Nurse manager without any prior training.

[ClumsyOne, ADN, BSN, RN]

I've been working in chronic dialysis as a floor and charge nurse for a few years. Recently I interviewed with a different company and received a  job offer for nurse manager position in chronic hd center. I accepted the offer, but now keep on thinking how it's gonna work out- I have no  experience as a nm and they offer no training. it is basically learn as you go. 

What are your thoughts or experience on this? Is it worth trying?

[J.B.Chan, BSN]

I am a CM (Clinical Manager)for a large hemodialysis clinic. I started out as a staff RN, a year later I accepted the Charge Nurse position, and two years later, I ended up as the CM. I have been the CM for this clinic for going on five years. I basically had to "learn as you go" as well. I went to my company's training sessions for new managers, but to be honest- it didn't really help all that much. It was more about them indoctrinating the company's philosophy into us than giving us what we needed to succeed. 

The CM position comes with a lot of responsibility as you might imagine. I am curious as to how many patients are in this clinic? Is your clinic fully staffed? Will you be expected to cover the floor when you are short-staffed due to call-offs, etc? There are truly so many variables to consider.

Right off the bat- you need to insist on training for CrownWeb and NHSN. I am not going to lie to you or try to scare you, but if I were you- I would insist on basic training for your new role. Have plan B ready in case this new role doesn't pan out for you. Also, for the first year as the CM, I came in on Sundays when the clinic was closed just so that I could get organized for the upcoming week, and to catch up on everything that I got behind on due to putting out fires all week. 

I truly feel for you and wish you the best of luck. I can offer tons of advice to you as far as what will be expected from you. Just ask. I am sure there are many others in All Nurses that can help you out as well. I don't come to All Nurses that often, but I will check back frequently to see if you need my guidance. 

Good luck and keep safe out there!

J.B.C.