Need a Manager's Insights - Career Advice

[Ginger35]

To be honest, I really don't know where life is taking me..... I am a RN with 12years experience encompassing:

2 years experience in a small rural community hospital ER (currently working)

3 years case management

4-5 years ER/Trauma in a level II trauma center

2 years telemetry / cardiac step down

I want to grow into a management or directorship role in an ER: There are no growth opportunities within the organization that I currently work for - they have been downsizing.

This is my educational background:

Started out with an ADN,

then progressed to a BSN

will be graduating with an MBA this June with a healthcare specialization.

However, competition for these positions is fierce where I live and I have never held a "management" position. One of two things either happens to me when I apply for a open position here in Northwest Ohio.

1) They are promoted from within the organization or

2) They have the management experience without the education

I guess I felt the need to obtain the MBA because so many managerial nurses that I have worked with in the past have said that being thown into budgeting FTE's and departmental supplies & equipment & revenues without any real orientation or a business acumen is extremely stressful - then, trying to balance the people issues of conflict management, patient complaints,physician issues et al.

Soooo, I decided to obtain the MBA so that I would have the education as it pertains to the finances, leadership plus continue being current with the clinical side.

Now, my question is: How the heck to obtain the "management" experience when it appears that most of the facilities out there want someone with experience? How do you move up when there are seemingly no growth opportunities?

I am even willing to relocate, but still having problems finding positions on Monster.

I don't want to sound like I have "grandiose" thoughts of myself, but whoever I land a management position with will have someone that will have the business background / clinical expertise and represents nursing's voice in the organization...

Does anyone have insights or suggestion to offer?

Frustrated,

Ginger

[Ginger35]

Indy,

Thank-you for the feedback. Yes, going from a staff position to a directorship would be a big change for anyone. That is part of the reason I decided to "bridge" with the MBA.

I know many hospitals are gearing more and more working toward quality initiatives. I believe that this is due to CMS outcomes and this being tied to reimbursement.

Anyways, I have seen quite a bit of postings for jobs regarding the yellow, green, and black belt in Six Sigma. I had thought that these certifications were for those who come from a background in QM or TQM (I understand that everyone needs to be involved in quality).

Anyways, my question: Are they expecting managers from all disciplines to obtain these certifications from your area? Just curious. How would one go about getting them?

[desertrn]

Thank you Ginger, I'll do just that.

[desertrn]

I have been a nurse for 20 years.(Ten of those in the ED) My last 3 years in the ED was under a manager who bullied me on a daily basis. Wrote me up for ridiculous hear-say lies from a few of her new hire, incompetent, lazy, loud mouth friends. Now I have these bad marks on my otherwise spotless record. My manager was recently fired and my complaints along with the Dr.'s and several other nurse's was the catalyst. I was recently offered a position, which involved a promotion and raise with the same healthcare organization. When I called a few days later to check the status of my transfer I was told "Sorry the position isn't available". I've got a feeling that the person who offered the job took a look at my file and backed out. What can I possibly do to recover my reputation? Should I question this manager to be sure of my suspicions? I am more than qualified for the new job. And I know it is still available.

Update on my problem....

The manager who offered me the job was relieved of her duties. Tansfered to the Med-surg floor. I then spoke with the district manager who knew my old boss and said my record shouldn't be a problem. But she wanted me to work a few shifts to try the place out. So that's what I'm doing. I worked my first shift last week. It was great. I have 3 more scheduled. Then I will approach her again. I did look at my file and anyone with any managerial savvy will see through the write ups.

Thanks for your support.