What more can I do?

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Aug 11, 2014

Have you asked or applied to charge nurse or supervisory positions?

Most require some experience; however, if you have been in positions long enough and have a rapport with management; you can always ask to be cross-trained for a supervisory position and gain experience there. :yes:

klone, MSN, RN · Aug 11, 2014

Why is getting an MSN not an option?

Honestly, time and experience. Have you ever seen a nurse manager under the age of 40? Rarely, because they usually don't hire someone without several years of experience into management roles. In the meantime, volunteer for committees and other things like that.

toomuchbaloney · Aug 14, 2014

In my view you should "do your time". Work as a nurse, get comfortable with the roles and the responsibilities, develop some expertise in something.

psychRNmom2 · Aug 15, 2014

I'm in my early 30s and in a management role. I have been an RN for 12 years and have been an active and engaged employee since day 1. I became a charge nurse and preceptor to new hires. I joined councils, work groups etc. That helped me network and get to know senior leadership. I was offered this job less than a year ago because I had been essentially interviewing for it for years with the work I have done. I currently only have my BSN, but am working towards my MSN. Put yourself out there. Get involved. It shows your commitment to the organization.

llg, PhD, RN · Aug 15, 2014

I agree with the previous posters. The types of certifications you have been seeking don't mean much in management. Experience matters a lot. Are you a Charge Nurse? Preceptor? Are you on unit-based committees? Do you actively participate in other activities at work, both unit-based and institution wide? Do you volunteer for stuff? Do you actively support the management where you work now? etc.

The types of things listed above not only give you valuable experience and teach you valuable lessons, they give you a chance to demonstrate the quality of your work and ability to work well with others. They help you network and develop a positive reputation among the people who might be able to help you further your career.

Remember ... It's all one big job interview.

KellyRN2013 · Oct 19, 2014

I have to agree with the other posts. You will need to get in a Charge nurse position or preceptor role and gain about 2-3 years experience there before trying to go to management. You may be lucky to find a management position in an assisted living facility perhaps? This is where i started my management. I am 26 years old and I have been a DON for almost a year now. I am pursuing my MSN in Leadership and Management online at Walden University. Trust me, you have time to do an online program with all other activities if you really want to achieve it. My experience before becoming a DON consisted of OB/GYN nursing and Home health case manager. Becoming a Manager can be done, just don't give up. It will take time but apply for every management position you come across. you will eventually find something. now you wont get top pay because you don't have a management degree but it will be better than a floor nurse. Age does not matter as long as you have the experience, you are professional, and you make timely decisions that will benefit your corporation. typically an assisted living would be a good start because they usually only require an LPN to be their DON but a lot of assisted livings are changing that requirement to a RN since their acuity level is increasing majorly. I would get to know your state regulations for the type of facility you are looking to manage as well so when you do land an interview you can let them know that you are aware of their regulations. Good luck and you will do just fine!

KellyRN2013 · Oct 19, 2014

sorry i missed the part that you have been a RN supervisor at an LTAC. I would stay in that role for at least 2-3 years. I would also go back to school for your MSN and then you will be right on track. The MSN in leadership and management at Walden University is only 19 months for me and I started with my ADN. You have your bachelors so it would be a lot less time for you! Good luck :)

amn_carpenter · Oct 19, 2014

I am fairly new to nursing. I graduated in December of 2011. Currently I am interviewing for 2 Director of Nursing positions. I spent 3 months being an Interim Clinical Coordinator in the ICU and PCU. During the first 2 months I had no director so I did everything. Now I am interviewing in the same hospital for Director of Rehab and Bariatrics Surgery. I am also interviewing outside the hospital for Director of Nursing for a Nursing and Rehab facility. I did it by a lot of hard work. People notice when you work harder than others. People will also help people they know. Build up your network. Know where to look for what you want. My first job was in a nursing home. In 2 months I became an assistant director. I felt like I was missing the floor and hospital experience. I wanted to go into the ICU but that is hard to do without a year of experience in the hospital first. So, I went to a hospital on the "bad" side of town. They hired me right away. After 9 months on the floor a lot of people started leaving. I wanted another job too, poor management and working conditions were taking it's toll. So, I went to upper management because rumor had it that they did not understand why so many people were leaving. So I told them. I told them what the problems were and how they could help. They offered me a management position on the night before I was to start a supervisor position elsewhere. I have found that people will not bargain to keep you unless you literally have given your notice and are walking out. While experience is a big factor for major facilities, it is not a factor for companies that are not doing well. But be prepared to work, your job will be that much harder when you start. Also, as a manager I work 65-70 hours most weeks. Good luck to you! Let us know how your job hunting goes.