Role of Nurse Manager in Sick Time

Nurse managers play an important role in enhancing morale and reducing sick time.

Nursing is a high stress profession where professionals are exposed to hazards and often work long hours, primarily shift work. Managing sick time requires a nursing manager with strong leadership skills and awareness of the issues facing modern nurses.

Sick Leave Management

Nurse managers must anticipate sick leave during peak periods, such as flu season or the holidays. When developing schedules, nurse managers should have backup plans and policies for these peak periods and general policies for when employees call in sick. Often these policies must coincide with the general rules and regulations of their employer.

Reducing Sick Leave

Reducing sick leave is another role of a nurse manager. A strong leader who focuses on health and wellness for the nursing staff will enhance workplace morale and may reduce sick calls. Offering flu shots, smoking cessation programs, employee assistance plans and exercise programs are all ways of encouraging healthy living.

Other Considerations

Nurse managers also play a role in pandemic preparations. When developing sick-leave policies and healthy living programs, ensuring pandemic and disaster plans are up-to-date is also a best practice. Nurses are at the front lines during health-care crises and planning for the inevitable is a way of ensuring future success.

References

• Nursing Times: Smokers 'Take More Sick Leave'
• Nursing Times: Stress Driving Up Nurse Sick Leave Levels