Management: Not for me!

[D4Ydream]

I graduated nursing school in 2014 and was hired to workas an inpatient RN in a child and adolescent psych hospital. After approximately 1 year, I was offered andaccepted a position as nurse manager within my organization, recognizing that it was a great opportunity. I was not entirelyaware of what the position would entail, but I knew I could take onwhatever came my way. Now, after about 7 months into my new role, I am soexhausted and discouraged that I am strongly considering moving on to anotherchapter in my nursing career. I like to work, but I quickly realizedthat I do not like to manage. I am salaried, so I never feel like I actuallyleave work because I'm constantly connected. I have taken on so many projectsbecause my work ethic drives me to continue to accept new responsibilities eventhough I am already so overwhelmed. Not necessarily a bad thing, but when Ionly get paid to work 40 hours a week, and end up working at least 50+ hoursevery week, it's obviously not sustainable for my physical and mental health. Andmost importantly, it's taking a toll on my family life as I am not nearly aspresent and engaged at home because I constantly havework-related concerns on my mind. I LOVE working with people, and I LOVE beinga nurse, but I do not like to manage. I find myself thinking "I hate myjob" much more frequently than "I love my job", and that's not amindset I wish to have the rest of my life.

Has anyone out there been through anything similar, or have anybits of advice? Thank you!

[JBudd, MSN]

Ouch, much sympathy being sent your way. Did you have management experience before you became a nurse? seems early in a career to be offered a management position, although you are likely just that good :)

Is it possible to go back to an hourly position at the bedside? were you happier there?

Prioritize all those projects, and start saying no. You do yourself a disservice by accepting things that you know you won't have time to do a thorough job on; especially with a self described work ethic. Family shouldn't have to suffer because of it. Finish the ones you have and do them well, don't take on more until you will have the time to those well also.

There is a reason I have turned down offers to apply for various management positions; it is possible to stay at the bedside and be happy in your career (going on 36 years now).

[Libby1987]

I'll give the advice I followed myself and am glad for it.

I took an admin position following a return to patient care. Returning to patient some 10 years ago after having 10 yrs off was extremely challenging, both in terms of time/energy and the learning curve after being out for so long. I persevered and became proficient. So proficient that although I enjoyed the individual staff and patient interactions, overall it was no longer challenging and became too routines or me.

When I took the admin position, I was again essentially starting over, in a much different reimbursement system since my last admin position 20 yrs prior. The pay was not an increase for me as I went from the top of one pay scale to the entry level of another. I knew the hours would be long without additional compensation. The thing was however, is that I looked at it as a growth opportunity, a pretty well paid internship if you will. What I have accomplished and learned are extremely valuable on my resume, no tuition necessary. I had very little lifestyle change for the investment in MYSELF, key word there, myself.

Now I am very marketable knowing the clinical aspects of my field inside out and now very familiar with some proven record of the budgetary, regulatory and HR side. I'm also now able to perform the role in 40 hrs pretty much most weeks.

It was an opportunity that I am very appreciative for, I've dedicated my best effort with a glad heart and I now have more negotiating power than ever. And it just plain feels good to have the additional skill set.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Moved to the Nurse Management forum for more replies.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Move on. Better to be an employee.

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

Management isn't for everyone. When administrators are looking for managers, they tend to look at the nurses who are the best at their jobs - although patient care is a completely different skill set from management. As a result, a lot of people wind up in jobs that they are mismatched for. You gained management experience, and there is no harm in returning to the bedside if that is what you truly want. It could also be that the timing is off. This came along very early in your nursing career, and a management position might be a better fit later on.