Tips for a New and Young Charge Nurse

[amoret22, ADN, CNA, LPN, RN]

Hi, guys, I'm new here! My name is Ashley and I'm 19. I am in a PN program to be graduating July 21st. I currently work as a CNA in a nursing home I've been at for the past 2 years (but have taken this semester off to focus on my schoolwork). I plan on going back to work as a GPN/LPN at my current facility but I've been told by coworkers that I'm going to need to be more commanding or authoritative as a nurse than what I am now, or I'm going to have a hard time. I'll admit I'm not very confrontational or one to like to call people out on not doing their job or doing things in a timely manner, but I'm unsure on how to make that change in the first place. I worry about being 19 fresh out of my program and everyone knows me as the aide who's eager to help out, get things done as soon as I can, always being positive and cheery, etc and then going to a nurse who's telling the aides what's best to do after being in their shoes not too long ago. I fear I won't be taken seriously by some of the older staff (we have CNAs ranging from 17 to 60). I've heard stories from nurses a little older than me (21-24) who said they weren't taken seriously when they started working there for the first time, and I've heard that stepping up from an aide to a nurse is even worse! We haven't covered much on leadership so I'd love to know what tips you guys have on how to not be walked all over, disciplining people, being taken seriously, and just having a commanding aura about yourself while still being a nurse you WANT to follow. Thanks in advance you guys! :)

[Avid reader]

Wait about five years or so and in the meantime enjoy your pretty head with being young and innocent and having fun and not with the questions you're asking. You sound bubbly and it's your responsibility to share that verve and cheeriness with the world and not be cluttering your head with such heavy burdens. Enjoy:)

[Sour Lemon]

Slow down a bit, graduate, and get an actual job offer before you start worrying about how to "discipline" people. I think delegation is actually part of what most nursing programs teach, if I'm not mistaken.

[SmilingBluEyes]

Respect is earned by what you do, how you behave, who you are; it's got nothing to do with "auras" or anything so esoteric. I would read up on leadership styles/management (there are lots of good books out there) and actually get a job as a nurse and see how it goes. True leadership is not about discipline and telling people "what's best"----it's actually a LOT more about LISTENING to people, learning from them, respecting their opinions and incorporating their ideas whenever possible. That way, you have people who feel valued and more likely to contribute positively to the unit.

You can also find nurse mentors who may help you on the way. There is almost always a nurse who has been doing this longer (some WAY LONGER) who may have excellent advice and information for you, if you ask respectfully and sincerely.

Good luck.

[HermioneG, BSN, RN]

http://www.aanac.org/docs/white-papers/2013-nursing-leadership---management-leadership-styles.pdf?sfvrsn=2

[dishes, BSN, RN]

It doesn't sound like your workplace has leaders, it sounds like it has bosses who think micromanaging experienced staff is effective. Do yourself a favour, after you graduate and have your LPN license find another workplace. Find an employer who will help you to hone your clinical skills and show you how a good leader inspires teamwork and a positive work environment.