Nursing Managers- How did you get there?

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Specializes in CCRN, House Sup, CCT, Unit Director, ICU.

Just curious if you all started out wanting to go into management, or if you wound up there. When did you realize you wanted to go into management?

I have a background in ICU/CCU, Psych, ER, and Tele. Primarily my background was ICU. I did relief charge night shift in ICU and then was promoted to FT Day shift Charge RN in ICU. Loved being charge. Then an opening for M/S Tele Director came about in my hospital and the ICU director recommended me. 6 months later, here I am....

Director of a 35 bed M/S and 28 bed Tele unit....

Was sad to leave ICU, but knew opportunities like this were rare, so I took it. I've been working on my MSN and will graduate next summer. Planning on doing MBA after the MSN.

Although I find myself missing the 3 12 hour work week, I feel I've really found my niche in management. Love my staff, love what I do. Some days I feel like I have no clue what's going on, and other days I feel on top of the world. I've made my share of mistakes and my motto is to try not to make the same mistake twice. I learn from them. I've seen some small improvements (baby steps) since I've taken over. Most of all, other employees say they see a huge difference in the staff morale. I am fair but I treat them as family. I'm firm but supportive.

Just wondering how everyone else feels.

I truly love my role. My ultimate goal is CNO. One step at a time....

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I am not a nurse manager but that is something that I consider a long term goal for myself and so I am curious to see who responds to this thread and what it took for them to become a Nurse Manager. To the OP, how many years of experience did you have before becoming a NM/Director?

!Chris :specs:

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Specializes in Oncology, Med-Surg.

I just kept getting promoted to management positions everywhere I worked, except one. I am a DON now and got promoted from case manager in home health. If people see this potential in you, it will work itself out where you end up in management.

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Hard work, lots of networking and soaking up everything I could like a sponge. Education, certification, conferences. Flexibility, solution oriented (no complaining), and always smiling. Politics w drs other Rns and patients.

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Specializes in Management, Med/Surg, Clinical Trainer.

It sounds like you are doing a great job of moving up the management rungs. It sounds like you are doing all the right moves to be successful in management. Just keep working hard and learning all you can and you will be noticed and moved up the ranks.

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

I never aspired to be a DON, to tell you the truth. I was perfectly happy being a charge nurse, until someone I was philosophically almost completely opposed to was hired when my boss retired. A DON spot came open in my agency at about the same time, and I saw it as perhaps the only way out. That was almost six years ago. I don't regret making the move, but it probably isn't something I would have pursued without a little push.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Leadership ability, skill in dealing with management and staff, previous management experience, and my MBA.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Management, Med/Surg, Clinical Trainer.
Leadership ability, skill in dealing with management and staff, previous management experience, and my MBA.

Amen. One cannot underestimate the value of experience and additional education.

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