Rn Supervisor, What Do You LOOK For In A Good Supervisor

Trauma Columnist · Apr 19, 2005

Well, first of all congratulations. Bear in mind that I don't work in LTC but here goes:

1. Fairness, honestly, nonpartisonship, and a high level of integrity.

2. Handle conflict with tact and diplomacy. Obtain both sides of the conflict and then work for the best solution. Get buy-in and suggest the two of them work together for the best solution.

3. Help out only in dire emergencies. Staffing should be high enough to not require the supervisors to assist on a regular basis.

4. Realize you may not always be well-liked. Well-respected is a better goal.

Good luck...judi

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Apr 19, 2005

Hi, I Posted To The Ltc Board And Didn't Get Very Many Responses To My Questions So I Thought I Would Post It To This Board.
I Will Be Accepting A Job As An Rn Supervisor At A Ltc Facility Which Is New For Me Being That I Have Only Worked As A Staff Nurse In Hosptials. My Questions Are:
1. What Do You Look For In A Good Supervisor?
Leadership. Knowledge/ experience . Fairness
2. How Do You Handle Conflict With Such Things As Call Offs Or Staff Not Doing A Good Job. Call offs....first report it so that they are recorded. Try to call in staff. Progressive discipline. Confilicts with staff....get both sides. Be fair. Keep it between the involved parties only.
3. Do You Help Out On The Floor When Short Staffed Due To Call Offs Etc.
Depends on the facility issues. Some supervisors have to. Its not a bad idea to work the floor once in a while. You will be able to pick up on many issues. Also...just realize that acute care and LTC are two different worlds.

QMA_David · Apr 19, 2005

After being in Hospitals for 8 years coming back to a Nursing Home was like culture shock!

Things are done soooo different and the rules and guidlines are so very different.

The biggest thing I found hard to get used to was the lack of a Dr. ya you have the Dr's name all over everything but really the N.P. writes the orders and takes call. At least where I'm at.

Staffing is a huuuuge problem in most Nursing homes, call ins are high, turn over is usually high, simply because its often thankless, depressing work.

The house Supervisor doesnt do tons of patient care but One whom is willing to help pass trays, help feed, take off orders, help here and there are sooo much better received vs the ones whom just sit around and bark off orders to an already understaffed, stressed employee. Plus when you really want something done you will get it because your seen as a Supervisor but also a team player and someone whom to consult with....Goodluck....David :balloons:

allnurses Guide · Apr 19, 2005

Where I work the house supervisor is also the ER nurse. So, you don't have alot of time to help out with patient care since you have your own in the ER plus having to manage all the supervisor roles.

I'd say checking with your staff first thing, just to show your face.

Then when you do admit from the ER and the floor staff is busy and you aren't, have your EMT's bring the patient to the floor or do it yourself. Also, you can do the initial assessment for a patient if it is at the end of the shift and then give report to the oncoming nurse.

Make sure you check on your staff throughout the day. If there is a call light on as you pass and you have time, check it out and empty a urinal or help someone up to the bathroom.

I agree with the post that staffing should be adequate enough so that you don't have to do any patient care. Although the supervisor can help start an IV if everyone else has failed and if the sup has the time. Remembering she is also the only ER nurse.

Be fair. Don't duck the hard stuff.

Appreciate your staff and tell them often.

steph