The Effective Health Care Supervisor - Book Review

AORN Journal, Jan, 2003 by Jennifer Pirozzi

fifth ed By Charles R. McConnell 2002, 477 pp $52 paperback

The author of this book worked in health care human resource management for 18 years in New York. He has a master's degree in business administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo and currently works as a consultant in management and human resources. He has authored more than 12 books, published more than 230 articles, and is the editor of The Health Care Manager.

This book can be used as a reference tool in any business organization; however, much of its content reflects the unique characteristics of the health care industry. The book is intended to be read and used by first and second line managers, middle managers, those with or without formal training in management, and potential supervisors. It could be used by any person responsible for supervising others and as a refresher for experienced managers. It contains pertinent information about all staffing levels and discusses the top down view of management from the viewpoint of those at lower levels.

The book's table of contents is organized meticulously, making it easy to seek out specific topics. It will be helpful to read the first four chapters to obtain an overall perspective. This edition contains two significant chapter additions, one dealing with ethics and the other with team building.

Each chapter begins with specific objectives and is followed by a fictional situation to be considered while reading the chapter. Chapters end with an activity. It would be difficult to use this book as a classroom text because it gives only an overview of a wide range of topics; however, the language is simple, and the book is written in conversational style, making it user-friendly.

Two chapters largely beneficial for first time managers address performance appraisal and communication. For experienced managers, there are well researched chapters on resistance to change, budgeting, and law.

In nursing, we historically promote those who excel clinically, expecting them to perform at the same level in management with little or no training. This book could be a working guide for assisting managers in the difficult task of supervision and management at every level. Overall, the book provides an excellent framework to guide managers when making decisions. Unfortunately, as in life, there is no standard solution to every problem. I would highly recommend that this book be on every health care manager's and supervisor's desk.

This book is available from Aspen Publishers, Inc, 200 Orchard Ridge Dr, Suite 200, Gaithersburg, MD 20878; http://www.aspenpublishers.com.

JENNIFER PIROZZI
RN, BSN, CNOR
NURSE CLINICIAN