Advice needed regarding clinical sup position

Specialties Management

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I have been an ER nurse for almost 3 yrs with 4 months off for maternity leave. Also, I have been a charge nurse for a year. I work in a small hospital where we are always hurting for staff. I currently and always have worked nights. It is taking a toll on me not spending the evenings with my family. I have my BSN as well which not many people have at my hospital, including the director. My hospital mgmt is such that there is the director and 2 clinical supervisors. There is an opening for a clinical supervisor job. I have talked to my director and told her this is what I have always wanted to do and that I think I would learn fast and do a good job. Also, the outgoing clinical supervisor who is the director's best friend, also recommended me for the job. Of course there is a huge interview process with the director and the other clinical sup as well as a panel interview with other clinical supervisors.

My concern is that the director has stated to other staff members that she doesn't think I would be happy in that position. Also, she is concerned because we are always extremely short on night shift and especially for charge nurses. One is going on maternity leave and both myself and the other are applying for the job!

I am upset because I feel that even if I do awesome in the interview process, I will not be hired. Staff have "talked me up" to my director as a wonderful resource, etc and I don't think she wants me to leave the noc shift as charge.

So even though I am furious that these concerns are coming into the decision making process, that I feel are irrelevant, I want to do well on the interview.

Any advice? What should I practice on? What should I focus on? I have been told to talk about utilizing the experience of other clinical supervisors to learn the position and also to focus on networking with departments in the hospital. And throughput was up there as well??? Any other suggestions???

Thanks for reading my long post!

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Also just to add, I know I don't have a lot of experience to be considered for a clinical supervisor position but where I work there aren't many more experienced people. I know the other night shift charge nurse didn't go to nursing school, became a nurse in the army and has only worked 3yrs as an rn. Anyway, just wanted to add that piece of info. Thanks again for any replies!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

RNintheER,

Although you didn't provide a lot of info about the duties of the position you are seeking, it seems like you are certainly qualified to move up the ranks. You didn't state who will actually make the hiring decision, but I am assuming from your comments that it will be the Director.

I am concerned about the fact that you were told of a comment that the Director was supposed to have made - that you wouldn't be happy in the new position. I would suggest that you make an appointment with her to discuss this. She is operating from her own world view - and it is certainly different from yours.

You need to open up a dialogue to discuss her perception of you - and establish some common understanding of the issues at hand. Stay objective and focus on what your really want -- the promotion. Don't stray off onto tangents (favoritism, short staffing on nights, etc). Make sure she knows how well you have been preparing yourself for the new role and how hard you will work to learn any new competencies that are required. At the same time, listen to her concerns with an open mind and don't get defensive.

Really - there are more than just two options here (promote you and be short on nights OR deny you the promotion & keep adequate night staffing). Help her to explore alternatives that would work out well for both of you.

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I would say you are certainly qualified for that role. I wouldn't worry so much about hearsay, just go for it!

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