When you are a nursing supervisor and oversee an employee that isn’t meeting job standards, you need to deal with the problem in a timely fashion. These are the strategies I would use to deal with this situation.
- Clarity in communication: First, you should have an open, honest and clear conversation with your employee regarding their performance. It should be conducted in a non-judgmental and private setting. Conversations should be focused on areas in which the employee has fallen short, and what they can do to improve.
- Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). If an employee fails to meet required standards then a PIP should be created. PIP’s must include goals, deadlines and resources that will help the employee improve his or her performance. PIPs should be regularly reviewed, and feedback provided to employees on their progress.
- Education and training: You can provide additional resources for education and learning to your employees to enhance their abilities and knowledge. On-the-job-training, workshops, and continuing education classes are all possible.
- Support and resources. It’s important to give the employee the help and resources they need in order to increase their performance. These could include extra staffing, resources, mentorship or other healthcare professionals to provide guidance.
- To ensure the employee’s progress toward their goals, it is important to regularly follow up and hold them accountable. It can be done through regular feedback and monitoring their performance.
It is essential to deal with employee performance problems in a supportive and timely manner. The focus should be on providing resources and improving the performance of employees. These strategies will help nursing managers to ensure that their staff are meeting the standards required for the position and providing high-quality care.