As a new charge nurse at our facility, what are some challenges you anticipate?

"I think my first challenge will be gaining my patients' trust and building those relationships. I'm very outgoing and possess great interpersonal skills, but I know it can be difficult for patients to adjust to changes in their direct care team. I also know that many of your patients have complex issues and diagnoses, so it will be important for me to take the time to get to know each of their histories."

"Since I have never worked in a designated mental health or behavioral center, I think my biggest challenge will be learning all of the policies and procedures unique to the company. I have a lot of experience in nursing and working with older adults and children, so I have many transferable skills. It will just take some time to get adjusted."

I foresee the most challenging part of this position will be getting to know the new unit and building relationships with the current staff. Staff are often skeptical of new management team members and often do not trust them. In order to build a highly effective team I need to build trust with the staff and that will help get their buy in when it comes time to make changes.