I was a CNA for 8 years before getting my nursing degree. I now work as a night shift charge nurse over 4 CNA's. I like the girls I work with and want us all to get along so we don't hate coming to work everynight, I am just afraid that being too friendly will allow them to take advantage of me. I have never been in a supervisory position before and would really like some advise on this. I know how hard their job is, I did it for years and I also know that if the aids don't not like their charge nurse they can make their job hell.I guess my question is where do I draw the line. I was always taught to respect my elders and one of them is alot older than me and I feel a little awkward telling her what needs to be done. One is still a teenager and the other 2 are 28 same age as me, I even grew up and went to school with one. I worked very hard for this and I want to be a fair boss not someone that everyone whispers about behind their back. Help?
2007-02-10 02:13:27 · 11 answers · asked by nurse_nikki 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Just remember all your bosses. Try and do what the fair ones did, and avoid doing what the terrible ones did. Don't play favorites.
2007-02-10 02:22:08 · answer #1 · answered by goinpostaldave 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You first duty is to be the boss. That means if you feel awkward telling an older person what to do, get over it. Your boss expects you to be the boss, so it is not really you who are bossing people around.
You don't have to be a jerk, but since you are the boss, you really can't be everyone's friend, either, because some people will try to walk all over you. Maybe you should try being a little too stiff at first, and then gradually loosen up a little when you see who you can trust. It is a lot harder if you start off as too friendly, and then realize that you need to get tough later.
2007-02-10 02:24:03 · answer #2 · answered by Randy G 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've never been in a supervisory role before, but I feel that you should be friendly enough to make sure that the environment around you breeds no tension or hostility. I think is would be worse to have employees with ill-feelings towards their workmates than to have it the opposite where everyone is extra-friendly. The main thing you have to do is treat everyone the same, which can be a challenge when you have someone older than you under you.
2007-02-10 02:49:12 · answer #3 · answered by ----0---- 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First and foremost I want to congratulate you for earning the position as a night shift charge nurse, I know it wasn't easy-I almost majored in nursing, but I decided I wasn't as committed as I wanted to be,and I know you have to bust your butt to succeed in it-ironically nursing is always an understaffed job, yet it is not an easy job. Any who, if you want to be a fair boss-then do your job first-make sure everyone and everything is in sync and being too friendly to any of them can lead to fraternizing-and this is bad-so don't take anything too personal. Your job is to make sure they are consistent in their task and understand it. Being a leader doesn't mean you can't be friendly, but yet you are not there to make friends, you are there to do your job and so are they. Basically listen to their needs and then make decisions on what the situation is. Unfortunately there will always be people who are hard to understand or know why they have a resentment-all you can do is be courteous and let them come to you and not push anything to them-but at the same time remind them you are their boss and as a superior you do what is best for the hospital; them; and the patients. Sometimes you will make decisions that they will not agree with, and you have to think and remember that the decisions you make are made to better the hospital; task and not necessary their own personal needs and if they don't agree, too bad, you are not there to please them 24/7. Be nice but yet be fair and this means setting regulations for all of them and giving them the same type of reprimands as well-if they need it-basically be consistant and stick to your rules. Don't get too personal with any of them, but let them know you care for them and if they need to talk, you'll listen. Good luck.
2007-02-10 09:05:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This means you are a verygood person at heart who really cares for those around, on the other hand you have worked hard to get into this Position and will go further up if you could justify your present assignment for which you need to polish your leadership qualities, it seems that you have gathered all 4 of them under you by being friendly to them, what you should do now that keep on telling them to be "attentive" towards their duties in order to get the "promotion" (like you did), also let them know,politely, that all you are doing for them should not harm your reputation and they must justify their Job which comes "first" & is above all other things, if you can inject this thinking into their minds by acting slowly, regularly and politely you will succeed without hassel, one more thing don't go out of way to show your friendliness as this may pose as your weakness to them,point out their mistakes / errors/ and blunders and let them know that you will not hide if anything goes wrong, change your body language bit by bit when it comes to work and be as friendly as you can be after the work time is over ! You will observe a WELCOME CHANGE very soon.
2007-02-10 02:35:22 · answer #5 · answered by Advisor online 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just by getting supervisory position you run the risk of being criticized by your performance. I think your priority shouldn't be to be liked by other people because people can sense your insecurity and try to make u feel bad. Just concentrate on your job. You sound like a reasonable and sensitive person don't worry about how people will react to you.
2007-02-10 02:27:13 · answer #6 · answered by indie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I understand you dilemma, and its credible that you seek advice. Try to read about the dynamics of a leader, and see what kind of leader are you. I'm no expert, but I'm sure being a boss is having to set yourself in a position that you learn and well as you give task to complete. It is best that you don't develop close friendships outside of the work environment and try not to be biased when dealing with your employees. There are many books and websites that have plenty of information about leadership. Wish you well, and congratulations
2007-02-10 02:22:05 · answer #7 · answered by EyeKneadPoints 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can be friendly and be their boss. I have always felt you should lead by example. If your employees see you working hard, they just might be inclined to do the same thing to gain positive feedback. Always give credit where credit is due. Managers are really good at bringing up negative performance, but its the simple things like saying thanks, thats going to get you the respect you deserve. Good Luck
2007-02-10 03:06:42 · answer #8 · answered by jessica s 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Keep in mind you are in charge. There are always people who resent someone in that position. Be courteous and kind to the girls. Treat them like you would want to be treated. Be fair and consistent. People like someone who is consistent....they know what to expect. Most of all do not have favorites!!! You will do fine if you remember this.
2007-02-10 02:22:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do not show favortism!!
Everybody should follow the same rules as everyone else.(no exceptions)
Try to be fair to everyone. (Put yourself in their position, how would you want to be treated.)
Don't go overboard with being nice. (People often take kindness for weakness)
Make up a list of rules and STICK TO THEM NO MATTER WHAT!!!!!
2007-02-10 07:04:09 · answer #10 · answered by Tonya W 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋