Nurse mgmt not for me?

Specialties Management

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Specializes in Dialysis.

I have been an RN for 14 years and have worked as a nurse manager for almost 2 years. I am starting to feel like I might want to return to floor nursing, med/surf, something with 3 12s per week. I feel like in my mgmt role I work constantly, have no life, and the expectations are way too high. I am never going to get everything done that they expect...it's just crazy...I really just want my 4 days off again. My self care is zero, I never do anything for myself. ??

I also don't really feel like I make a difference, I think I prefer to take care of pts??

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.
On 3/1/2021 at 12:00 PM, RN202one said:

I have been an RN for 14 years and have worked as a nurse manager for almost 2 years. I am starting to feel like I might want to return to floor nursing, med/surf, something with 3 12s per week. I feel like in my mgmt role I work constantly, have no life, and the expectations are way too high. I am never going to get everything done that they expect...it's just crazy...I really just want my 4 days off again. My self care is zero, I never do anything for myself. ??

I also don't really feel like I make a difference, I think I prefer to take care of pts??

OP:  Being a good manager takes time and dedication to your career choice.  No one is good in two years, but if you don't have a passion for it and are unable to balance work/life, I would not say it is not for you so much as you may prefer something else at this time. 

I love my life and career choice, but many bedside nurses observe my long work hours, my connection with the workplace on my days off, and have no desire to be doing my job.  I, on the other hand, love a rapidly changing work environment, working with a team on and off my unit, and constantly being challenged to do better and to produce more based upon high expectations because I make a difference.  

Do you want to return to the bedside more than continuing with being in management?  If so, there is no shame or harm in doing so.  Seek to be happy with the career you choose and you will manage to obtain a work/life balance, in my opinion. 

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Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.

Some people prefer the personal contact to the responsibility. Nothing wrong with that. You tried management, and you decided that it isn't for you.

When I finally retire from my full-time job, I probably won't just quit entirely and sit around. I will likely pick up some per diem work. At that point, I will have no desire to supervise anyone ever again. I will be perfectly fine with allowing someone else to take that on. I gave at the office.

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Specializes in Dialysis.

Thank you both for your responses, I appreciate the feedback. I am at a crossroads because in addition to being overwhelmed as a nurse manager, I am taking care of my aging mother and my family. I really want to enjoy my job but not sure I do anymore. I think my quality of life may be better back at the bedside.

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Specializes in Med-Surg Nursing.

I recently left a very successful role as a Nurse Manager to go back to the bedside. I was a high-performing nurse manager, on the track to being a Director in the next few years, but just did not feel like it was worth it anymore, the responsibility... the hours... the stress.... I recently transitioned back to a role at the bedside and feel SO MUCH BETTER. I'm not saying this is what you should do, but I know that I"m so much happier and, even with the MAJOR pay cut, I haven't regretted it for one minute. Best of luck to you!

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