Office Manager -- worthwhile to get experience or no?

[Murse901, MSN, RN]

I recently switched my MSN major to Nursing Executive Leadership. Switched from FNP because... well, to be honest, I became pretty disillusioned with the FNP role halfway into the program. Grades were great (3.8 GPA) but I just hated it.

Anyway, as I'm transitioning into the leadership/management route, I'm looking for opportunities to get my feet wet. I actually had a great job at my system's corporate office as a quality improvement informatics analyst, but they cut the position (along with 119 others) a month into the job. So, that didn't quite work out.

My current position is a leadership role in my department -- fortunately, I was able to keep my old job after losing the informatics job. The role is non-managerial, however. I essentially do some education and QI functions in my department, but nothing to do with the administrative side.

There is now an opening for an Office Manager at one of my system's medium-sized practices (9 providers). This position is purely non-clinical -- it only deals with the financial and administrative functions of the office.

Is this something I should even consider, or is it a waste of time? My 5-year goal is to get into a clinical director-level position, preferably in a hospital. Also, any idea as to whether or not the pay would be comparable to hospital RN pay?

[klone, MSN, RN]

As someone who is also in the nursing leadership track, and took a supervisory position in an ambulatory clinic, I DEFINITELY think it would be worthwhile, and a great stepping stone. I've learned so much about human resources, budgeting, the politics of management (as well as the drudgery) from being in this role, and feel well prepared for the next step up.

[jrt4]

It sounds like a good opportunity but I would use caution. If you are really looking for a management opportunity in the inpatient setting down the road many postings ask for at least 3-5 years progressive leadership experience with 5-10 years experience in the specialty. This could impact your ability to take on a clinical manager role. The other caution would be to find out what the pay is like. When I applied for an office manager role before I took on an inpatient leadership role, I was called prior to the interview and asked if I would be willing to take the pay range they were offering (it was less than I was making as a charge RN on the inpatient unit).

Another option could be to take on leadership roles in your institution though shared governance councils or professional nursing staff (whatever your organization calls it). Experience doesn't necessarily have to come from a "title". I would consider what your ultimate goal is...if you are dead set and know you want to be an inpatient clinical manager/director...I would look for growth opportunities there. If you are open to all leadership opportunities, this position may open some doors.

Good luck with your decision!

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

Another option could be to take on leadership roles in your institution though shared governance councils or professional nursing staff (whatever your organization calls it). Experience doesn't necessarily have to come from a "title". I would consider what your ultimate goal is...if you are dead set and know you want to be an inpatient clinical manager/director...I would look for growth opportunities there.

OP, I agree with the above advice. This past year I had several interviews for management positons and most if not all interviews asked if I was doing the things listed above in my current role. At the time my answer was "no" because I have a resume filled with progressive leadership with outside organizations and in previous jobs, plus I have great references/connections. In any case, I did not land any jobs/promotions yet. The promotional opportunities went to nurses who were taking on additional responsibilities in his/her current role.

Thus, save time and do not accept a non-clinical job. You can perform HR responsibilities along with displaying progressive leadership to your current department management team without a new job title and/or a major cut in pay. You just need to be willing to volunteer to do extra in your current role. Good luck.

[Murse901, MSN, RN]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I think, at this time, I'm going to pass up the office manager opportunity and continue to look for opportunities in my unit and in the hospital. Just in the past couple of weeks, I've been "volunteered" by my manager into a couple of committees that will have some major impact soon, so maybe she read my mind on this issue.