Question

You recently graduated from an ADN Nursing program. Prior to this you were an LPN working closely with your close friend Janie who is also an LPN.

Now Janie as an LPN is now under your span of control. Although Janie has told you that she is proud of you, some of her actions have bothered you. She openly questions some of your instructions and often takes an extra 10 minutes for her breaks. She sometimes laughingly makes remarks about your new status implying being an RN has "gone to your head".

Today when you were doing your end -of -shift charting, you noticed that Janie had not recorded intake and output amounts or vital signs on some of her patients. When you question her she says "oh, you gave m too much work to do today and I thought I would leave those for your to do for me".

You initially feel hurt and betrayed by Janie because you believe that she is directly challenging your new status of team leader. You are not sure what you should do to narrow the authority-power gap, because it is becoming obvious that Janie is openly defiant. For you to be successful in your role as team leader, you must take some actions to solve this dilemma.

Question:.

1.How should you proceed ?

2.What are the political ramifications if this incident is not handled properly.?

3. How should you use your power and authority when dealing with this problem?

Answer 1

ADN - Associated Degree in Nursing

LPN- Licensed practice nurse

1. Even if ( I) feel hurt, due to the incomplete work the jaine had done, I will not shout or show my disappointment to Jaine, instead will take some actions to Clear the air between Jaine and me.

* To clear the air: Arrange a one to one conversation with Jaine. Openly talk to Jaine without, tell her ' that you value her as an important team member and your great colleague and well aware that both are worked together closely. But now your position demands you to delegate work,  to the other team members as an RN and encourage them to do and complete it professionally. Next day onwards you will delegate more appropriately , without making the subordinates  overload . Also tell her for Today Jaine has to finish her entries of vital sign and input out put chart and you can help her   in completing those works.

2. Political ramifications:

If the incident is not handled properly, then obviously there will be adverse consequences in patient care team and there will be conflict between LPNs and RNs . If Jaine's is not addressed properly then she will be repeating this behaviour to the seniors without showing the respect, also

*incomplete documentation may affect the patient care .

If the RN is doing the work for her , then it will be a practice for other LPNs or subordinates to leave the work incompletely. That also will not a good practice. Other Consequences are

* Organizational chaos

* Low productivity

* Compromise in quality patient care

* Improper team functioning

3. Power and Authority , when dealing with the problem:

A new leader, or a Nurse , who got promoted to RN from an LPN can use their Power and Authority to resolve the issues in group and to make the subordinates to do the delegated work through following ways:

* Open conversation and clear the air: Held a one- one conversation with the previous peers and subordinates, if there is a conflict.

* Be your self: Don't change , once you become promoted. Immediate behaviour change may irritate subordinates.

* Use the power and Authority wisely: Narrow the Authority - power gap. It is the gap between a position of authority the response of subordinates . The gap should be narrowed down through wise ways. Communicate with them clearly about your new position and same time assure them each one is valued as best team member.

* Listen to the subordinates and ask for their opinions in certain tasks

* Recognise and reward the subordinates's achievements and timely completions of tasks.