Had to tell the manager...

soliant12 · Feb 26, 2006

Probably, I have seen this too often with managers getting mad when someone wants to move on and better themselves. My advice is do your job to the best of your ability (Which it sounds as if you are) and remember that no one will take better care of you and your family than yourself.

Hello everyone-
A little background on me, I am planning on applying to CRNA school in the fall for the class beginning Fall 2007. (Stats: ACLS, GRE yet to be taken, GPA 3.85, Sigma Theta Tau) I have one pre-req to take (that wasn't required by my undergrad program) Unfortunatly, the class starts sooner than I expected (May 8) so I ended up having to tell my manager about the class, so I could get my schedule arranged correctly, which led to "why are you taking another A&P class", which ended up with my telling her that I plan on applying to CRNA school. I know that this has been a topic on the boards, but just looking for some input from anybody that has ideas. Now, it seems, they are not going to let me take the balloon pump class, and I'm sure that CVVH is out of the question....I realize the damage is done, but how can I make this next year and a half or so as painless as possible? Not to mention the always important LOR I need from the management (is required for all 3 schools I'm planning on applying to)?
Other pertinent history: I work in a busy 36 bed SICU/MICU, Level 1 Trauma center. I have worked there for 8 months now and am a flexible team player, always doing what I can to make it the best environment possible (both for staff and pts). Am I being punished for "not going with the flow"?
-Karen

JiffyGriff · Feb 26, 2006

That is serious BS!!! My nurse manager has known that I want to be a CRNA from ever since I got hired as an aide and she has done everything possible to help me succeed and help get me into the ICU as a new grad. Had an interview with the nurse manager of the ICU not to long ago and she hired me, agian fully knowing my intentions, the nurse educator on that unit also fully knows my intentions and is doing her best to get me the preparation I need to do it. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that you didn't tell them at the beginning. I dunno, but regardless that is cold, if it continues to be a problem I would consider confronting the manager or educator about the problem and just telling them that you have plans to further your education and they should be behind you as you have given your all for them while working on their unit.

STEVE RN/EMT-P · Feb 27, 2006

That really stinks that you management doesn't seem to want to see you succeed outside of what their needs/wants are. I too was straightforward with my manager in the ICU upon hire that I intended to go to CRNA school. If the problem persists, go above their head and see what can be done - everyone has a boss! If they still are not willing to help you, you might consider a new job where you can get the best experiences that you want and need to facilitate you admission to school.

Nitecap · Feb 27, 2006

If she took the news ok then I would give her time. Explain to her that you are passionate about pursuing Nurse Anesthesia and hope she is happy for you. Work hard. If she doesnt let you advance than so be it, cant do much about it. If she treats you negatively in anyway I would consider a HR complaint. One thing you should focus on is if you are going to get your letter of rec. from her of from someone else in the unit. Many programs only want the current superviser which will not be good if she is pissed at you. really plan ahead with these letters and make sure you are getting someone the write it that you know without a doubt will praise you. You would really be suprised how some peeps really dont write a good letter and score then strongly in the letter. A letter can make you or break you and is more important than you think. Screw her just be nice until you get that letter.

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 27, 2006

Another approach -- and the one I would probably take -- is to downplay your plans to leave. Emphasize that you have not applied to school yet, much less been accepted. Your plans are not yet definite: you are just continuing your learning and keeping your options open.

Such an approach gives her reason to support you -- to keep you as a productive member of the staff while the situation plays out and maybe beyond if your grad school plans don't work out.

If you firmly announce, "I am committed to leaving here," then the employer has no incentive to invest further resources in your development. If there is still a chance that you'll stay, then they have an incentive to keep you happy.

As for letters of recommendation -- Don't forget to get copies of your performance evaluations. Positive evals are a great supplement to LOC's because they show what the institution said about you for your personnel file.

Good luck,

llg