I am so grateful to finally have restful nights. This journey was not an easy one.
I’ve gone from sleepless nights or having my rest interrupted early on in my career as a Director of Nursing, to now finding peace even in the midst of challenges.
I’ve grown, developed, and helped my team transition into a place where we all rest easier, knowing we are prepared.
The Fear We Face
Often, the fear we feel comes from two places: either our own lack of knowledge
as leaders, or gaps in our team’s understanding. I remember early on, telling my
team, “Be sure to call me if XYZ happens.”
But then, I realized I needed to break that down, step-by-step, so they truly understood.
I had to ensure the information I gave was clear, actionable, and easy to follow.
Lessons Learned: Sharing the Process
Now, I pass this same approach on to the Directors of Nursing that I mentor. Here are the key steps that have helped me—and can help any nursing leader—find more restful nights:
Set Clear Expectations
Leave specific directions for when and why your team should notify you. Make sure they understand the threshold for what constitutes an emergency or critical situation.
Daily Clinical Stand-Downs
Host daily briefings with your team to discuss high-risk residents. This is where you get ahead of potential issues by flagging concerns before they escalate.
Mock Drills for Code Blues and Elopements
Practice makes perfect. Run mock drills, especially for code blues or elopements, so that your team is prepared for these events during off shifts or weekends when you may not be on-site.
Emergency Contact Lists
Always leave a list of emergency contacts. This might include not just medical contacts, but also facilities, legal, and any essential personnel who can assist when needed.
Disaster Preparedness
Ensure that emergency supplies are easily accessible in case of natural disasters or power outages. This step alone brings a sense of calm, knowing that your team is prepared for the unexpected.
Restful Nights Don’t Mean the Absence of Emergencies
Of course, this doesn’t mean emergencies won’t happen.
Preparing your team and laying out clear expectations, you not only reduce the number of calls you get at 2 a.m., but you also empower your team to handle challenges confidently.
Additional Tips for Peace of Mind
Develop Trust in Your Team: Building relationships with your staff is crucial. Trust that they know when to escalate an issue and when they can handle it independently. This trust grows with time, communication, and training.
Self-Care: It’s not just about your team—it’s about you too. Ensure you’re taking care of yourself with a good sleep routine, healthy habits, and finding ways to decompress after a long day.
At the end of the day, restful nights come from knowing you’ve done all you can to prepare. Your team is equipped, and so are you.
With gratitude and much-needed rest,
Your Grateful Director of Nursing
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