Dealing with practical problems in nursing management

Nursing supervisors hear certain complaints from nurses with unusual frequency. In this article, seven common complaints are presented, and an example demonstrating each complaint is described. The obvious and not-so-obvious reasons behind each complaint are analysed, and suggestions made for supervisory behaviour which will reduce the likelihood of such complaints. When nursing supervisors actively pursue good managerial practices, the frequency of complaints will decline, interpersonal relations will improve, and increased supervisory effectiveness will result.