ANM candidate after 14 months?

Nurses Career Support

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A little about me: I started my current position as a bedside nurse 14 months ago after graduating from an ADN program. Before that I worked for almost 9 years running the front office of a moderately sized medical practice (7 physicians, 3 mid-levels, 5 locations). After obtaining my RN license, I immediately went back to school for my BSN and will graduate with that in May. I am a very driven student (4.0 GPA) and definitely plan on continuing my education. I am also beginning to study to become PCCN certified.

I have enjoyed my time at the bedside and have taken on other responsibilities such as preceptor, unit council chair and was also asked by my educator to create and perform in-services for RNs about diabetes management in the inpatient setting. I have recently started to explore opportunities to advance my career and am thinking about applying to an ANM position on the sister unit to the one I work on now.

My questions would be...do you think I have enough experience to excel in that position? Or should I get more experience at the bedside first?

I appreciate your feedback.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I think it would be worth it to apply. Use the application process to decide whether or not it is a good fit for you at this time. It might work out. Even if it doesn't, the process of applying will teach you things about your readiness and will signal the leadership in your hospital that you are interested in whatever opportunities might be available in the near future.

I think you would be a legitimate candidate.

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Thank you so much for the feedback! I have reached out to my DON to ask for her mentorship and she asked me to call her this afternoon so we will see how that goes. I'm definitely optimistic. And like you said, it will be a learning experience either way which is always a good thing!!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Go for it!! Based on the information you've provided, you are an ideal candidate to move into nursing management. We need talented and energetic leaders to move our profession ahead.

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Thanks for the encouragement. With the support from my DON I have applied to two open ANM positions within the facility I currently work for. She did mention that the fact I do not have any charge nurse experience may be the only factor holding me back, but I am confident that my leadership roles prior to nursing would help me overcome that. If nothing else, the experience of the interview process and getting my name "out there" will be beneficial and I welcome that with open arms. I will keep you posted!

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I say go for it! Sounds like you're on the right path. Good luck!

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Update: I did apply for two ANM positions, one with the sister unit to my own (same DON) and one with another hint entirely. While my DON led me to believe I would be interviewed for the position with the sister unit, my application status was modified to "Applicant Not Selected" for both positions.

I am a little disappointed, however I have not been discouraged and will continue to seek further advancement opportunities.

Thanks again to everyone who offered encouragement!

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