Functioning as a Department Head and Supervisor: A New Role for the Activity Coordinator

Although activity programs have grown significantly more sophisticated during their relatively short history, recognition and acceptance of their importance lags behind these advances. The major reason for this may be that many activity coordinators con- tinue to function primarily as activity leaders rather than department heads and supervisors. This article presents basic information about how to employ and supervise activity assistants and work effectively with other staff. Employing (job descriptions, interviewing, and se- lecting), orienting and training, motivating, and evaluating activity assistants are reviewed, and orienting and gaining the cooperation of other staff, especially nursing staff, are discussed.