Being in Charge

Being in Charge

One of the primary duties of a nurse is to lead others and to coordinate the patient’s care. To be successful, a nurse needs to understand the art of delegation and how to direct others without letting them feel “bossed around” or subordinate. Graduates must not play the game of delegating and disappearing, participating in the workload along side with the ancillary staff members is vital to building strong relationships. As a leader, it is important to motivate others, match appropriate assignments to the appropriate people, and energize the team’s morale.

Being in charge is not easy but please share some ways that you know how to go about being that well-respected team leader.

Delegating

1. Describe your approach in delegating a task to someone?

2. What is an non-cosntructive way to communicate an assignment to them?

3. Upon task follow up you find that the task is not poorly completed or not doneat all, how do you respond?

4. What's a key concept to remember when delegating a task?

Becoming the Leader

5. What obstacles did you encounter when you transitioned from student to nurse?

6. At what point did you gain respect from the ancillary staff members?

7. What are some other ways to becoming a good leader?

 

  

 

Comments

[Aimee Dinwoodie]

Delegating
1. Describe your approach in delegating a task to someone?

I never ask anyone to do what I would not be willing to do myself. I always say please and thank them for helping me out. Being polite goes a long way! I also don't delegate something I can do myself. If everything else is caught up- I'll get my own blood work or help the pt up to the bathroom, etc.

2. What is an non-cosntructive way to communicate an assignment to them?

Demanding it be done or ordering someone around, and making them feel like their job is beneath you/less important, is a sure way to meet resistance when needing an assignment completed.

3. Upon task follow up you find that the task is poorly completed or not done at all, how do you respond?

I never accuse someone of not completing a task until having all the facts. I always ask "why not?" Again, being polite is key. If it's a problem, and the person just didn't care or intentionally did not complete the task then it may be time to get the charge nurse or manager involved, but I always try to talk to the person first and see if there's a miscommunication before resorting to more punitive adn drastic measures. Though I never want to hear "It's not my job."

4. What's a key concept to remember when delegating a task?

Don't delegate anything you're not willing to do, and if you're able do it yourself or help out. Working as a team sure beats working alone.

Becoming the Leader
5. What obstacles did you encounter when you transitioned from student to nurse?

I was afraid to delegate tasks when I first began. I didn't want to feel like a jerk. I also had to learn to be assertive for myself and my pt's.

6. At what point did you gain respect from the ancillary staff members?

I always try to say hello and ask staff members how they're doing. I also learn their names and treat them with respect. It goes a long ways toward building a healthy relationship and winning respect. It doesn't happen over night though, so don't be discouraged when it takes some time!

7. What are some other ways to becoming a good leader?

Teamwork. Be a team player and help your coworkers out whenever you can. Lead by setting a great example.

[Daniel]

I start off by saying, do you have time, can you get that.... don't use power words/ commanding words, this is not a military.

try to go and do some things for yourself first, lead by example.

Next time ask the person to come along with you so you can do some education on the proper way to do an assigned task, if a task is simply not done don't jump to conclusions. Ask the delegated personnel "Did you get a chance to do...." See if there is a reason why something is not done before losing yourself and understand things happen!!!

So you're delegated a task by a fellow nurse!! If your fellow is busy and you're just hanging out, help! What goes around comes around. But don't let someone abuse you. Set limits. Remember though WE ARE ALL HERE FOR THE PATIENTS. Another method might be,"I'll meet you in there to help"

Barriers

When you first get out there take your time. Don't be in a crazy rush to announce yourself. Proving yourself takes time so be patient, all the barriers will lift slowly.

When dealing with ancillary staff the main thing is to listen to to what they have to say. If you don't agree that's fine but just show some respect, they will learn what you are made of in short order. Time, calmness and persistance will win the day.

In the leadership role I feel the only way to gain regard, energize the team, and get everyone on the right page is to lead by example. Go out and do the things that you just know others don't want to do. It can becme contagious.