Question...

Re: Question...

Sophie Bedford RVN CertVNECC — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 21:26:51 GMT

I don't think that a "head nurse" means doing all the jobs, it's that there is then someone who is overall responsible for what the nurses are doing and ensuring that key tasks are completed (such as RCVS inspections).

In my opinion, a good head nurse is someone who knows how to delegate and trust their staff to do different jobs. If you're having to do all the tasks then perhaps you need to have some leadership training to show you how to utilise your staff more? Do you know if there have been any comments that maybe some of your nurses feel like they aren't able to get involved because "the head nurse does that"??

When I was head nurse in my last practice, it wasn't because I was better, or did more than the other nurses... in fact me and one of the other nurses trained together so were very similarly matched. But we shared out the tasks and agreed which ones we'd do and I also oversaw the work of the reception staff. I made sure that key processes etc were communicated within the staff but I didn't feel I was "above" them... just that I knew if the vets had any questions re rotas or holidays or anything that they could come to me.

Re: Question...

rachel w — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 20:41:26 GMT

Our head nurse left 1 month ago I was her deputy now instead of being called head nurse I'm a senior staff manager I do rotas holiday new staff induction training svns paperwork side of stuff, the other RVN in practice is now senior maintenance/ ordering manager responsible for ordering cleaning rotas maintenance only been a month but seems to be going ok so far

Re: Question...

wilkoannie — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 17:23:55 GMT

I still think you need a head nurse to oversee that these jobs are being dône, day to day running of prep room etc. I think it's great some of the pressure is taken of you and everyone has responsibilities but who does the nurses rota? Holidays, cover for sick, deal with any upsets between staff or personal issues. I don't think I would be happy to have the title Taken of me. You've earned your position. Xx

Re: Question...

SuzyM — Mon, 12 May 2014 13:16:35 GMT

Hi, many years ago our head nurse left and we decided not to replace her role, but to share the responsibilites out and have areas which we are all 'in charge' of. It is good in some ways because every area has someone paying special attention to it and they have pride in those areas. Unusual in our practice (or not?), we don't have a practice manager either so we have to resolve problems ourselves or involve the partners (each of whom also has an area of responsibility). It mostly works but sometimes I wish we had a practice manager. The nursing side of things works only if you have a good team of nurses who all get along and pull weight equally, otherwise you will find the same people always taking up the slack and doing the extra jobs.

Re: Question...

Heather Bacon — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 19:22:51 GMT

We used to have a head nurse and deputy head nurse. Now those staff have left, we have shared all the jobs out and all report to the practice manager.

We have a 2 vet/2 branch practice, and we manage to run everything by all having certain areas to be in charge of within the practice. I think it works quite well, and we all know the things we should be in charge off. If one of us is on holiday, we will pass on our area to another member of staff while we are away. Is this the sort of thing you mean?

I am not sure about pay as our previous head and deputy head have left and we have not replaced them with similar job titles.

Re: Question...

Cassidy212 — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 12:49:18 GMT

Many thanks for your reply Kathy. I have been assured that my pay won't be affected but that responsibilities within the practice will be shared out between all staff instead of just me. It's something that's being introduced in all of our practices (3 in total) so it's not just me that's being affected.

Will take your advice on board and have a word with the BVNA :) Thanks

Re: Question...

kkkathykk — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 12:33:03 GMT

I haven't come across this situation before, but it does occur to me that you might have to be careful that this isn't an attempt to reduce your responsibilities or pay. If you're employed as a head nurse this could be a worrying move. I'd suggest getting some advice from someone on employment law. If you're a member of the BVNA perhaps it would be worth a chat with someone there?

I hope you're being fully involved in any changes that might affect your own job.