ANM: Not the dream job as hoped

[JMaeRN]

I am usually pretty good at handling my own situations but this one has me a bit stumped. I had worked on a unit as a charge nurse/staff nurse but recently completed my MSN with a leadership focus. I want to get into management and after trying (without success) for several positions within the system, decided that I had two options: 1. sit around and wait or 2. Go after what I want.

I went with the later option and found an Assistant Nurse Manager position within another healthcare system but am not happy with my choice. The new system is less progressive and not as technologically advanced. I feel that care is mostly safe but not as safe as I know it can be. Processes are inefficient and the staff are miserable due to high nurse patient ratios and constant staff turnover.

My new role is not much different than my former one but I took it because there was the additional opportunity to gain experience with staff management, scheduling, and evaluations. This opportunity is still the only thing that is positive about this job. I took a HUGE pay cut, have to drive further to work, Insurance prices have doubled (and we have to switch providers), and I feel like even though my schedule is more consistent, I have less time with my family because of how I need to sleep.

I am half way through my 90 days and if I am going to leave, would like to do so in that time frame so that my new employer can repost the position without having to apply through the budget committee. So, I am looking for some opinions on whether I should stick in this role for at least a year for the experience, knowing that I will likely leave because many of my concerns with the new employer are not easily changed, or go back to my former employer where I would have to take a staff nurse position until something else opens. Thanks in advance for any insight on this topic!

[QuiltDog]

I would suggest staying in your position for at least a year. Gaining experience as an ANM can only help you to find better positions in the future. The skills you are learning (evaluations, interviewing and scheduling) will be useful in any other managerial position.

My other thought is that you are in a position to possibly affect some change within the system - if you stay and learn the ins and outs you can have a positive impact.

Good Luck!

[redsoxjen]

I agree 100% with QuiltDog. It's worth it to stay for the year and get the experience otherwise you'll have to explain the short duration in future leadership interviews. I am at almost a year as an ANM and there have been many times I've wanted to retreat back to my secure staff nurse position. I have found to look at the positives. I have an amazing mentor as my Boss that is supportive and nurturing.

My advise. Stick it out for the year. Learn everything you can from all those around you. Get experience with the managerial aspect of the position. Take on as as many opportunities to be involved that your obligations allow. I have taken on the responsibility of NPC sponsor. I offer to lead staff meetings. I suck it up and present the unit patient satisfaction scores even when they're not pretty. If your organization allows for additional training. I have been through significant leadership onboarding.

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

OP: Hi, I too am new to nursing management. I am sure that what I say depends on your local market, but I am told that one does not have to stick out 1 year to gain another ANM position. You can probably get away with 6 months and either transfer within your system or apply to ANM positions with your former employer. Talk to other ANMs especially the ones that work with your former employer. The worse thing that will happen is that you indeed need to stick out 1 year, but you gain a new network of contacts that can help you get that next management position. Good luck!