Gearing toward a management career

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Hello, all.

I have been browsing this forum lately and you all have some good insights to share with us novice nurses. Thanks! I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on how to maybe steer my career path toward that of management? I have 3 degrees already: BA in psych, MS in finance, and the most recent, a BSN. I graduated last May, and have been working in a Neuro ICU. I like it a lot. I know, obviously, that I will need a lot more experience before going out for a management position, and I have already applied for the MSN program that my hospital would pay for. Other than this, are there any things I could do that would make me "management material?"

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I would suggest speaking with your nurse manager. Ask advice. See how you can get into a charge nurse position. Let the NM that you are willing to work on succeeding in this goal.

Just some things I thought of.

Kris

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I too am interested in this career move...I have 11 years experience as an RN, 1 year med-surg, 1 year MICU, 8 years ER, 1 year as an ER Case Manager. I'm going to say it loudly: I WANT A DAY SHIFT JOB!!!! (Whew - got that off my chest!)

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I agree that being a charge nurse first puts you up there in the running. It also lets you work on your people managing skills. Good luck. I've been a charge nurse many years and keep leaving those positions because I hate management. :)

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I too am interested in this career move...I have 11 years experience as an RN, 1 year med-surg, 1 year MICU, 8 years ER, 1 year as an ER Case Manager. I'm going to say it loudly: I WANT A DAY SHIFT JOB!!!! (Whew - got that off my chest!)

Trauma,

I wouldn't get into management if you are looking for a day shift job. It is a job that never ends. I have been in management for 5 years. First as a NM then as a director. This is a 24 hour a day job. Being responsible and accountable for all the nursing care that goes on in the department is only a small part. I have been in the staffing mix many times on off shifts due to shortages. I have come in to help when the place is crazy. Then you have all the administrative stuff. I average 50-60 hours a week at work. I have a personal policy not to take paperwork home. I have been able to stick to this most of the time (except during budget season). But I am on call 24/7 except for vacation.

I am not complaining because I like my job and my staff is great. I just urge you to look at the reality of the situation before making a committment.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Thanks Kfabian - I am truly being realistic - I'm an experienced nurse. My complaint though is that now I work a rotating shift and I can't even tell if I am coming or going. My final project for my MSN is an evaluation of management styles and objectives that managers have at my hospital system. I know that it is a 24/7 committment. However, I don't necessarily want a unit manager position - a leadership position in education or a clinical nurse educator position would be fine. Thanks again...

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Specializes in trauma ICU,TNCC, NRP, PALS, ACLS.

Hello

If I wanted to have a career in nurse management, should I get a masters in hospital admins. or a NP in my area of expertise. Also do NM get paid good, what is the average.

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Hello

If I wanted to have a career in nurse management, should I get a masters in hospital admins. or a NP in my area of expertise. Also do NM get paid good, what is the average.

I have been wondering about this a lot lately. My last two NM have held BAs in Healthcare Management not BSNs. One NM was working on MA in Healthcare Administration. I am now unsure which path to take. If I go the NP route I would be going for Adminstration anyway. Can anyone explain the pros and cons of going for a MA instead of a NP?????

Thank you

Holly

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And it seems like it would be easier to get into a school for a BA or MBA then Bsn or MSN.

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