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Discussion

How to break into an administration role

I've been a RN on a medsurge floor for about 5 years. I went back and got my BSN and I plan on starting my masters in the fall. My end game is a director level position in an area that I feel I will have influence in improving the way my hospital is run. I am not opposed to moving or changing hospitals to reach this goal, however the hospital I'm at is as good as any.

the issue I have it I am vastly unqualified for any job near my career goals. Even after I obtain a msn I won't meet many of the requirements in most job descriptions. I have a few options, like joining a residency program and going into critical care. I could take a case management job, or I've even considered taking an ADON or house supervisor position at a nursing home to get some sort of management experience. I've looked at some courses/certificates ect but I allready have a whole book full of random ones that don't make me feel anymore qualified.

My my question is what can I do now that will make me qualified to be an administrator in 2 years?

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    • Featured Replies

    I am very glad to encounter nurses who aspire to nurse leadership roles - especially those whose goal is based upon wanting to make a difference rather than just financial.

    You're correct in assuming that educational credentials will be 'necessary but not sufficient' qualifications for a leadership job. You're also going to have to accumulate some relevant experience. Get involved in 'extra' work such as committees, task forces, etc. Volunteer to help your supervisor with administrative tasks. If you let him/her know your ultimate goal, you may be surprised at how much support you'll receive. Seek out a professional mentor - someone with nurse admin experience who can provide you with advice and guidance.

    Go ahead and apply for internal 'step up' jobs such as house supervisor or charge nurse even if you don't yet meet all the qualifications. Often, current staff will be given extra consideration - especially if they have a positive history with the organization. When you are ready to look for an MSN program, select one that has an actual in-person residency / admin practicum because this provides an invaluable networking & development opportunity that is simply not possible with 100% "online" programs.

    The road to nursing leadership is not 'fast' or 'accelerated'. In addition to being passionate advocates for their staffs, strong leaders need a very deep understanding of the processes and services for which they are responsible.

    I am wishing you the absolute best of luck in your educational pathway and career aspirations!

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    • Author

    While I would love to apply for a house supervisor position, the requirements are insane. 5 years critical care, open heart certified, msn, and 3 years recent management experience.

    i am none of those things. It is however a director level position and pays around 120k so they can afford to be picky.

    Today I took a 4 month internal job with a task force, and I'm gonna bust my ass on that and see if I can network a little bit. I also applied for msn school yesterday so I at least have a starting point. My goals however seem far away and I feel I lack a clear path to obtain them.

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    • Experts

    Keep an eye out for charge nurse positions, and let your superiors know that you're interested in one; that's the traditional starting point for an administrative career path. Best wishes!

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