Problems with new Head Nurse

RE: Problems with new Head Nurse

VetNurse Anon a/c — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 20:57:38 GMT

Thank you for replying that's really helpful

RE: Problems with new Head Nurse

Alison Clare Hickman — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 12:49:30 GMT

Finally. I do believe it is important to discuss these things. Nothing ever was resolved by not communicating. Clearly the wheels on the bus are bockety and need to be realigned before they fall off!

You can do this!

RE: Problems with new Head Nurse

Alison Clare Hickman — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 12:47:00 GMT

Are they issues of just needing to tweak the jobs to fit your night role better but you feel you can't do that yourself as you don't have the authority to do so? You need you HN say so? You think she might not understand why they need tweaking? Or even radically changing?

List the tweaks or changes with the reasons WHY and the better outcomes.

This will give you a discussion tool. Something to follow. Keep you on track. Even give your HN a plan. Bosses love it when presented with a solution to a problem rather than just a moan about a problem! (Be careful not to criticise...there's a fine line between positive suggestion for change and being critical of current methodology). They might not implement the whole idea but certainly they become aware of the imperfections and importance of listening to their team. A good boss knows where their inexperience lies (in your HN case, not currently doing Night Duties at your practice). If she can talk WITH you and you can bring her on board with you, believe me you will both benefit.

Hope this helps

RE: Problems with new Head Nurse

Alison Clare Hickman — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 12:37:03 GMT

My opinion? Write down what is bothering you and then bullet point it so you've got it succinct. Look at it. Are these issues that cause problems with performing your job successfully and affect patient outcomes? Or staff safety? (as examples)...

sorry this posted before I finished... I quickly edited it.. I'll carry on in another post...

RE: Problems with new Head Nurse

VetNurse Anon a/c — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 21:35:02 GMT

In theory she thinks we get on really well but I find her really difficult to work with.

She's really nice but just does not understand what it's like to work nights and is always saying how hard the day nurses have it and how busy they all are but I feel does not seem to care about the night nurses or does not seem to in my opinion I could be wrong but that's how it comes across.

I just feel like she does not seem to understand we deal with all inpatients plus a whole list of jobs all night all by ourselves unless something happens when the vet comes in to do a call out of an Op or something.

The Vets are great and I get on really well with them and have no issues as I spend most my time with the vets overnight.

Just feeling a little frustrated with the situation just not sure whether to broach it or just let it go and just get on with my job we don't see each other much.

RE: Problems with new Head Nurse

Alison Clare Hickman — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 12:04:37 GMT

Not quite sure what you are asking... Have you had some problems where your HN has been critical of your work? Perhaps the length of time you spend doing your tasks compared to when the day shift staff do them? Not certain this is what you're asking for advice on?

C️an you be a bit more specific re the problems you're facing as otherwise any helpful advice we give may fall wide of the mark!