Head Nurses

Re: Head Nurses

Maisy — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:23:04 GMT

[quote user="loobylou"]

Have regular nurses meetings to sort out all the small niggles before they become huse issues.
This has got to be the thing that has helped me the most just recently, instead of the nurses stewing and talking behind your back this ensures everything is out in the open and sorted before it becomes a big deal.

[/quote]

Completely agree!

I did one of the Inspyr courses and it was helpful but I think for some aspects, you only really learn when the situation occurs. Soon after I was promoted there were a few issues with a couple of other nurses not getting on and it all turned a bit nasty but it was something I had to learn at the time. Plus you can see where things need to change (if at all) and know what to do if it happens again (which it did!)

Unless you are the sole nurse then chances are at some point you will have some complaints either from nurses telling you direct, or hearing second hand, that you aren't doing anything because you're doing paperwork etc. I like Looby's way of setting a day aside for this and tell the others why you're having this day. I used to accrue ridiculous amounts of time in lieu because of doing nursing duties, then paperwork, then being called away so if you can, it will help to set yourself time to do this without hopefully being disturbed. Delegating helps too if you can, don't take everything on if you don't need to as you end up being bogged down and chances are the other nurses will appreciate some of their 'own' duties.

Good Luck!

Re: Head Nurses

loobylou — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:09:37 GMT

I've been head nurse for 2 years now (did it for 6 months prev but stood down due to not being confident and not having the back up) and I don't find it easy at all. Even with a really great practice manager and boss I still get very worked up about issues and get stressed. The thing I find hardest I think is discipline, I've always thought of work colleagues as friends so it makes me feel very uncomfortable when I have to 'tell them off''
These are my tips-

Never ask you nurses to do something you wouldn't do.
My boss tells me off if he finds me cleaning floors but I certainly don't think of myself as being above cleaning and so I will continue to do my fair share.

Stick to practice protocol at all times so you can't be seen to be showing favouritism.
i.e rules about taking holiday, overtime etc.

Be approachable and be seen to act on the concerns of your nurses.

Put time aside for all the extra work that comes with being head nurse. You can't do all your nursing duties and squeeze all the extra in around it.
I currently have 1 day a week set aside for paperwork, I don't wear uniform and catch up on everything I havent done in the week- insurance claims, rota, assessing paperwork, equipment maintenance and everything else I've been asked to do. It has really helped me cut down on the overtime I do in the week.

Hope you feel more confident about your job very soon, it is a very satisfying job when you get yourself organised

Re: Head Nurses

Claire Cameron — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:25:25 GMT

[quote user="Kerry Haigh RVN MBVNA"]I am Head Nurse now and to say it was easy at first would be a lie. I don't ask anything of the other nurses which I would not do myself[/quote]

my motto entirely Kerry!

[quote user="Kerry Haigh RVN MBVNA"]I have worked under many tyrannical regimes and vowed that if I was ever in the position of Head Nurse I would not follow in their footsteps.[/quote]

Me too!

Re: Head Nurses

Kerry Spain — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:07:57 GMT

I have worked under many tyrannical regimes and vowed that if I was ever in the position of Head Nurse I would not follow in their footsteps.

I took all my negative experiences of being bullied and mis-managed and turned them into something positive. I am Head Nurse now and to say it was easy at first would be a lie. I don't ask anything of the other nurses which I would not do myself. Basically we all have our own jobs to do and everyone knows their place within the practice.

I still get on my hands and knees and scrub floors, hell, I even had to unblock the kennel drains a few months ago!

Respect and understanding for other colleagues is paramount, also make sure they can trust you and come to you to discuss problems, this way it prevents long term festering problems and makes your job easier in the long run.

I've found rarther than standing over people telling them what to do, draw up a rota and check every once in a while that things are getting done.

Hope this helps

Re: Head Nurses

Juliet Drummond DAVN (med) RVN D32/33 — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:39:16 GMT

i know how you feel hun. i'm a head nurse, i have been for 3+ years.

its not an easy job. even now i sometimes feel a bit lost.

follow your practice protocols for discipline etc.

courses can help, but most of what i learned i learned from experience (mine and others)

you must lead by example, you have to be everything your staff are and more. (e.g. it's hard to enforce lateness if you are late etc.)

the important thing is to seek advice from above (boss) if you are stuck, and above all to treat everyone fairly.

Re: Head Nurses

Rachel Jayne — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 21:22:02 GMT

"Inspyr" (I think that's how it's spelt) run courses for HVN's...

I got onto their mailing list once somehow, and used to get info about them all the time.

Re: Head Nurses

pugwon — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 16:20:48 GMT

Im in Dorset, would be prepared to travel a couple of hours at least. Ive got some time off work at the moment so dont mind really. Thanks.

Re: Head Nurses

Julie — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 08:45:03 GMT

Hello pugwon - Where abouts are you based and how far would you be prepared to travel?