undeserved promotion?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi! I'm an RN (BSN) who has been working for just past one year at a small facility. There's only 3 of us who are full-timers there: me- one year experience, the manager (LVN) who has been there since it opened 4 years ago and an MA who was hired 6 months after it opened and has been there since. Our senior doctor who makes all the decisions just told me he had been thinking of making me the assistant manager. I said I don't think the MA will like that because she has always thought of herself as the unofficial second in command (she said and acts like so) because she's been here so long and she knows how to run the place like all 3 of us does (my manager and doctors have said i'm very capable as well and they were impressed at how fast i learned everything.) The doc said, she's only an MA and you're an RN. And it is based on seniority and not performance. (Many doctors and patients complain about her) Anyone else have had experience of getting promoted based on performance and not seniority?

Note: I know how it looks like, but I was not badmouthing her. Before this promotion topic, the doctor and i were talking about her behavior when she was being hostile to me and spreading rumors after i was taken in full-time from being just part-time after only 3 months. He also asked me for my opinion about another part-timer who is being hired to be FT too.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Lactation, Case Management.

I am not sure I even understand why a LVN is your manager since per your state BON she can not supervise you. Anyway, I would not worry about it. It's business, not personal and the promotion is not your decision to make, it the doc's. Be happy and move on. If the MA's isn't happy...maybe this will make her move on to another place and out of yours!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Education is the key that opens doors of opportunity. You had the education that the doctor was seeking, and the MA does not. End of story.

In addition, interpersonal skills will make or break a person in the workplace. If the MA has a hostile attitude and receives complaints, she probably lacks basic interpersonal skills, and this is hindering her advancement.

Congratulations! You're obviously doing something right.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I am not sure I even understand why a LVN is your manager since per your state BON she can not supervise you.
An LVN is permitted to supervise an RN administratively.

An LVN is not permitted to supervise the RN clinically.

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Specializes in LTC,med-surg,detox,cardiology,wound/ost.

Seniority does not typically cross ranks/education/job description. Not any of you are the same in terms of education or experience in your chosen profession (BSN, LVN, MA). So, it will not matter if the MA has been there for 3 1/2 years or 30 years. It does sound like there needs to be better role delineation. You might have a great performance, but it is also your education (and perhaps your attitude) that is being considered by the physician. I say accept the position with a smile on your face but there needs to be some discussion about roles.

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If she was already hostile and spreading rumors she is going to totally lose her mind over you being promoted "over her." What the doc needs to do is 1.) Fire her, get an MA who insn't toxic to the workplace and rude to patients. In this economy, he has his pick of talent. 2.) Promote you to the assistant manager position.

I think if he doesn't fire her and still promote you, you will suffer greatly and pay the price in the end. He already knows that she is a toxic co-worker and poor cargiver yet did not fire her. When she continues with a her known, established pattern of behavior, how much time is he willing to spend to remediate her to the concept and practice of civility??? That's right, not much if any. She needs to go or I don't think that I would accept the promotion. I'm in my 40's and nursing is my second career so I have seen a lot- Trust me on this one.

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Specializes in Med surg, LTC, Administration.

He is being smart. Regardless of seniority, he needs a RN in management.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

If I were you, I would make a huge effort to get past any doubts lingering in your mind regarding your suitability over the MA's for the promotion. Something tells me that you might be drinking some of the Kool-aid that the MA is serving, i.e., you're not deserving and she is. Even your title "Undeserved Promotion" says loud and clear that you are uncertain about this situation.

Stand tall and accept the promotion. As the RN in the practice, you are not only the MD's choice, but the absolutely appropriate person for the position. You're going to need to put your big girl shoes on and stand firm against what is sure to be many acts of retribution on the MA's part. If her personality is as you describe, she will take advantage of any hesitation or perceived weakness on your part.

You asked:

"Anyone else have had experience of getting promoted based on performance and not seniority?"

My answer to that is that I would only ever accept a promotion for performance reasons. I don't want anything to do with a promotion given just because I've been there the longest.

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Specializes in Home Health.
If I were you, I would make a huge effort to get past any doubts lingering in your mind regarding your suitability over the MA's for the promotion. Something tells me that you might be drinking some of the Kool-aid that the MA is serving, i.e., you're not deserving and she is. Stand tall and accept the promotion. As the RN in the practice, you are not only the MD's choice, but the absolutely appropriate person for the position. You're going to need to put your big girl shoes on and stand firm against what is sure to be many acts of retribution on the MA's part. If her personality is as you describe, she will take advantage of any hesitation or perceived weakness on your part.

You asked:

"Anyone else have had experience of getting promoted based on performance and not seniority?"

My answer to that is that I would only ever accept a promotion for performance reasons. I don't want anything to do with a promotion given just because I've been there the longest.

I couldn't have said it better myself. This is a really good post!

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Take the compliment, take the promotion, and don't look back. Hate to say it but try and think like a guy. (I am giving guys a compliment here...). There is nothing undeserved about this.

Congrats!

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Of course the doc would promote you over the MA. You have the most education and training that is beneficial to his office. Be proud of the promotion and don't feed into an negativity.

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Specializes in Professional Development Specialist.

I also agree and want to second that a promotion should have almost nothing to do with seniority.

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