I am curious how many supervisors, directors, etc were actual patient care nurses before going into management. I am curious as to how middle management nursing feels about the ongoing concerns with staffing, more acute pt's, heavier pt flow, pay etc. I work in a dept that has seen many directors (7) and supervisors (about 8) in the past 10 yrs, the turnover is very high for these positions. It seems to me many in the middle management become the scape goats for higher ups in administration not addressing issues, and when things go bad they get axed. It seems the ones with longevity have learned to not rock the boat and become "yes" people to the system. I have never understood the us vs them mentality between management and nurses since it is supposed to be all about patient care. I always keep hoping that someone will make the difference once promoted but they are either gone or they forget what it is like in the trenches. Can someone in middle management shoes share how it feels to be between a rock and hard place?
Toq
I would be fired inside a day if I ever took such a position.
Although I think Daytonite said it best, let me add this: I think too many of us middle managers try to 'run with the hares and hunt with the hounds', so to speak, and it causes many a downfall because neither the hares nor the hounds will permit this. You can't stay buddies with the staff and be an authority figure. And you can't completely align yourself with the 'suits' without alienating staff (and the 'suits' don't really consider you a peer anyway). It's quite a tightrope, and only the incredibly lucky (or incredibly emotionally intelligent) can walk it without overbalancing and falling off.:stone
I agree with you 100%. I may not always like it, but my life lessons have been invaluable.
:lol2:
Rnandsoccermom
172 Posts
I agree with you 100%. I may not always like it, but my life lessons have been invaluable.