Re: Role of HRVN

Mark Hedberg — Wed, 01 May 2013 12:45:34 GMT

Interestingly enough, the reason you were probably promoted to head nurse was because you were performing the role anyway. So don't worry too much about changing things right off the bat.

Sit down with your team. Ask them what they think could be improved. Look for problems, but don't dig like a bored terrier. Find out what the nurses like doing; your team might be worried that you'll suddenly change from being Sarah to being The Head Nurse - a bit of reassurance will go miles here, I think.

Your job as Head Nurse is to make it look easy - sometimes the hardest thing to do is leaving things alone. Watch and listen; make lists of frequent issues. Pick some easy things to fix first - low impact things that have a positive impact on the practice. Save re-inventing the wheel until you've been in the position a while. Some nurses prefer being coached around instead of ordered around; but everyone's different. It's a good job but not one that people get trained for.

One of the best things you can do is make sure the nurses can always feel they can come to you with problems. It's not the "easy ride" by any means; but don't act in haste unless:

1. Something/someone is on fire

2. Someone's bleeding

Don't panic. Trust your instincts, and make a list of things you feel you yourself could be better at. Go on some training or CPD to arm yourself with tools. But trust your colleagues - which is not an easy ride but a good choice. :)

If you honestly think there are areas where you could be utilized better, by all means go to your practice manager. It's important that management has your back. But one of the big things in a leadership position is that you'll be utilizing yourself. Take ownership; show them your plan.

Your biggest advantage is the one you've just demonstrated: you're not afraid to ask for help. This may sound simple, but you'd be surprised how many managers feel threatened by not knowing something. Well done and congratulations, with an attitude like that you'll go far.

Best wishes,

Mark