Does anyone think it is a good idea to make it a regular practice for nurse managers to work the floor every so often?
If there is a short staffing situation, as manager you step up, fill the shortage. If you are unwilling to do so, you are unfit to be a manager.
Nurse managers are hired to perform in a specific role, one that requires understanding of nursing work flows in order to identify issues and needs. In addition to being an advocate for front line staff, managers are in charge of payroll, timecards, schedules, interviewing candidates, coaching staff, performance management, attending stake holder meetings, monitoring the budget by assessing overtime, supply management, food stock, floor stock, office supplies, direct & indirect labor costs. Not to mention putting out fires every day some related to complaints from patients, families, physicians, other staff. The job of a nurse manager is heavy with responsibility and the expectation that a nurse manager 'work the floor' on a regular schedule, just means the above mentioned tasks go by the wayside. I propose a staff nurse shadow a nurse manager and vice versa. Understanding of how each role brings value to the team is the first step in building respect and unity.
Absolutely. An excellent idea.
Nurse Mgr should be seen on the floor managing and assessing; not behind their back room screen, shift.
I think it’s a great idea. That way they can become aware of the problems and potential problems facing staff on a regular basis. Our manager is great he comes on the floor during staff shortages and helps out. He advocates for the staff and patients.
The best managers that I have ever worked with cherished their opportunities to get out of the office and back to doing the job. The majority of nurses I have worked with didn’t go into nursing to sit behind a desk. Well, the best ones I’ve worked with, fit that mold at least. So when they get the opportunity to get back to the bedside, they take advantage and provide, typically, excellent care. The managers whom I have worked with that despise getting back to the bedside, not coincidentally btw, are some of the worst managers I’ve ever worked with/under. A good manager gets their foundation through years of bedside experience.
When I was a manger, I routinely relieved staff for breaks, and would do the occasional shift rather than manadate, as I found it was better for morale. I believe working in your staff's shoes keeps you in touch with the everyday challenges and problems they face in a way that "talk-about-it" staff meetings simply cannot. Yes, go work a shift now and then! See what your people are dealing with first hand. It may be an eye-opener if you haven't worked as staff in a long time. It also says you are not locked into an ivory tower and are truly a teamplaye. And it lets staff and students on your unit know that you are capanle of caring for patients. there's an old saying "Those who can, DO." She 'em you still can.
Absolutely! Otherwise they lose touch.
If staffing gets low from time to time, it's good to have a working knowledge to be able to work the floor. Sometimes it seems to overwhelm the job we've been hired to do (MDSC here) but it also gives a better perspective of your residents if you work with them on the floor once in a while.
It's commonly noted that many nurse managers prioritize administrative tasks over bedside care, which can pose challenges during staff shortages. Their primary focus tends to be on managing budgets rather than addressing immediate staffing concerns at the bedside. Consequently, nurses may find it difficult to receive assistance when needed, especially during chaotic situations. Having the support of managers during such times would be greatly beneficial for the nursing staff and overall patient care.
Yes! That would be wonderful!
Most of the managers would realize what the nurses go through on a daily basis.
Yes! If you're at executive/ director level at least get out there and help the charge nurse, be an extra pair of hands or offer to rally others for help. If you're a direct supervisor absolutely take a shift once a month. You'll keep your skills sharp, your staff will see you're not above getting your hands dirty, you'll get to know your staff better and youll better remember your Pyxis password!
I believe that nurse managers should have the position for no more than 5 years. At this point the should return to clinical practice, vis a vis floor work, to experience what they have helped to lay out as well as to realign with the reality of what is actually going on. Management exists in an ivory tower often guided by non-clinical bean counters with no idea about actual care of the patients. So called ‘health care’ under said bean counters is neither. 5 decades as an RN.
Absolutely! I always said they should have to work a night shift and day shift each month so they truly understand what our concerns are about on the unit! They should also have to work a major holiday as well! Not saying their job is easy but I think experiencing it first hand should be mandatory!
YUP!!!!! They are supposed to if staffing is low but they don't. I Think it should be MANDATORY for all managers to work the floor for 2 months twice a year if they want to keep their management position.
The saying goes : those who can, do. those who can't..manage"
