[Kindhearted]

Hello,

I am currently in an MSN Nursing Administration Program. I have been employed at my current job for about 2 1/2 years. The nurse manager's position is now available and I have had several of my colleagues approach me about interviewing for the position. I'm wondering if it's too soon, especially since I'm back in school now. Does any one have any advice on this subject.

[classicdame]

Go for it. You can always get out if you need to, but I believe your co-workers see something in you that you may not be aware of -that is, a potential leader. A leader that is valued by co-workers is a VALUABLE leader.

[llg]

If your co-workers are supportive ... and your school schedule will permit it ... go for it. You may not get a better opportunity later.

[Jolie]

It sounds like you (and your co-workers) think it is time, so I would suggest that you apply and interview for the position. A thorough interview is the only way you can learn whether the position meets your expectations, whether your skills and knowledge base are matched to the job, and what kind of support the institution will offer you as you transition to the new role.

Please don't make the mistake I made, which was accepting a nurse manager position (in a hospital where I had worked as staff) without a formal interview. I was naive to believe that I knew what the nurse manager's role was since I had already worked there for almost a year. Due to vacations, the administration team was not available in a timely manner to conduct an interview, so the DON met with me 1:1 and offered me the job. Had I had a formal interview, and a better understanding of what the job entailed, I may not have taken it.

I recommend asking: What kind of educational preparation (formal coursework or seminars) will they offer you in terms of management training? Who will "mentor" you? What percentage of your time is expected to be spent in patient care vs. "off-unit" duties such as scheduling, evaluations, P&P, budgeting, etc. Will you have 24/7 responsibility for the unit?

While I don't want to discourage you, I strongly advise you not to take this position thinking that you will "make a difference" or be able to exert any real influence on the patient care on the unit. I resigned my NM position when I realized that I had more influence on patient care by delivering it myself, than by "managing" a unit.

Good luck!