Least Senior RN to Supervisor

[Mil0o]

I'm considering a supervisor position at my current workplace. My dilemma is that I'm the least senior out of all the nurses. I've been a nurse for 4 years, but have been with this organization a little over a year. Some nurses have 10+ years on me. However I'm one of the only ones with a BSN, not to mention a previous bachelors degree in public health.

I came from a fast-paced teaching hospital where my unit was mostly self-managed, going above and beyond was expected of you, and 3 solutions were presented for every problem. When I came to my new position I kept up with those habits and have gotten a lot of great feedback from all levels. The clinic manager and I get along well, and he personally encouraged me to apply for the position. Interviews went great and I have a feeling I will be offered the job.

I have a high level of respect for my co-workers. A lot of them have spent their entire career in their position. I don't know for sure, but I believe at least one, likely two, of my close peers also applied. The first thing I told my boss when he mentioned the position was that I wasn't entirely interested because I was worried it would not be received well and the last thing I would want is for someone to leave due to the decision. He agreed, but said that it wasn't going to stop him from hiring the right person for the job.

I'm torn on whether or not to take this opportunity. I really like the organization. I also feel like I've worked my @$$ off in my short nursing career and truly feel that I am well qualified for this position. Who knows when another opportunity like this will come up. At the same time, I think working 15+ years for an organization deserves recognition. When it comes down to it I know my peers would do fine in the position, but things would stay status quo for the most part.

So what are your thoughts? Should I be ruthless and go for the position with everything I've got? Or continue working hard in my current position and look for other types of advancement opportunities?

Anyone have a similar experience they care to share?

[amoLucia]

... So what are your thoughts? Should I be ruthless and go for the position with everything I've got? Or continue working hard in my current position and look for other types of advancement opportunities?

Go for it.

I don't think you're being 'ruthless'. You sound like you've a strong background and you exhibit a concern for your co-workers. Any management position needs someone with those qualities.

To decline pursuing this position would only serve to make you question 'what if...'. Your chance to do try could only sit unfulfilled and the agency will miss out on the potential good that could come about with you in the advanced position .

There's no guarantee that your co-workers could do any better in the position than you. They have their own internal agendas. And longevity does not ensure change for the better (or worse).

[FarrarSanchez]

I became nursing supervisor after 8 months at my current job. It's because I perform better in the ways that management sees: documentation, solving customer complaints, getting along with and motivating all member of team, not complaining. We all have talents. Some of the nurses I supervise have better technical skills than me in one way or another. I recognize that freely. And not all floor nurses-not even many floor nurses-want to move into management. Some just want to work their shifts and go home. If you want it and are offered it, take it!

There has been some awkwardness supervising people who precepted me, but we got through it. Just approach it as a different team members, different strengths thing, and not a "you're better than them" thing. I've discovered I love administration and am now applying for MHA programs, with an eye on DON someday.

[caliotter3]

Appreciation of self worth is not necessarily equivalent to ruthlessness. You described why you are up to the job. You will gain no measure from your colleagues by turning the opportunity down now. Take the job and do your best.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

There are nurses who are perfectly happy just being nurses, and they have no interest in management. You do. You may (or may not ) be the best candidate. If two others apply and you get it, you would *hope* they would be happy for you or at least not grumbly about it, right? If not....I am sure that will come out and it will be solved. Because best person for the job is the best person for the job.

[adventure_rn, MSN, NP]

Great advice. The only thing I'd add is that in any management position (or in any positions in life, for that matter), not everybody is going to like you all of the time. Some of your peers will be excited to see you in this new role given your track record, and some may be a little miffed; as a supervisor, you'll have to continue to work hard in order to earn their respect in this new role. It's ok if some of them are kind of annoyed with you, because people will always find something to be annoyed about (it's not personal), and there will always be people who support you, too. If there is a bit of fall-out, be ready with thick skin and be prepared to do your best work in order to win over the haters.

[mejsp]

I pray for guidance, my coping mechanism. If you feel led to supervise, just do it. I assume you are female. You know how women behave. We can all be witchy, but you may very well be the best candidate. Being asked to apply means a lot. Don't fret about pleasing others. You can't.

Think back to your previous supervisors. Who were your favorites? I favor the ones who would never ask me to do something they wouldn't do. For example on my first night at a new facility, the DON came out on the night shift and worked as a CNA because there was a need. I always respected her example. Servant leaders are the best.

Someone said there are folks who don't want to supervise. That'd be me. I ran the other way when the possibility was mentioned. I am way too thin-skinned to worry about what others are thinking or saying. If you have the confidence to fill this roll GO FOR IT! I wish you well. Let us know the outcome.

[guest8888]

Don't feel bad for your level of education

[RNrhythm, BSN, RN]

I was in management for 10+ years in my old career. As an RN with a BSN, I love bedside care and have zero interest in management. I am sure a lot of your colleagues are like me and have no interest in that particular ladder. If I worked with you, I would be thrilled that someone moved up who was competent, motivated, and not me. Good luck!