Nurse Manager; Is it worth it?

[BirdieBird, BSN]

We were all there once, fresh and new registered nurses with hopes to change the world for the better.

I graduated in 2012 from a four year nursing program and had already leaned into the idea of non traditional nursing roles. I began my career in home health care. There is no denying that this position prepared me to deal with anything.

For instance, there I was just 3 months into practice when I was assigned a new tracheostomy patient. We were in her bathroom doing trash cares with the straps freed for just a moment. Of course, what happened in that moment? Yep, she coughed and out flew the trach tube, right on the bathroom floor. No one had prepared me for this and smart phones were not yet a thing. I punted and luckily all went well. However, I soon realized that I was not yet prepared for this level of autonomy.

I applied to a local hospital and was hired into neurosurgery. Homecare had nothing on neurosurgery as it turned out. As we all know, you never know how a person with a TBI will work out. I loved it though and continuously excelled in my cares and performance.

I was offered night charge nurse on the twenty bed unit and accepted with some apprehension.  I was accustomed to going to the charge, not being the charge. At night, it could be even tougher as there was only skeleton staff.

I was committed to giving it my best shot and signed the six month contract, all nights 7PM to 7AM. I learned a lot during this contract, especially the importance of a tight team. Only in numbers could we succeed in providing the highest quality patient care. I learned to lead, but not due to my title.

In my practice, I pulled my peers near to me with kindness and respect. I taught whenever I could, whether it was a nurse or a CNA, or even a committed family member. After all, it takes all of these parties to provide holistic and individualized patient care and its important that we are all on the same page. I could go on about my history forever, but for time's sake I will move forward with my story.

After a few years at the hospital, I decided to move into long term care in a skilled nursing facility; this is where I learned to book it as a nurse for over 20 frail and elderly individuals. Once again, after a few years, I decided to try my hand at case management. I learned the art of communication and care coordination. Then, one day as I was headed to visit one of my patients in an assisted living complex, I was approached by the campus director and offered the opportunity to apply for her nurse manager position.

Of course, this was a difficult choice for me to make. As you may have noted, I had succeeded in nearly completely avoiding any type of actual management my entire career. Believe me, I had seen the miserable expressions my prior managers had held and their constant stress. I had never had any interest. I do believe in signs though; I applied and was hired on site. That should've told me something.

I received a crash course from multiple nurses on how to manage the 43 apartment complex. They were all very nice, but most just wanted to chat about extraneous whatever. I learned my role by reading the state regulations, policies and procedure manuals, and the guidance of a select few old school float nurses. The role seemed to start to come to me after a short time.

One of the most valuable tools that I found myself using was that kindness and respect I referenced earlier. These two qualities are what a leader needs to pull the team together in tough times and what residents need to trust the nurse. I did it and continue to do it. I love this part of my position as nurse manager. However, I love being a nurse, not a manager.

In fact, I dislike the management portion so much that I handed in my resignation a few weeks ago. Residents and staff reacted quickly and strongly with their opposition to my resignation. Our CEO stepped in to offer me a "program coordinator" to handle day to day operations and management function. So, here's my question...

What am I now that I'm not the nurse manager?

All replies are welcome. Thanks!

[chare]

31 minutes ago, BridgetBird said:

... Our CEO stepped in to offer me a "program coordinator" to handle day to day operations and management function. So, here's my question? What am I now that I'm not the nurse manager? All replies are welcome. Thanks

Not knowing the CEO's thought processes and rationales for making this decision, I know I haven't a clue as to "what you are now."  And doubt that anyone here is going to be able to answer this question either.  

Best wishes.

[klone, MSN, RN]

I'm not really sure what you're asking. Best of luck to you in your new role.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

That's a question only your employer can answer. What is your job title? What are your expected job functions and duties?  I have not a clue what your role is now though I do agree that a manager that is not a manger is a bit confusing.

[beachynurse, ASN, BSN]

I'm confused??

[Susie2310]

I enjoyed reading a post from a nurse who says they love being a nurse and who leads with a positive attitude through showing kindness and respect to patients, families, and co-workers.  Being able to be such an influence that people want you to take over a position or want to offer you another position to retain you, says a lot.  You faced a variety of difficult new challenges and things worked out.  Good for you for understanding what an important tool in one's everyday work genuine kindness, respect, and a positive attitude are.

Since the CEO offered you the position of "program co-ordinator," I'd say that your role now is program co-ordinator.  We're not in a position to know what what your job duties/requirements are but I'm sure you'll be able to find this out from your employer.  

Best wishes to you in your new role.