I'm gonna puke

Specialties Management

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Specializes in Transitional Nursing.

I've been a nurse for 5 years and I've recently expressed interest in the Unit Manager position for my Sub Acute unit. (SNF)

 

I think they might actually give it to me.  What have I done??

Excited but scared.  Much like I felt when I graduated. 

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

Good luck. I remember my first leadership job, I suffered from extreme imposter syndrome. It's common, and normal. 

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

Good luck! Hope it turns out to be a great move for you. 

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.
On 3/28/2021 at 5:18 PM, klone said:

Good luck. I remember my first leadership job, I suffered from extreme imposter syndrome. It's common, and normal. 

Klone, not me!  My problem was I suffered from do-everything-for-everyone-because-I-can-do-it-better-and-faster syndrome.  I am way over that now! ?

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.
On 3/28/2021 at 10:12 AM, Straight No Chaser said:

I've been a nurse for 5 years and I've recently expressed interest in the Unit Manager position for my Sub Acute unit. (SNF)

 

I think they might actually give it to me.  What have I done??

Excited but scared.  Much like I felt when I graduated. 

If they give you the position, ask for a good orientation of their expectations.  It will not prevent you from feeling like you know nothing because you know nothing.  However, overtime a good orientation can lay a good foundation upon which you will be able to build your knowledge and skills.  Good luck!

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Specializes in Transitional Nursing.
11 hours ago, SummerGarden said:

If they give you the position, ask for a good orientation of their expectations.  It will not prevent you from feeling like you know nothing because you know nothing.  However, overtime a good orientation can lay a good foundation upon which you will be able to build your knowledge and skills.  Good luck!

Thank you!   They opted to go with someone with experience, and I can't say I'm totally upset.  I really wanted the learning opportunity, but I think it would have been biting off more than I could chew. 

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Specializes in Transitional Nursing.

Thanks for the good wishes.  I've been with my DNS for 3 years and I have complete faith in her & trust her judgment.  She chose to go with someone from outside the company who has experience.   I think it's probably a good thing. 

It was sort of a situation where the opportunity presented itself and I felt like I would regret it if I didn't go for it.   

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Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.
On ‎4‎/‎1‎/‎2021 at 10:57 PM, Straight No Chaser said:

It was sort of a situation where the opportunity presented itself and I felt like I would regret it if I didn't go for it.   

Like I tell my staff, you never know when or where your opportunities may come. Nothing wrong with pursuing advancement, if that is your goal. Even though you weren't selected, you have now been through the interview process, and you have more of an idea what they will ask you and what their priorities are for that position. I have gotten something out of every interview I have ever gone to, whether or not I was selected in the end.

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Specializes in Rehab/Nurse Manager.

Speaking from experience as a unit manager in a SNF, you may find yourself thankful the position went to someone else.  The position can be very interesting, challenging and stimulating, but it's also one--at least in my facility--that easily burns people out.  Expectations are very high, and at my employer, the unit managers are pretty much expected to be everything for everyone.  It can be disappointing to not get a job you went for, but in this case it might be a blessing.  Good luck to you though.  It sounds like you are motivated, so I'm sure something else will come up.  Best wishes ? 

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Specializes in Transitional Nursing.

Well, after two different people (with experience) didn’t work out - I’ve now been offered the job. 
 

I need guidance from those who have done this.  
 

One of my barriers is that I am going from coworker to manager - not sure how that is supposed to work, especially w my fellow nurses. 
 

id rather that things don’t change but obviously that isn’t realistic. 
 

I just have so many questions, throw whatever info or advice you might have my way please. 

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

Wow, okay. Congratulations! 

This is going to be a challenge, but I'm sure you're up to it, and your supervisors believe so. I've always been hired into leadership from the outside, never promoted from the ranks, so I have no advice about going from peer to supervisor, I'm sorry. I imagine that is a difficult transition to make.

I'm sure I can come up with some pearls of wisdom, I'm just finishing up my morning coffee and heading to work, so let me think on it and get back to you. Congrats again!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.
On 6/5/2021 at 9:53 PM, Straight No Chaser said:

Well, after two different people (with experience) didn’t work out - I’ve now been offered the job. 
 

I need guidance from those who have done this.  

I would not worry about the former coworker aspect of the job.  At times it can be a problem, but that usually is not the fault of the staff but the leader in charge of the staff.  In other words, if you show up as a leader and not a coworker, overtime your former coworkers will trust you to be their manager and develop a different relationship with you.  No, the real red-flag about your situation is the fact that two experienced managers were hired and left quickly!  

The best forum to gain very good insight and advice into the managerial world of LTC is located here:

LTC: Directors / Assistant:  https://allnurses.com/LTC-directors-assistant-c161

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