Job advice... any nurses out there?!

[Dandi]

This question is directed at everyone but kind of more to nurses because that''s the field I''m working in. Our ANUM (Associate Nurse Unit Manager) is going on holidays for seven weeks in a month''s time. Her position was advertised internally as a temporary acting role to anyone interested. I eventually want to step up in to management, but I''m only a year 3 and have been in theatre only for 2 years. ANUMs generally have at least 8 years experience in their specialised field. Anyhoo, our NUM has approached myself and 2 others... both much more zenoir than me I might add, if we had considered applying. It never even crossed my mind as I''m considered a ''junior'', but he''s still keen for me to have a go. I''ve thought it through and I''d really love to have a go, after all the earlier you start climbing the ladder, the better, right? Plus I love a challenge. My question to you all is how do you think this would be received by the rest of the staff, if I were to be appointed? How would you feel, having a (relatively) junior staff member running the floor? I get a week''s supernumery training and have been in charge a few times before so I know what it entails, plus I''m confident I could fulfill the role well, as I''d have the support (I''d imagine) of most of the senior staff. I think my biggest concern is making sure the staff feel comfortable with me in that role. Any thoughts? I''d LOVE to give it a go.

 

[dani13]

Hi there-

I have been a nurse for the past 6 yrs, and also just received my master''s degree/certification as a nurse practitioner.. I have also been working in a hospital on a very busy unit this whole time, and I really like it a lot, this is where I started out, and I really enjoy it.

I am really torn on how to answer your question, but I am going to answer it honestly. I think being only a 3 yr nurse is just too "young" in the field to take a nurse manager position. In my honest opinion, to be a nurse manager, it takes HUGE management skills- heading up many nurses, dealing with all of the issues that come up on a daily basis, etc. And being that you have no prior mgmt experience, I would think this job would be a huge jump for you and leave you so very overwhelmed. My advice to you would be to work another yr or two as a staff nurse (you need a good foundation as a experienced nurse first), and then try for a charge postion- do you have permanent charge nurses on your unit? In my hospital there are permanents- and they report directly to the nurse manager for issues. If you can shoot for that kind of position, I would think that that would at least teach you how to manage large groups of people on that level, to start preparing you for the next level- a unit manager. That job looks so overwhelming ( my nurse mgr pulls her hair out on a daily basis- lol) you have to ease in gradually. Believe me, you will not regret it in the end.

If there are no permanent charge positions where you are, like more of a rotating list, ask your manager to start putting you in charge more often. My good friend at work did this several yrs ago, and found she really enjoyed it, so when a permanent charge postion came up, she went for it and got it, and she is now one of our charge-people. She is an excellent nurse, and an excellent manager on the level that she is at. And she got this position at year four....

Just take your time, get the experience you need to do the very best job you can. It will come, but gettting a great foundation is key. Good luck!

 

[blodthecat]

Hi,

Dani has given good advice, which I can''t disagree with.

HOWEVER, still apply for the position. It ''s good to have a sense of direction in your career, and it will be good interview experience for you. It also gives a clear sign to others of the direction you want to go in. So don''t be discouraged. You''ve got drive and ambition!

People can be very experienced and excellent at their job, but is doesn''t mean that they will be suited to management.

So if you really feel this is something you want to aim for....then go for it!

Confidence is everything!

Blod

 

[Dandi]

Thanks for the replies, guys! Dani... GREAT post by the way, I totally get what you''re saying. I''ve just found that in the past our charge on evenings (who I must add is a lazy sod at times) often comes to me for advice regarding many things, despite my age and ''status'' and happily leaves me to run the floor if she is scrubbed. I often feel frustrated on evenings with her in charge and enjoy running the floor, and to be honest most of the staff are happier that way too, because although she is a very experienced, knowledgable nurse, she has few management skills... and sometimes leaves the floor all together, who knows where she goes!!!

We do have permanent charge positions but the charges are only part time, so it often happens that on their days off there are no ANUMs and one of us is asked to run the floor. Which I have done and really enjoy.

Thanks for the encouragement Blod, I did decide to apply but doubt very much I will be appointed, the other two girl that were asked are far more experienced than I in theatre, however they have little management experience like me. Guess we''ll wait and see!

 

[dani13]

Your welcome! Your evening charge person is a classic example of what Blod was talking about...inappropriate people in mgmt positions. And, just because you are experienced doesnt necessarily mean that you will a good manager- that is so true. But I have to say that in most instances, experience will make you better when it comes to mgmt in the long run...