New Nurse Manager

renerian, BSN, RN · Oct 1, 2003

I just did what you are considering but I have been a nurse for 17 years. The picture you painted is the same thing I was told were the hours. Now that I am buried knee deep, LOL, truth be told it is more like 50 to 60 hours per week, with coming in during the midnight shift if they need help/are short. I am certainly giving it my best shot. Where are you living? that wage is very low.....I assume your salaried like most NM?

On call was told to me would be every six weeks. Well LOL they forgot to say I am on call for ALL the med surg units.....LOL.. there are 8 of them..............

I personally would have taken the staff nurse position but I am going to give this a good shot for at least the six months that are needed before I can transfer.

Don't always believe what your told. Please let me know what you decide.

renerian

renerian, BSN, RN · Oct 2, 2003

Did you get my PM? renerian

ainz · Oct 5, 2003

My tidbit of advice is that if you are considerng doing it for the hours and the money alone, then you should pass and will not be happy. The hours and money are good and good reasons to consider it but should not be the primary reason.

Primary reason for me is that I like to be in a position to make a difference in how things are done, but can't be controlling and come across as a "ruler" but rather a coach. Nurse managers are absolutely key in whether you have high morale in the nursing units. Good managers that support their staff and search for ways to help the hospital achieve its goals are hard to find. It is an awesome responsibility but one of the most rewarding things I can think of.

The supposed 40 hours per week is usually more like 50 to 60. You will find yourself coming in on holidays, weekends, calling to check on things, rounding at night, and so on. If you do this because you want to then that is the sign of a good and effective manager. If you do these things because you have to then you have trouble on your unit or with your management effectiveness.

Give it a shot!! If you don't like it you can always go back to staff nursing. You will learn alot and get a broader picture of what it takes to make a hospital work. Go for it!!!!!!

renerian, BSN, RN · Oct 5, 2003

Nice and truthful post ainz and well said. Nemo what did you decide?

I do like it so far.

renerian

Nurse89 · Nov 13, 2003

Nemo, what happened to the old nurse manager?

My advice is to find out..

I hope things go well for you, in whatever you decide

I wouldn't take the position based soley on the money part

and, as far as on call and the other perks...if you are needed, they will call, and call and call

WhyO · Nov 17, 2003

I think it would be a good idea to work as a nurse on that unit for at least 2 weeks so you had a realistic view of the goods and the bads to help you in your position. I have had several "new" managers who worked in completely different units then tried to manage a unit that they really didn't know that much about... I think it was very difficult to do... I think managers get a lot of crap and it is a very hard job that we don't give them credit for (no i am not a manager). Good luck with your decision

brownsugarsix · Oct 4, 2008

I have been a manager now of a 37 bed med-surg unit since June of last year. I was a staff nurse on the same unit for 11 years. I have learned that not every one you thought was your friend is. Those 40hr weeks are really 50-60hrs, and there is really no time off. I carry a work cell phone and believe me I get called for everything. I went in at midnight last night to handle a dispute. I love it and I hate it.

MB15YRS · Oct 5, 2008

I have been a nurse manager for 2 years, and told the same thing. 50-60 hrs a week, I agree, sometimes more. You may be told weekends and holidays off, but remember you carry the pager, or cell phone, and get called for everything. It takes a great deal of time away from your family, projects need to be worked on at home if there is something pressing, no time for yourself. It is a love-hate job. Don't just do it for the money. Be prepared for anything and everything. I hope you will not have a micro manager Director that oversees your area. That can be a nightmare. I started off on my unit as a staff nurse, Charge nurse, and Manager. I love my staff - but sometimes this job is not worth the stress. I am considering going back to staff nurse in a different facility. I don't completely discourage you taking the job, but go into it with your eyes open. Don't take what they tell you at face value, be ready for anything. You could be fabulous in that position, and not mind the other stuff. The cool thing about nursing is there is so much out there to explore. Good luck with your decision!!