unsure to stay in management

[grandmatobe]

I am currently a manager of an outpatient clinic. I have recent thoughts of leaving this role and working as a staff nurse. I love the area but the duties are becoming more than I can handle. I go back and forth with this thought. One week will be fine the next I am ready to run. Is this normal and are there others out there that can relate? I need to come to a conclusion.

[joannep]

As I sit here and read all of your posts I am on the other side of the fence. I have my BSN and am presently going for a dual degree of MSN/MBA-HCM but to this point have not been offered the opportunity of management. I'm always told that I do not have "management experience" I've been a nurse for 21 years and have LOTS of leadership experience and education but it never seems to be enough. For someone like me who gets bored so easily and needs to be challenged to feel good about herself I wish I could complain I had too much to do. I'm not trying to make light in any way of all you do I'm trying to make the point that there are many different personalities out there and some are made for the stress and management and some are not. Does not make one or the other better than the other just is their life calling. I hope I get the chance to do it someday.

Yes, it can be really difficult to get a break. I too have been a nurse for over 20 years and have had to work hard to get where I am. I originally worked in OR for 15 years, and then decided to diversify, and added 5 years of renal (back to the wards). I also did a Masters degree in management, every nurse I worked with said it was a waste of time. But the two managers I worked with during the time I did my masters were very supportive, and were happy to be references when I started to apply for jobs. I got my first management job when a new medical ward opened and that first job paved the way for more. I am currently employed as the DON of a free standing ambulatory day surgery. But you are right, it can seem like it takes forever to get to a job where you really want to be, (while raising a family and keeping the man of the house happy :wink2: )

Good luck, the right job is out there for you

Joanne

[CseMgr1, ASN, RN]

I was in Management in some shape, fashion or form for 18 years up until the year 2000, when the company I was working for downsized and they eliminated my position. I loved management at first, being able to teach and lead my staff for the benefit of our patients. But during the last few years, it became increasingly obvious that I was no longer working for their benefit...but as Corporate's handmaiden instead, and I quit.