A new manual, co-authored by Cornell University social gerontologist Karl Pillemer, focuses on how to help nurse supervisors in long-term care facilities improve their leadership and supervisory skills.

Leading the Way: Practical Management Skills for the Long-Term Care Nurse (Frontline Publishing, 1997, $10.95) is co-authored by Pillemer, associate professor of human development at Cornell and co-director of the Cornell Applied Gerontology Research Institute who has conducted extensive research on front-line employees in long-term care, and Philip T. Johnson, who has more than 20 years of experience in staff development, training and publishing and is president of Frontline Publishing.

In 11 chapters, 41 pages and numerous examples, the authors discuss the job of a supervisor, leadership, how to build an effective team, secrets to successful supervision, teaching and mentoring, developing high morale, understanding the nature of work and family, dealing with conflict, negotiating creative solutions, taking corrective action and professionalism.

"This straight-talking, easy-to-scan manual takes the mystery out of management and outlines practical strategies and tips for nurse supervisors," said Elise Nakhnikian, editor in chief of Contemporary Long Term Care (Bill Communications, NY).

"Leading the Way provides important information about the essence of leadership and the essential steps to building an effective team with high morals, productivity and professionalism," adds Terry Fulmer, director of the Center for Nursing Research at the University of California, Davis.

Pillemer also is the author of the report Solving the Frontline Crisis in Long-term Care: A Practical Guide to Finding and Keeping Quality Nursing Assistants (Frontline Publishing, 1996, $39), which warms that the shrinking population of nursing assistants is an impending crisis that will implode the entire nursing-home system if drastic measures aren't taken soon. Pillemer and Frontline Publishing also publish Nursing Assistant Monthly, an ongoing continuing education program for nursing assistants in nursing homes.

To purchase Leading the Way or the other publications by Pillemer mentioned above, contact Frontline Publishing at 1-800-348-0605 or fax (617) 661-1530.