Being Performance Managed as a Graduate Nurse
Being performance managed as a graduate nurse can be a daunting and unexpected experience, but it's important to remember that it's not uncommon, and it's not the end of the world.
That said, if it is unfair and of a bullying nature, then what I offer below is not of help, contact your union ASAP.
If it is fair and there are some opportunities for growth, then here are some tips from my time working as a NUM on how to navigate the process:
Seek clarification If you're unsure about why you're being performance managed, ask your manager or supervisor for clarification. Ask for it in writing and make sure everything they say is documented. Keep your own notes. This will help you understand the expectations that have not been met and how you can improve.
Get Union Support/Buddy Support. You always have a right to have a support person in performance meetings with you. Utilise this resource, whether that’s a union member or a nursing peer willing to join you. Make sure you have someone who isn’t directly involved to keep tabs for you, advise you on next steps. If you haven’t joined a union - it’s never too late. Call them for advice before you go to any meetings and take notes!
Ask for evidence. Whilst it may be obvious why you are being managed, only you will know. If it is legit, make sure they have clearly gathered some evidence. Hearsay isn’t enough. Ask to hear it all/see it. From here, depending on your situation you can own up to any mistakes you may have made and take responsibility for your actions. Being accountable and willing to learn from your mistakes can show your employer that you're committed to improving.
Know that this is a process. Managers and educators hate doing performance management and it is typically done poorly, because of this reason. There is a lack of training for managers and senior nurses when providing complex feedback, so don’t be surprised if it’s a bit of a mess. Read your organisation’s policy for performance management so you understand it’s a lengthy process, and so you can be aware of the next steps.
DOCUMENT everything. For every discussion you have, take notes whilst you are there. Summarise, without emotion and stick to the facts. Type it up and save it for yourself. Consider sending a documented collection of the facts to your managers after the meetings to acknowledge receipt of them and to check you are on the same page. Do this neutrally, with no mention, only facts. Your manager should do this, but If they don’t, you definitely need to keep track for your own rego.
Manage your mind. This is a challenging time and you are going to experience a lot of negative thoughts and feelings. Make sure you have some form of counseling/coaching support so that you can debrief and check in with yourself. You have so much going on, this is not a time to beat the shit out of yourself cognitively and compound the challenge. Create space to look after yourself, and make sure your inner narrative is empowering and not defeating. Find the growth in this opportunity and know that it will help you grow personally and professionally.
You are not a bad/shit nurse. Please do not use this one mistake/issue/situation to tell yourself this wasn’t meant to be for you. We all make mistakes/have challenges and it’s completely unnecessary to go to worst-case scenario thinking. It will make you feel miserable and you won’t have a clear head to navigate this process. Be kind and compassionate with yourself, you are human and so are your managers. Don’t take it personally, it is their job.
This is one of the most challenging times of your career, know that you can get through this and find the lesson for moving forward. If you are struggling and need support/someone to talk to - you can always book a call with me to chat and explore things!
By following these tips, you can navigate being performance managed as a graduate nurse and emerge stronger and more confident in your abilities. Remember, everyone makes mistakes, and what's important is how you learn and grow from them.
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About the author.
Liam is an ex-Nurse Unit Manager, who has sat on graduate nurse panels across Australia and knows what panels are looking for! My vision is to make sure NO graduate nurse is without a job in 2023!
