How did you decide management?

toomuchbaloney · Nov 17, 2014

As a young critical care nurse who functioned as an informal leader in both the unit and in the hospital I was asked to consider an assistant department manager position. After successfully working in that capacity for 6 months or so, my employer began the process of "investing" in that level of function and paid for some terrific educational and support courses to further my degrees.

Not everyone is suited to life as a manager.

Good luck to you.

blkbelt3dg · Nov 30, 2014

Nursing is a second career for me. I spent the greater part of 20 years building a career in the IT field. WHAT?? Why would you leave such a lucrative field to be a nurse? Well, I got tired of being laid off. After building my way up to entry level management 4 separate times in 4 different companies, only to be laid off because middle management has to step down to do my job or lose theirs, I decided to go into a field where there was more "demand." (I've gone as far as middle management and without a college degree. My only degree came from nursing)

From reading your post, I sense a real hesitation in your thoughts. This is where I think I can help. I sought management for all the wrong reasons. I thought the money would be better, I'd be able to make a difference, and I enjoyed working with people. Sounds noble enough but the reality is I chased the wrong reasons FOR ME. A deeper reflection revealed that you can make better money if you love what you do, I can make much more of a difference in lower levels than above, and working with patients, I can make a huge difference in their lives one-on-one.

So I ask you, what are your reasons to take the management track? You don't have to answer me in here... Your answers to yourself will reveal your true motivations. Are you willing to sacrifice your values for the greater good? That is what management is expected to do on a regular basis. The say "crossing over to the other side" for a reason because as a manager, director, CNO, your responsibility becomes first to the organization as a whole, then to the patient. Although many will tell you differently ie., my organization is patient focused, the more they try to sell you on how patient focused they are, the more they really aren't. (advertising doesn't make the organization better, just read the reviews and you get a better picture)

Can you fire someone for doing their job because they just cost the hospital more money in the short run vs. the lawsuit you avoided because the practioner actually cared to do the right thing? In my opinion, the higher you go in management the more you become a politician and less human to those you work for. This may anger some managers reading this forum but I've coached a lot of management and I can tell you a trememdous number would have decided differently had they known the truth of what goes on behind closed doors where the staff cannot hear. Idealism has no place in politics because it's all about leverage and power. The decisions are not made by those that represent them but by the people behind the scenes who fund the organization.

From the sound of your post, you may have already experienced some of which I speak. Dig down deep and really ask yourself where your motivations lie, where and why you want to make a difference. All managers aren't bad, please don't read that from my words. There are A LOT of good managers out there. If your desire is to work closely with patients then stay on the practioner route. If your desire is to work with staff then go the management route. You can make a difference in either place as long as your motivations are pure and you understand them. In the end, we all just want to feel better about ourselves and go home satisifed that we did our best today. Do what you love.... or love what you do. The first one will bring you ultimate happiness. Good luck!

psychRNmom2 · Dec 14, 2014

I didn't choose it as much as it chose me. I was working at the bedside for a while and feeling ready for a new challenge. My director approached me and recommended that I go into management. I was hesitant at first, but ended up being offered and accepted the position of manager of my unit. I have only been at this a year, but I absolutely love it! It's work I enjoy doing. I love impacting patient care on a more global scale. Sure there are rough days when I have to deal with some challenging staff. I am learning not to take things personally. I have to remind myself that I will make decisions that will not be popular, but as long as I make decisions that involve patients at the center, than I know I am making the right decision. It always comes back to that; what is best for the patient? It's what I tell my staff every day.

sourapril · Jan 27, 2015

How long have you worked at bedside before you went to management?

SummerIsMyFave2 · Mar 14, 2015

Hello,
I'm curious to hear from fellow nurses how you decided to go into management versus other areas of nursing. I was a charge nurse and I was presented the opportunity to be thr assistant nurse manager. I was promoted, and I am not only adjusting to the change, but I am also liking it. Currently, I have applied to a MSN/MBA program, after having a heart to heart with my director. I had planned to be a nurse practitioner prior to my promotion, and I had never thought of management. A part of me is wondering if this is the direction I want to go, but I am enjoying my role and I am curious to see what the future holds. I plan to be promoted to nurse manager next year. Have any of you had difficulty deciding between management and mid-level, or any other area? How did you decide management?

Interesting! I applied and was accepted to beginning my MSN for FNP this winter. I have been an RN at a Critical Access Hospital which means wearing multiple hats! I'm an RN in every area of nursing (M/S, ER, Surgery, health clinic...) and also the 5K Director, Marketing team member, Safety Committee member, in charge of Employee Health....always Lots to do! We have been in a major overhaul of restructuring and hired a new DON. I was encouraged to apply. I asked for the job description and told my HR that I felt a MSN would be best for the role. Ends up they hired the new MSN prepared DON and then because of restructuring and various experiences that I've gained, it seemed to be a good fit for me to work alongside of our new DON. So.... MSN work is postponed for now. I also have contemplated MSN for nursing leadership or MBA. I lean toward MSN. This is how I came into management. I've led various projects and there was a need. I'm passionate about patient care and advocacy.... as Employee HEalth nurse, I'm also an employee advocate.

Sometimes you don't know what you don't know.... until you go for it.

I'm a 20 year experienced RN. I have had great leadership and not-even-close-to-good management that was ineffective leadership and disappointing.

:-)