Becoming a Head nurse

RE: Becoming a Head nurse

Alison Charlton — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 20:38:03 GMT

I have been the Head Nurse /Branch Manager at my practice for 2 years and I still have so much to learn.
I am their friend outside of work but in work, we do have more professional relationships. They are good with this and if I ask them to do anything for work, they will do it for me.
I definitely agree with taking a deep breath and counting to ten. sometimes things come up that you know could cause upset but you have to deliver it in a positive way. Breathing first really helps with this and writing everything down.

In regards to meetings, we do a meeting a month. An agenda is the best way to be prepared. I always ask the nurses if they have any queries after each section so that they know their opinion counts. Also, make a note of everything that was said for you to refer to later if required.

Just remember you are not alone. There are always loads of people to assist you.
Good Luck

RE: Becoming a Head nurse

Sal the 1st — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 08:21:57 GMT

I always used to make it clear that I was there for the nurses - I had their backs where the boss(es) were concerned and would always try and do my best by them so long as they did their best for me, if or when that didnt happen I would have their hides- and I dont recall having to do that too many times. As previously mentioned you cannot afford to have favourites but do recognise that each member of your team will have aspects of the job that they are particularly good at - encourage them in their strengths and encourage them to share their way of doing things with others in the team. I always worked by the rule that I would never ask anybody to do something that I wasn't prepared to do myself. Totally agree with including everybody in meetings and treat each persons input with equal importance, recognise that some members of your team with be quieter than others and dont allow them to be browbeaten - their input is just as vital. For 'shy' members I would perhaps just have a quick chat (maybe while you are both busy doing a job together) and ask them what they thought about x y or z and then ask them if they would mind you mentioning some of their points in the meeting - I found that went down very well and then even the quiet ones felt that they had been heard.

RE: Becoming a Head nurse

nikki84 — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 18:14:28 GMT

Hi,

I have been a head nurse for a bit too long and I will always remember someone saying 'remember, you're not here to be liked anymore'. Harsh but also an accurate assessment of things!

You can't technically be one of the girls anymore as you have to take charge of the said girls and ensure they are all working appropriately.
The things that I found that helped me were to listen, understand then act and to be fair, but not too fair! Oh and don't take offence when the room goes silent when you walk in!

People like to be heard and to be taken seriously and everyone should be treated as an equal. Even if nurse 1 has always been your best friend, at work they just have to be one of the team. You can't have favourites and you can't be seen to be taking sides.
Hold meetings as a whole clinic where possible (if small enough) and get everyone involved. Put a meeting board up and people should be invited to write points down then discuss them openly.
You just need to listen, take note and act accordingly - but nobody needs an answer immediately ;)

Just be as fair as everyone but still make sure you do your fair share as nobody appreciates others sitting in ivory towers :)

RE: Becoming a Head nurse

lemonearth905 — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 13:07:20 GMT

I had been head nurse for 5 years and my motto was breathe... count to 10 then carry on, you need to distance yourself from your nurses as no doubt at some point you have to been seen as the manager not an equal. I still remained close friend with most of my nurses outside of work though.

In meetings it is best to have an agenda and stick to it make everyone aware that their opinions will be heard but you will be making the final decision.

get to know what makes your nurses tick as at some point they may have issues out side of work which will affect their performance and you must be supportive yet fim but fair in your attitude.

ITS HARD but very rewarding when you have a team that supports you and works like clockwork!!

Re: Becoming a Head nurse

Louise Northway VNCertECC NCert(Anaesth) RVN — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 15:41:24 GMT

I've had an internal promotion and become Head nurse this year... however just to warn you its REALLY HARD!

I felt I had a good relationship with the team before I stepped up but it has been a real struggle.

Meetings definitely help, and ensuring you have support from the vets and management will also help.

8 months in and its finally getting easier!

Re: Becoming a Head nurse

Nicola Smith — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 06:58:19 GMT

We have nurse meeting week before practice meeting so any issues identified can be raised. Also talk about setting up new clinics etc.

Re: Becoming a Head nurse

Selena Carnell — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 22:21:45 GMT

we have a 2 weekly meeting with the nurses and practice manger and just have a chat about any probs idea ect! enjoy.