New to current facility, being asked to be team lead...

klone, MSN, RN · May 31, 2015

Can you decline? Maybe just say you don't feel comfortable being lead after such a short time working there?

trauma_drama · May 31, 2015

I think that's a slap in the face to the other nurses who have been there longer than you.

jenrninmi, MSN, RN · May 31, 2015

Both comments are the points I was thinking of.

trauma_drama · May 31, 2015

Maybe ask administration why they decided to ask you, what qualities do they see in you. If they said they asked senior nurses and they declined, then that's a different story. If you decide to accept, be ready for some people to turn on you. And honestly I don't blame them.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · May 31, 2015

OP: Since your post seems like you lack the confidence and maybe the experience to walk into a place cold turkey and be the one in charge of other nurses, I think it may be best for you to decline the job. As the others have pointed out, the other nurses may push back and management may not be very supportive given that they are non-nurses and probably are not the best judge of character to hire a nurse as a lead nurse.

On the other hand, if you are prepared to walk into a lead position with a strong disciplined personality to learn stuff on the fly and to challenging personalities, then go for it! An education in leadership is a good thing to have, but it does not top work experience, as you will find out quickly when you start to apply for nurse management jobs in the future. Besides, you have to start somewhere, right?

jrt4 · Jun 2, 2015

Maybe ask administration why they decided to ask you, what qualities do they see in you. If they said they asked senior nurses and they declined, then that's a different story. If you decide to accept, be ready for some people to turn on you. And honestly I don't blame them.

I agree with the first part to ask why they are asking you to take on this role and not someone else...maybe they believe you have the right skill set...being a manager often has very little to do with clinical skill (even though a lot of "seasoned" nurse will tell you otherwise). If this is something you are interested in don't let the fear of others being slighted turn you off. It is possible that no one else wanted it. I would be a little concerned that the others felt they did not need a supervisor...that is a red flag. That would also be a barrier if staff feel as though they have a supervisor that they do not need.

I took on a management role very early in my career and it was the best decision I have made. I wasn't chosen because I had the most seniority...that's a silly way to choose a manager. I would advise you to think long and hard before saying no. If this is a career track you want...ask for an interim role...if it doesn't work out you can step back out of the leadership role. It could be a stepping stone to another job in the future. Good luck!

jdethman · Jun 26, 2015

Jump it take charge. You are in school for this, you don't turn it down are you insane.

icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2015

It may not be the well oiled machine that it appears to be. In order to turn around a unit with problems, a middle manager must be hired from

outside. If you have the management skills and knowledge base that this position requires, it is doable.

If not, take a staff nurse position

peabozzle · Jul 2, 2015

After 9 years of OR/PeriOperative nursing experience with a lot of "charge nurse" shifts, I took a Team Lead position at a new hospital. I was specifically hired for the TL. It was a position that several of the nurses that had been there a while had tried & not liked, so they decided to hire new meat, ha ha! It has been a great opportunity. The staff wants & needs a strong leader, & I am good at it. It's stressful, & I know why many people DON'T want the job; but coming in from outside was definitely an advantage for me. They immediately respected me for my title & almost 4 years later they still respect me for my leadership & nursing skills. Go for it!

nursefromcali · Jul 22, 2015

It's okay maybe they see a potential to you to lead. I applied as staff nurse in a outpatient department in hospital where I'm working right now but in my interview day, they interview me as the "clinical lead" which is I haven't been and I don't have supervisory experience yet. Luckily I got the job and still working as their clinical lead for almost 2 years now. I'm also leading nurses who became licensed first than me but they still follow me eventhough I'm a brand new nurse when I got the lead position :)

IdahoNurse · Jul 23, 2015

This could be a great way to get started, especially if you are in management school. I wouldn't worry about your peers not liking it, unless they are in management school also.