What do you want from a Head Nurse?

Re: What do you want from a Head Nurse?

Emma Purnell — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 08:33:44 GMT

But it may bring in not only a nice, new person but new ideas that you may love! Give the new person time, take it easy and keep an open mind and I am sure it will be fine!

Re: What do you want from a Head Nurse?

Tanya Traill — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:03:40 GMT

I,m sure it will be fine but never had a new head nurse come in from outside normally they promote someone in house so a little nervous.

Re: What do you want from a Head Nurse?

Emma Purnell — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:07:01 GMT

It's a shame you feel that way, the person taking on the job may be lovely and just as nervous! I know I am! (Nervous that is!!) I hope it goes well for you x

Re: What do you want from a Head Nurse?

Tanya Traill — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:34:33 GMT

No unfortunately its not becasue at the moment I,m dreading it.

Re: What do you want from a Head Nurse?

Emma Purnell — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 20:43:56 GMT

Thank you all for your nice comments, congratulations, and wonderful advice!

I have taken on board a lot of what you have all said and will try to use it all to make sure I don't cause too many waves, but try to be the best and most supportive Head Nurse I can be.

Duncat - Worcestershire - you can always PM me if you think it might be your practice!

Still very excited about it all And happy for more words of wisdom to help me out!

Re: What do you want from a Head Nurse?

Tanya Traill — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:45:18 GMT

where will u be working or what area of the county are you from becasue I know where I work we are getting a replacement head nurse soon.

Re: What do you want from a Head Nurse?

Susan Jackson — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:44:36 GMT

I've always admired nurses that lead by example. So keep your standards high, little things like wearing gloves when you should, insisting on health and safety (masks whilst doing dentals), and always muck in and do some of the less pleasant tasks (haemorrhagic diarrhoea).

Get to know your team and again ask them what they would like to see being improved.

General manners are really good, 'please' and 'thank you' go a long way.

Re: What do you want from a Head Nurse?

PHA86 — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:31:43 GMT

Important!

Re: What do you want from a Head Nurse?

PHA86 — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:31:06 GMT

From a nurse point of view, I think the most Impotant attribute is to be approachable!

Re: What do you want from a Head Nurse?

Sophie Bedford RVN CertVNECC — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:39:42 GMT

Hi, congratulations on your new job it sounds like you're going into it with the right attitude and certainly trying to think about what makes a good Head Nurse is a fab start aswell

One thing I would say is to think that they might have hired a new Head Nurse in the hopes of finding new ideas and making changes, if you go in and just allow things to be as they are for too long they might not think you share their views on any changes that need to be made. One of the first things I'd probably do is instead of going in with YOUR ideas, sit down with your team and ask them what THEY are looking for as they may be eagerly awaiting a new Head Nurse to be able to implement changes from the off.

I agree don't go in all guns blazing but be prepared to stand up for your team if there is something that needs changing straight away

Best of luck!

Re: What do you want from a Head Nurse?

PolkaDotty — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:32:51 GMT

Firstly congratulations on your promotion!

I was promoted to Head Nurse last year and have thoroughly enjoyed it ever since. My advice would be very similar to the other replies. Don't go in all guns blazing and wanting to change things all at once. Although this may eventually be for the better, staff do not like sudden changes and will probably resent you for it so do it gradually and over time. Get feedback from the staff, practice meetings and appraisals are perfect for this and allows you to find out colleagues strengths and weakness and therefore better delegate job roles.

I think head nurses should not be afraid to get their hands dirty and still do all the jobs everyone else does, your staff will admire you for that! Its a difficult balance to be a head nurse, you want to be caring, motivating and approachable to your staff but you also need to ensure they understand you are the one in authority and with much responsibility.

I'm sure you will do well. Congratulations again.

Re: What do you want from a Head Nurse?

Robocop — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 07:58:45 GMT

[quote user="Sal the 1st"]

be fair and consistent

dont take sides

dont make any sudden, radical changes to the way things operate currently - introduce changes gradually and with the input of the nursing/vet staff

if you are having to ask something of your team which is not going down well explain why it needs to be done rather just telling them that it has to be done - people will respect you for it in most cases

if there is a problem in the team involve your team members in finding a solution (it always worked for me)

[/quote]

I agree with Sal, especially with being fair and consistent, and involving the nursing team when solving problems and making big changes.

Re: What do you want from a Head Nurse?

Sal the 1st — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 23:10:36 GMT

be fair and consistent

dont take sides

dont make any sudden, radical changes to the way things operate currently - introduce changes gradually and with the input of the nursing/vet staff

if there is a problem in the team involve your team members in finding a solution (it always worked for me)

Re: What do you want from a Head Nurse?

Claire McGowan — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:35:40 GMT

Asking for feedback is a great start I think! Reflective practice, listening to your staff, being open to their ideas, recognising their strengths and praise them if they do well. Tackle problems before they become huge. Congratulations on the job offer and good luck!