I just took a management position, which I start on Monday, in the same ER that I have worked in for over the past 15 years.

Do any of you have any advice for me?

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www.MyOwnWoman.blogspot.com

I'm not in the ER, but one thing I value most in my new job is that the manager is involved, and doesn't have a problem with working on the floor if need be. Listen to your staff, and be fair...I have wished on many occasions that a manager would come walk in our shoes (while on the surgical floor) because it'd be absolutely insane and we didnt feel supported.
on the manager job btw
Good Luck with everything!

I took a manager position in my own ER last year and am currently still hanging in there. It is extremely hard to manage people you used to work along side. They tend to see you as the enemy after you make the transition even though you have only good intentions and they should trust that you would make a better manager because you know the "lay of the land" so to speak. It's a challenge, definitely - but one that can be accomplished.

Things are running a lot smoother here now. It's taken almost a year, but it's getting better. My advice is stay consistent - no matter what. And always, always, always give feedback on concerns brought to you. Even if the answer is no, they still need to hear that you are discussing/thinkingabout/etc the issue. Also - allow yourself to make mistakes and admit them to your staff if and when they do happen. Admitting that you are learning as a manager allows them to have a softer place in their hearts for you (hopefully).

And attend the National Nurse Management Congress in Vegas in the fall. I went to the one in Chicago last fall and it was excellent. One of hte best conferences I've ever been to.

Good luck!

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Julie

My Blog ER RN

A woman I worked with for many years was asked to manage our unit, and she asked me if she should take the job. I said I couldn't tell her what to do, but I added I hoped she didn't take the job because I didn't want to lose a friend. Being a boss changes everything.

There is a transition that you will have to go through in order to make your new job work out. It will be tough, but it can be done. Just hang in there and good luck.

MJ

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Sanity is madness put to good use. George Santayana.

http://nurse-ratcheds.blogspot.com

No advice, as I've not been in that situation, but congratulations! Good luck. I hope you like your new job!

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code blog

Being a DON for 7 years in LTC left me with a ton of advice for Nursing Administrators. So much that I wrote a book about it.
I am not just trying to sell books--I want to encourage Administrators and managers with my own personal experience good and bad.
The name of my book is The Nightingale Protocol available on Amazon. It is not a clinical book or a text book--it is a handbook of hope for Nurse Managers.
I hope you will get a copy to help you along your way.
www.nightingale.pnn.com
www.angelaposeyarnold.com

My only advice is for when handling difficult staff:

1. Don't punch them.
2. Really, don't.
3. Deny you punched them.