General Manager – Nursing Home

Job/Role Summary

• Manage staff.
• Monitor patient care.
• Attending care management meetings.
• Identify training needs and organise accordingly.
• Overseer advertisements and arrange interviews
• Reviewing policies and procedures amend if required.
• Report to Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority and adhere to regulations.
• Audit care plans and medication records.
• Appraise staff.
• Manage budget.

Specific qualifications and experience required

RGN, Management Experience, 2 years Care of Elderly

Career Milestones

I was previously employed as a Ward Sister in the Health Service and set up a day unit for Elderly Rehabilitation. This familiarised me with community staff and care management processes and facilities available. I completed a management course which helped with interview and selection and fair employment law. However, I feel that I always learn new skills and this develops with time.

 

What attracted you to this job?

• Return to elderly care.
• Suited my family situation at the time.
• Proximity to home.
• Was going to be a short time project initially.

Enjoyable aspects of the job/role

• The residents.
• The family spirit.
• The ability to make someone’s quality of life better.

Important success factors

• Audit of patient/relative questionnaires.
• The interaction between patients and local primary school children on social occasions.
• Extension of home to provide better facilities.

 

Advice for those considering the type of job/role?

• Be prepared for a hard ride.
• Be assertive as nursing homes are sometimes thought as second class care.
• Everyday is a challenge, take a deep breath, say a prayer and step into the unknown.

Key skills that can be gained within this job/role?

• Audit.
• People skills.
• Conflict management.
• Negotiating skills (purchasing).
• Assertiveness.
• Keep cool when others are loosing their heads.
• Management of prospective crisis situations.

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