Transition from Floor RN to Mgmt

[pinkflipfl0pz]

So, I am new to this community although I have read threads here for a few years. I have been an RN for +/- 3 years, and have moved up fairly quickly. I have advanced our clinical ladder (2x, and have a project in mind for a third advancement which would be the top of the ladder). I have obtained certification in my specialty of nursing. A few months ago, a management position became available (I have a limited business background as well without supervisory experience). I am not a charge nurse but was planning to put that as my goal for this year. But, I applied for it anyway. I didn't think I had a chance of getting this job, but just wanted them to know that I was interested in advancement and putting it out there like that. Anyhow, 2 people applied for this position and neither of us had the qualifications (but they said I really blew them away and surprised them at how well my interview went). I understood why they couldn't give me the job and went on, no hard feelings. A month or so ago, the mgmt team informed me that they wanted to send me to the mgmt classes so that I would at least have some of the required education from our hospital under my belt when a position would become available. They basically wanted to prep me for it. They also mentioned wanting me to teach another class, and mentioned sending me out of state to train for it... Anyhow, this position recently became available again. My boss pulled me aside individually to inform me and let me know that I wouldn't have to interview again... Said accommodations could be made regarding my lack of experience. Seems like I have a chance, but I would hate to go for it again just to be shut down again. Hard to deal with that over and over again.. Would it be too much to ask for a probationary period in case it didn't work out so I could keep my position that I have now? Any advice would be appreciated....

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Good on you for advancing so quickly and obtaining certifications. However, management is challenging, even with supervisory experience. Is it possible for you to work in a charge role prior to advancing to a management position?

Middle management is a balancing act between making your staff and the administration happy. Definitely request a probationary period if you are considering the role. Most employers will provide one anyway. Be cautious, and get it in writing that you may return to a floor position if the managerial role doesn't work out.

[vampiregirl, BSN, RN]

I'd say one question to ask yourself is if management is something you are interested in.

I advanced to a management position at a past employer, but in time figured out that my heart is with bedside nursing.