Advice Needed

I've been approached by administration to consider taking a nurse manager position on a 65 bed unit in long term care. I'm currently the 3-11 supervisor of this 150 bed facility so I am familiar with its policies, philosophy, and staff. Any advice? Is this unit too much for one to manage? What questions should I be asking?

Congratulations. It sounds like a great oppurtunity for you but what would your job duties be?

What kind of unit is it? Medical? Dementia? I manage 2 units, a 46 bed Alzheimer's unit and a 26 bed medical unit in a 220 bed LTC facility. Yes, it is challenging, but if you have decent staff it is doable. The medical unit is more work than the dementia unit because there are more admissions and discharges and the residents can be sicker. The Alzheimers unit residents usually stay for a long time. I managed a 56 bed medical unit for 6 years before accepting the two units I have now. I personally love my job. If you have been supervising on 3 - 11, you shouldn't have a problem. You already know the facility and its policies. The only thing I don't really like is it's a salaried position and you will be putting in longer hours, especially when the state is in for survey. You probably will have a 24 hour responsibility for the unit. I am rarely called for any problems, although I do carry a pager. The off shift supervisors handle everything on their shifts and just leave me a report. Once in a while I am called to work the floor (on day shift) if we are really short nurses. That doesn't happen very often though. (About 3 times last year.)

Even though it is just a middle management position, I feel I can make a difference for our residents and their families.

Do you like supervising now? You will be actually supervising all three shifts. But, like I said, where I work the afternoon and midnight supervisors usually can take care of any problems on their shifts and just report to me so I know what is going on.

Good Luck!

I would want to see the job description, and find out what kind of support you would receive from your supervisor. What would be your fill in responsibilities if short staffed?

sounds like you have what it takes, or you wouldn't be asked. I would be flattered. Go for it.