Starting in ALF, nervous.

[caringtouch]

Hi everyone. After 4 yrs working in Hospice I will now be starting a position in an ALF. I am not worried about caring for the geriatric population as most of my hospice pts were geriatrics & I was a CNA in SN for a long time prior to getting my LPN.

I am nervous about the supervising aspect of the job. I will be the only nurse in the building with resident med techs and aides. While with hospice I worked mainly in the pt's home just me & the pt. I have prior supervisory experience in retail but for some reason I am nervous now (think it may be because my license is on the line.) Any suggestions for how I can be a great supervisor and make sure the work gets done without coming across as the newbie coming in and trying to take over? I was told that there has been a problem in the past with work not getting done,etc. Also, any suggestions on getting organized, time management or anything else in general that you feel would help me?

Thanks,

~nervous~

[lauriepat, ASN, RN]

I was in the same boat :)

Look up AL state policies and be aware of facility procedures and policies as well.

With supervising, i got to know my cna's and med techs and i learned how they worked, because when it comes down to it they do a lot of the work. Always always listen to their concerns about the residents and follow up, assess your butt off.

Good luck, don't be nervous!! :)

[gigi918]

I am in the same boat so I cannot really give advice but I can offer support! My personality isn't one of assertiveness and I am so new to this that my confidence is on the low side and I know they can sense that. I don't want them to run me over! I intend to approach my situation with a teamwork attitude. I hope to be available to them for assistance just as much as I will depend on them for their help. Establishing a trust between us hopefully will help. I realize that is a fine line between being friends and supervisor.

[gigi918]

I can say that the CNAs will respect that you were a former CNA so use that to your advantage by indicating that you know how hard they work to make a good shift happen and you can relate to thier job.