I am in need of your support and expert opinion. For the past two years I have been a staff nurse on a very busy med/surg unit. This past May I graduated with my BSN. We tragically lost our evening nurse manager to an automobile accident on May 30th, and management offered me the position. It was a privilege and an honor for them to have chosen me and I gracefully accepted the unofficial position. Due to the sensitivity of the matter they did not post and interview for it until about 3 weeks ago.
As you can imagine, transitioning from floor nurse to manager was not an easy task. I gave it my all, self taught by reading, researching, and gained lots of experience by doing. The evening shift is a challenging one, but gave it my all and did my best- my teammates were rooting for me. I have a great rapport with the unit as well as the entire “Planetree” community and departments within the organization.
In a nutshell, the organization decided to hire a candidate that they thought was more qualified for the position. I am discouraged because I believe I earned and deserved that position. I am now left with the offer to continue until the new manager starts and goes through hospital orientation, as well as orienting with me in the position, (which will take us through the next 6 weeks) or I can return to the 36 hr , 3 12’s I had initially (they were saving my spot). I am torn and don’t know how to handle it. Part of me tells me it wasn’t meant to be, and to swallow my pride, because I understand that when one door closes another one opens. How I handle this will be a true testament- at the same time I feel betrayed. This is a time sensitive matter . Please advise
Dear Betrayed,
You really stepped up for them and gave them your best. It's natural to feel a range of emotions when this happens. Feeling betrayed and even used is understandable.
But the thing is, it's business, and it's not personal. The best thing for you to do, career-wise, is stay on in the temp position until the new manager is trained. Help her to be a success with your inside knowledge. You will gain an ally, not to mention you'll be doing the right thing.
I saw the identical thing happen on a MedSurg floor, and the interim nurse manager, who I'll call Chelsea, was passed over for an outside applicant. The outside applicant lasted a little over a year, and guess who became the manager again- on her own floor? Right, the interim. She's held the position for 5 years now and is held in high esteem. By that I mean she is always being selected to work on new initiatives.
To all appearances, Chelsea was gracious and took the high road throughout the whole experience. If she had given in to negative feelings, she never would have been promoted in the long run.
Chances are, you will get your chance, it's just not your time right this minute... You learned a lot and that you won't lose.
You are so right, your behavior now is a testament-and an opportunity to rise above and be professional.
