Managing Difficult Staff : Tips for Nurse Managers

As a nurse manager, managing challenging staff can be a daunting task. However, it's essential to address the issue promptly to ensure the smooth operation of the healthcare facility. Here are some tips to help you manage difficult staff effectively:

• Identify the root cause: Understanding the reason behind the challenging behavior is critical. It could be due to personal or work-related issues. Once you identify the root cause, you can work towards finding a solution.
• Communicate effectively: Communication is key when it comes to managing difficult staff. Have an open and honest conversation with the staff member, listen to their concerns, provide constructive feedback, and work together to find a solution.
• Set clear expectations: Set clear expectations and boundaries for the staff member's behaviour. Make sure they understand the consequences of not meeting these expectations.
• Provide support: Offer support and resources to help the staff member improve their behaviour, such as counselling, training, or coaching.
• Take action: If the staff member continues to exhibit challenging behaviour, take appropriate disciplinary action, including verbal and written warnings.

Additional Tips for Nurse Managers:

• Lead by example: As a nurse manager, it's important to model the behavior you expect from your staff, such as being respectful, professional, and approachable.
• Provide positive feedback: Recognise and praise positive behavior to motivate and encourage staff to continue performing well.
• Document everything: Document all interactions with the staff member, including disciplinary action taken, to keep track of the situation and provide evidence if needed.
• Involve others: Consider involving a human resources representative or supervisor for additional support and guidance.
• Follow up: After taking action, make sure to follow up with the staff member to ensure that their behavior has improved. If necessary, provide additional support or take further action.

Effective Management of Difficult Staff Situations:

• Address issues promptly: Address issues as soon as they arise to prevent them from escalating.
• Communicate clearly: Be clear when communicating your expectations and any issues you have with the staff member's behavior. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
• Be consistent: Consistency is key when managing difficult staff. Apply the same standards and consequences to all staff members to avoid any claims of favoritism or discrimination.
• Seek feedback: Seek feedback from other staff members to identify any underlying issues contributing to the challenging behavior.
• Provide support: Offer resources to help the staff member address any underlying problems.

Remember that managing difficult staff requires patience, empathy, and strong leadership skills. With the right approach, you can create a positive work environment and lead your team to success.

www.leadershipcoach.ie