What do I do with my hands??

I agree with your preceptor. I try to "manage by walking around". Talk to patients, physicians, family the housekeeping staff, everyone. Get their points of view, see what changes, they are interested in, observe what is working and what is not. This should take up a month or two to come up with a 6 month , 12 month, 18 month and 2 year plan to present to your boss. Good luck.

Idodialysis is right on. Building those relationships and understanding the people who work for you is a great manager quality.

Have you considered writing a journal ? Jot down things that seemed significant, questions that you want to research, positive and negative interactions.

I would not be writing down things in front of staff as this could make them uncomfortable. But a journal may help to organize your thoughts.

I would also spend time exploring your facility's policy and procedures; and any union contracts that may be in place.

I'm fairly new in a management position in an office setting. I feel as though my job is to help the staff and providers in whatever way I can so that they can see patients in a timely fashion and keep the clinic running on time. With that in mind, I regularly circulate around the clinic, asking how everyone is doing, what they need from me, etc. I look in all the rooms and if a room needs to be cleaned/turned over, I put on gloves and do that. I also stock supplies that are low in the rooms. If a clinic is behind, I will see if there is another provider available and ask if they can see a patient and help the other clinic get back on schedule.

Really, I feel like my job is to have a finger on the pulse of the clinic and know what is going on at all times in all areas, and help out where needed.

Nice replies, keep em coming!

Well done on securing the post!! I am sure that your anxieties will settle down - look at the skills you listed as possessing already - hard working, someone who does what is needed and critical thinking skills --- all of these are transferable in your new position and valuable too.

Having managed a small team of 5 which was quite comfortable after I got used to it, I have recently moved into managing a much larger number I have similar fears all over again!!

All of the advice above is valid and you have been doing it anyway -- getting to know the formal policy/standard/role of the manager as well as getting to know your team, watching their ability- where are their strengths and where do you as a manager need to either advocate or deal with sticky issues .. .

I loved gaining the trust of my small team in the past and that in turn led to good productivity and results - we had knocks, but dealt with the clinical work/issues as a team and I managed them doing that ---I learned to share when appropriate, include in developments and delegate... I found it rewarding after the fear - and yes I sat in a small office of my own looking at my computer screen a few times -- thinking "what have I done??""

You are thrilled with your post - enjoy it - apply all of your positivity and I am sure that you will make a difference!

take care

J