Manager Woes

[WriterRN]

Since I started my current job we've had 3 managers. The first two were terrible. We were so exited to get the 3rd one. She seemed invested and interested in helping us improve our department. For the first 4 months or so, she was fabulous. Then things started going down hill. Our department has suffered with the last two managers and needs a major overhaul. It would be difficult for an experienced manager, but this 3rd one is new. She's only getting worse and now most of the nursing staff hate her. I think she still has potential, but needs help, and a kick in the pants. But, I know a lot of her focus is on climbing the ladder and looking good to get the next job she wants. Is it worth it to try to help her? And how would I help her without seeming like I'm helping her? 

[klone, MSN, RN]

Unit level management is a thankless job. I question myself daily as to why I continue doing it. The only thing keeping me in this role is knowing that I am one of the good ones, and that I make a tiny difference, and every day in the job is one day that the nurses are "protected" from the higher ups, and can just do their job (because at its basic level, that's what I consider my job as unit manager to be - the protector of the staff).

[TriciaJ, RN]

On 5/2/2021 at 11:01 AM, CommunityRNBSN said:

I’ve been at my current job for about two years and I am on my SIXTH nurse manager. The people in administration just make their lives a living hell. At first I was all excited that each new person was going to solve problems, but now I just say “Nice to meet you” and start counting the days until they storm out. 

And the ones who work the hardest to advocate for their staff will be shown the door that much sooner.

[Hannahbanana, BSN, MSN]

6 hours ago, TriciaJ said:

And the ones who work the hardest to advocate for their staff will be shown the door that much sooner.

Not necessarily-- the best nurse manager I ever had was promoted from night charge to head nurse. Because she'd been on nights for awhile a lot of us didn't really know her. The first thing she said to us in her first staff meeting was that she knew how very good we were, that we did what she couldn't do, and if there were ever anything we needed or wanted to trial, to ask. She was as good as her word. Had an idea about how to do somethiing better? "OK, give it a try and let me know how it works out." Eventually she eneded up as DON for the whole hospital. She was terrific. Loved you, Laurie Gunderson!

 

[Oceannurse1234]

Hells to the NO do not try to help her. HR and management will NEVER BE YOUR FRIEND. She MAY accept your help with a friendly smile, but if anything EVEN YOU ever get in her way to climb the corporate ladder, YOU ARE GONE, my friend! GONE like a freight train, gone like yesterday! Nurse managers care about ONE THING...CLIMBING the ladder. I have YET to meet one that is not self-centered and will leave you in their wake if need be. DO NOT GET close to this manager. It is NOT YOUR JOB TO SAVE her!