those you supervise. Pitch in to help when possible, but realize that middle management is the "sandwich generation" of the hospital world, squeezed on both sides. Don't ask anything of your staff that you wouldn't willingly do.

OldNurseEducator · Feb 1, 2011

You should have a lot of confidence that you can do this job, because the person who hired you thought you are qualified for this position! Congratulations! :yeah:

steelcityrn, RN · Feb 1, 2011

I agree with the above. You must know about the job in order to consider it?

NaKcl, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2011

I totally agree with the oldnurseEducator's coment. They hired you because you have the quality. I think you need to be yourself first. I can imagin it will be very nervous, but if you try to pretend someone other than you, you will be more pressured. Congratulations and good luck!!! :yeah: :nurse:

tewdles, RN · Feb 1, 2011

Be kind, patient, humble, consistent, compassionate, supportive, and confident.

Always follow the rules, they will help you keep order.

Model excellence and nurture your staff to strive for excellence in their work.

Support your boss and the organization in the presence of your staff.

Avoid socialization with those who report to you.

Be a good listener but learn when and how to ask your staff to "man up".

Discover who your mentors are and do not hesitate to pick their brains or to ask for help.

Congratulations and good luck!

NocturneNrse · Feb 1, 2011

I know what it entails as a whole.. I'm looking for advice and tips in specific situations that others have experienced that might open my eyes a little more.