Do I have what it takes?

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Oct 10, 2008

I was deemed the charge nurse my first night working in a hospital years ago because I was the only RN. Experience in LTC certainly would help before taking a charge nurse position, but it's hard to say for sure because the definition of charge nurse changes from one facility to the next. Are you well organized! Do you have time management skills? Can you multi task? If yes you probably would be okay.

liebling5, MSN, RN · Oct 13, 2008

Hello everyone! I'm new to this site and wanted some advice.
I recently applied for a Nurse Manager position at a LTC facility within the same health system I work for. I have 3+ years ICU experience as an RN. I previously worked in ICU for 3 years and at a retirement home for 2 years as a CNA. I have my Bachelors degree, yet I have not officially done Charge Nurse in ICU since I've become an RN. My current manager has wanted me to orient to charge, but I told her later this year due to wedding plans/getting married back in April. My NM now knows I have applied for this position and has been supportive.
My question is, do I have enough experience to be Nurse Manager of a LTC facility? My interview is next Wednesday and I'm afraid that it will look bad that I haven't even done charge yet. I have no prior management experience, but figure you have to start somewhere. Comments welcome.

Why not? I had 2 years experience on an acute med/surg unit before. I wasn't able to "charge" there because I didn't have a BSN. I went to a SNF/LTC to work in a post-acute unit. Within 2 weeks, I was hired for the ADON position. I didn't think I qualified, but the DON and administrator thought otherwise. I really enjoy it. I get a fair amount of patient contact, plus some good experience with being Shift Supervisor. I've been there almost a year already! My best to you!:heartbeat

greencatgreencat · Oct 14, 2008

The LTC I work in recently had a managment position open. Two outside nurses applied. One had management experience and aresume that was a mile long! The other had no management experience, but sold me with her eagerness to learn . Sometimes having the experience can make people more set in their ways and narrow minded. I think if you go into your interview with a positive attitude and sell your willingness to give it your all, you'll have a good shot! I would rather have a nurse manager who has common sense and motivation, than years of experience!

achot chavi · Oct 14, 2008

You can and will succeed !!..

3 years ago I was brought in from the outside( having been a PCC/Charge Nurse for some years already) to be ADON of our 200 bed SNF, our DON wanted someone who she could train and not someone from the inside who might have been adequate but less cooperative. I have learnt a lot and am grateful for the opportunity. I have always remembered who I am working for and made their goals, my own.

I would suggest you find a mentor in your new facility and keep your eyes and ears open,

try to soak up whatever you can to learn how to be a successful manager,

u will of course find your own style in the end, but don't think that you know it all from the start-

every place has its own politics- so tread softly in the begining- you don't have to jump in and make changes right away- just fulfill the tasks you are given, and in time you will find your sea legs

You will continue to gain experience as you go along. What you put into it you will get out of it- Go and make us all proud!!