Need a Manager's Insights - Career Advice

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 30, 2007

Not all positions are listed with Monster. I would contact a couple of head-hunter firm and let them know what you are looking for. You can usually find their advertisements in nursing journals.

Many "first level" management positions are hired from within. So, if you know of a hospital that you would like to work at, you might want to take a job there as a staff nurse to get your foot in the door. If it's a financial possibility, you might want to work in float pool within that hospital ... or work for an agency that would expose you to multiple possible employers.

The agency or travel nursing option might be good because you could take a series of 13 week contracts and get your foot in the door at several places. As they interview you and get to know you, there would be no problems telling them something like, "I'm doing travel nursing while I am looking for a management job." As they get to know you and see you as a competent nurse, they may know of a position that would be right for you. The key is to network and keep your skills current. Volunteer for special projects/committees, etc. Be the Charge Nurse or Shift Coordinator (or whatever) and get involved in activities that help run the unit. Highlight those things on your resume.

It is rare to see people go from being a staff nurse directly to being a full time manager or director. Most people go through an in-between stage, during which they are still a staff nurse (or assistant manager, or shift coordinator, or something like that) with some enhanced responsibilities that give them a little experience in the management realm. How much of that type of stuff have you done?

Keep in mind that you may have to take a job or two that is not your dream job in order to make that transition to management. It might be a med/surg unit or a unit in a hospital that is not the type in which you will want to stay more than a year or two. It might not even be a regular management position: it might be an assistant manager or a team coorinator or a project manager position or something like that.

Anybody else have any suggestions?

Trauma Columnist · Mar 30, 2007

SIx Sigma is what our hospitals in central IL are all using for their "change agents." I know having a yellow belt or green belt is useful for the management-hopefuls too.

Another thing you might consider a management position outside of the hospital as a first-run so to speak. That would give you exposure to management too as well as some experience.

Another option, though not management is to get your APN. I actually started a combined MSN/MBA program but got too bogged down in the business courses and realized that wasn't what I wanted to spend my time on.

Hope this helps.

Ginger35 · Mar 31, 2007

llg & TraumaRU - Thank-you so much for your responses and feedback.

It is so nice to post on here and get some insights. I know that having the masters in business will definitely help a lot. The MSN, I may have to wait a bit to pay off some loans - then go back unfortunately - unless something is negotiated in a contract about obtaining this.

Please keep the ideas coming....

JoycMarr · Apr 1, 2007

As someone mentioned above, most levels of management in nursing have started out at the lowest level and worked their way up. For example, one might be an assistance manager (and still be working as staff nurse) or spend years as a charge nurse before progressing to managing a unit (which is an entry level manager). So even if you have a MBA I don't think you would be able to just immediately be hired in a Director or VP level. From what I've seen they really are looking for the years of experience and not so much the education in many cases. I'm not sure what advice to give you except you may have to apply for a entry level management position and if you 'prove' yourself it may be easier to transition within a year or so with the education you have. I personally chose a MSN over the MBA because I wanted to have choices. What I've found is it's made me able to market myself better. I never understood why everyone thinks that figuring FTEs and budgets is so hard when usually a computer program is doing the hard part (the math) for you....LOL.

Ginger35 · Apr 3, 2007

Thank-you JoyceMarr,

Here in the Indiana - Ohio area, I have seen the progression to management. Many who did not have the "mgt" experience but promoted from within. Though, I do see your point here in regards to management experience. I do not expect this to be a cake walk - that is for sure. I do plan on the entry level mgt for a start. Everyone has to start somewhere. At least the education will be behind me - for a little while anyways..

neneRN, BSN, RN · Apr 3, 2007

I agree with the above posters re: try and get some lower/middle management experience as charge/supervisor and work your way up from there. Both of our current nurse managers started as staff nurses, progressed to charge, and then supervisor before becoming managers(one has >20 yrs exp in same dept and the other, 7 years in same dept.) But this process can take several years. I worked as a staff nurse for 3 years, charged for 2, and just started as supervisor this year and that's as far as I want to go into management. I think most units like to hire from within..I would pick an area you love and go this route.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Apr 3, 2007

I would also consider an appointment with the graduate student's dean and even the dean(s) at the area nursing schools. They know about positions because they deal with various facilities. One of my instructors recommended I contact a facility about an opening that had not yet been advertised and I was hired shortly thereafter. Good luck.

mommy2boysaz · Apr 13, 2007

Ginger, I tried to PM you but your mailbox is full and it won't go through until you "make some space"!

Let me know when you have room!

Britte

desertrn · May 14, 2007

I have been a nurse for 20 years.(Ten of those in the ED) My last 3 years in the ED was under a manager who bullied me on a daily basis. Wrote me up for ridiculous hear-say lies from a few of her new hire, incompetent, lazy, loud mouth friends.

Now I have these bad marks on my otherwise spotless record. My manager was recently fired and my complaints along with the Dr.'s and several other nurse's was the catalyst.

I was recently offered a position, which involved a promotion and raise with

the same healthcare organization. When I called a few days later to check the status of my transfer I was told "Sorry the position isn't available".

I've got a feeling that the person who offered the job took a look at my file and backed out. What can I possibly do to recover my reputation? Should I question this manager to be sure of my suspicions? I am more than qualified for the new job. And I know it is still available.

Ginger35 · May 14, 2007

DesertRN,

I would think that you are entitled to view your file in HR. So, I think that is a good place to start. Anything that you feel is inappropriate, untrue & etc should be addressed and perhaps contested. I would definitely explain about how long you have been there and your stellar employment history prior to this nurse manager coming into the picture and how her write up has affected your growth within the organization. Point out this last issue you just explained to us. I would *think* this would prompt some sort of action.

Sy,

Ginger

RSturchRN · May 17, 2007

I have been a nurse for 12 years. During those 12 years all in surgery my roles included everything from staff RN to charge RN. Once I decided to take the leap of faith in management, I chose to change organizations. I was fortunate in the new organization in that I had a director that was willing to teach me about budget, leadership, ect... I currently hold a BSN and if I were to pursue my education it would be a MBA. I agree with the Six Sigma Leadership program. Obtaining the blackbelt and or green or yellow is most helpful. I believe going directly from staff to a director role could be overwhelming! While education is important, don't forget about the politics of a situation. Good Luck to You!