Frustrated

[Q.]

I love my job, but I am frustrated at my lack of influence; part of it being the title I hold and all that.

Essentially, I function as a manager (as a program manager) attend all the same meetings to get things done, work directly with Vice Presidents, Directors and Managers, yet I cannot attend the leadership DEVELOPMENT seminars or classes, and because my title is "Specialist" and not "Manager," many other managers will dismiss my recommendations on patient education simply because, they CAN. And then, in order to get things done, I have to go my boss to get her to deliver the same message.

Yes, some element of influence comes with how someone carries themselves, etc. But ALOT of perceived influence comes from title.

Even down to stupid simple things, like my name badge. I can't have my last name spelled out on my name badge, only "managers and directors can." So there I sit in meetings with these individuals with my first name, last initial on my badge ~ many of them will ask if I'm who I am ~ because there is another person in my dept who has the same first name and last initial.

So petty, yet so frustrating! It makes my job more difficult!

I've spoken to my boss about this, essentially it was tabled.

UGH! Just needed to vent.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I sure feel your frustration. What is the reason you are not the "manager?" Is this some kind of budget cut initiative? What kind of program is this? Sorry for all the questions. We have a situation at our Magnet hospital where in order to be a "manager" you have to have at least a BSN. However, we have one "specialist" who does not have the requisite BSN, so that is how the higher-ups handled it. Again, I'm very sorry.

[Q.]

I sure feel your frustration. What is the reason you are not the "manager?" Is this some kind of budget cut initiative? What kind of program is this?

Not really sure why my position was called what it was (Patient Education Specialist). The position title itself connotes more of a consultant type role, which I'm fine with that, except the expectations of my job require, imo, a Patient Education Manager title. I do hold my BSN, and to my knowledge, that isn't a requirement to hold the manager title.

My boss told me that a while ago, it was determined that there were too many manager positions here so alot were eliminated. She doesn't think HR would allow us to change it.

I don't even really care so much about any money for it; I'm happy with my pay right now. I just want to be able to function.

[wonka]

If you are able to work well with your boss, you may just want to rely on your ideas and her title to get done what you need done. And hopefully she can give you credit where it is due, so that in time people will come to trust what you bring to the table. Been there though, it can be frustrating when you want to help and people won't listen!