Doing Everything Right

Dear Nurse Beth,

I recently had my nursing annual review. I told management that I would like to start being more active in a leadership role. I already am a part of two shared governance councils and currently enrolled in a MSN with concentration in administration. I only have 5 more classes left then I am done.

Management has told me that she would work on creating me a position since the hospital I work at is growing at an exponential rate, just to give her time. However, I spoke to another manager who is the advisor from one of the shared governance council and she told me to think hard about applying for a position now for a supervisor role so I can go ahead and get into that leader role.

That being said, I do love my job. I already do leadership type task, by managing schedules, covering different departments, training new people, dealing with conflict. Should I wait for this created position or go ahead and try for what is already available? Or is this current role enough transparent to be seen as a leader?

Background is work in a interventional radiology unit, cover scheduling (other RN or techs do not do), train the schedulers, educate staff on new practices both for interventional radiology and other radiology modalities, certification in CCRN since we handle our own ICU patient and my background was ICU. The supervisor position that is out now is for ICU. Thanks!

Dear Wants Leadership,

You are doing everything right! You are engaged in shared governance, you take opportunities to perform as a leader, and you are getting your graduate education in leadership.

Trust me, you are being noticed.

I would take the supervisor role and excel at it. It will be great experience for your next step. It will make you even more visible and give you skills.

There will be other opportunities for you as the hospital grows. Another thing you might consider is asking the manager who advised you to take the supervisor role if she'd be your mentor. She can help guide you in your role and help you in your career advancement.

Last but not least- network on your way up. That is how leadership opportunities come your way. So excited for you!!

Best wishes, my friend

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!