Enough experience for management?

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jun 20, 2007

Based on my years of experience working in LTC, here's my thoughts on that. . .whoever walks through the door wanting the job and meets the minimum qualifications that the administration is willing to accept is the one that gets it. I've seen people get into these positions who have come from staff nurse positions at general hospitals with absolutely no supervision or management experience at all. They were in the right place at the right time. I've always said that LTC is full of opportunities. The next time there is an opening, you should apply for the job. I've got to warn you though. . .management is not the same as being a staff nurse. There are things about management that you may not be aware of. And, of course, LTC has it's many regulations that must be followed. There may also be state laws that mandate a certain college and educational level for LTC DONs and/or certification or licensing requirements. You can check this quite easily on your state department of health website (the department of health is the entity that often administrates the regulations for nursing homes). I can also tell you from experience that going from a staff nurse to a management position in the same facility can be a tricky situation. Some staff will suddenly become disrespectful and not give you the respect a boss deserves and will be openly defiant. If you don't have experience dealing with behavioral problems, it will be your first major clash with the staff challenging your authority.

MrChicagoRN, RN · Jun 20, 2007

When is enough experience to be a NM, an ADON or DON or other administrative managerial type position?
I have been watching my managers. I think I would do a better job than they currently do.

It really depends on the setting.

In some places it's just being in the right place at the right time. In others, if you don't have a masters and years of progressive experience, forget it.

I'd suggest taking a look at the experience and education of those in positions where you'd like to be.

And then start positioning yourself for leadership. Take charge when you can, make yourself visible within the institution, consider furthering your education.

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Jun 20, 2007

If you are well-qualified with exp and the ability to manage others...DO IT! Try and get out there and see if you really can MANAGE people...this comes from a 26 yo who went from assistant directing an activity department at 23 (for a grand total of 2 months) to taking over the department for the next 3 years....I 2nd daytonite...it was a case of no one else wanted the job, and I would have otherwise been let go (as the most junior member of the department /WO union protection)....so I said sure...and had about the best 3 years of my life there.....Do it if you think you can, and learn in the heat of battle...I learned many ways on how to relate to people...

That being said, I'd like to say that a well-trained chimp could probably do a better job than our main nurse manager....our team leader...PRICELESS...her and I get along a lot better now a days then we used to. Day assistant manager..I absolutely enjoy working with her...(for the 1/2 an hour during shift change I usually see her....) However, since my eval for the year is coming up in 10.5 hrs...maybe I should reserve judgement...look for my seperate post tonight about my eval....LOL....

llg, PhD, RN · Jun 20, 2007

I agree. It really does depend on the setting, the expectations of the job, and your abilities. You'll only know if you can handle it after you have given it a try. Start getting yourself the qualifications needed and work your way up the ladder.

One word of advice though -- that may or may not apply to you. While you may think you know what the manager's job entails, there may be a lot of aspects of the role that you are not aware of. It's a lot easier to look at someone from a distance and say "I could do a better job" when you have never walked in their shoes. Their jobs may be harder and more complex than you think.

RNperdiem, RN · Jun 20, 2007

I believe some nurses become managers as a bedside nursing escape route. Their success is unlikely over the long run.

EmmaG, RN · Jun 20, 2007

Our VP of nursing started out when I did as an ADN flexi-pool staff. She had NO managerial experience, other than being a stay at home mom...

After a few years, she applied for and was given the job as our unit director. The best I've ever worked for, hands down.

When our then-VP of nursing was ousted (rightfully so) they put our director in charge until a candidate was found who had all the degrees and whatnot. Well, it soon became obvious that this woman had an innate ability to lead, so they offered her the job. She has since gone on to further her education a bit more, but her leadership and management skills were there from the beginning.

After she was put in the VP position, almost all the nurses who'd fled the hospital under the old VP came back and are happy they did.

weirdRN, RN · Jun 22, 2007

I was in LTC for two years. I finally let go and moved on to greener pastuers in more ways than one. I stumbled onto Correctional Nursing. This really seems to be a good fit for me. I really enjoy the work, most of the staff and inmates, and even management.

The reason for my OP is the HIGH turnover rate. We are losing a GREAT NM over in one of the other sections. The reason I say I could do a better job than my current NM is that he spreads himself too thin and takes on things that could be better delegated to others (such as myself). I have even volunteered. Just to take some of the pressure off him, but he continues to want to do it all and while he is trying to do it all virtually nothing gets done. I am honestly concerned that he is going to put himself in the hospital!

My previous managerial positions include team, squad and finally platoon leader in the Army. My strengths are my organizational skills, my ability to find unorthodox solutions to difficult situations. My weakness is a lack of tact, finesse, and occasionally, diplomacy. My main concern is that leadership in the military is different from leadership in the civilian sector. I am a great fan of delegation and team work, but the organization I now work for is very fragmented. There are a lot of STRONG personalities (not that that is a bad thing). I feel, overall, I would be good at the job.