Opportunity to be director of unit--need help!

Mili · Jun 26, 2006

I did the exact same thing--I was promoted to Director over a unit where I had worked as a staff nurse. I took the job and have no regrets. It was sticky at first, but well worth it in the end. Good luck to you!!

TraceyRN · Jul 6, 2006

I am in the same position. I have agreed to the position on an "interim" basis as I am hesistant to change the dynamics of the close relationships I have with my peers for several years. Good Luck to you!!

Tracey

staceyp413 · Jul 16, 2006

My only advice is to find out the expectations and responsibilities of the new role. Also, find out what support is given by upper administration and speak with other directors to find out their opinions and pro's/con's to the position. Administration has its ups and downs just like staff nursing and it too is very rewarding!

ZASHAGALKA, RN · Jul 16, 2006

Ask that they send you to a seminar on leadership. There are no such things as 'born leaders'. Leaders are taught.

One of my biggest gripes about nursing is this attitude from upper management that 'poof' you're a manager with no training for the position whatsoever.

I have a friend that TPTB promised her all kinds of 'under our wing' support, and left her high and dry once she accepted the position. She's drowning or something akin to it.

Demand as a requirement to take the position that you are given both some formal leadership training, and some job specific training in how to meet management's expectations.

~faith,

Timothy.

maryk650 · Jul 22, 2006

I work in a small 135 bed hospital. The managers are expected to be available 24-7. Some of them work their assigned times and then have to come back and work if the unit is short staffed. Are you ready to do this?

icare4icu · Jul 22, 2006

Goodluck to you!

I was offered the same opportunity but I turned it down for several reasons:

1. It is a 24/7 job.

2. There is a big turn over in hospital, people just come and go, employees are burnt out too easily with tremendous amount of paperwork.

3. Moral in the workplace is low. Where I work they have people of their own, and everybody is at each others throat.

4. It would be a salary exempt employee, they offered lower than what I make as staff.

5.I was asked to bridge the gap between groups and find a solution to the low moral exhibited in the workplace.

Neverthless, the position would have been very rewarding. You might lose a lot friends though or won't make new friends.

IvyLane · Aug 1, 2006

I did the exact same thing. Pros and cons,in this facility management is overwhelmed-too many jobs to fulfill. When coverage can't be found, nurse manager has to stay. Working as a manager with peers from staff nursing days can be tricky, the role change can create some problems. The pro most important to me is being able to take time off when I want to. Good Luck!!!

Cheyenne RN,BSHS · Aug 1, 2006

i have been offered a position as the director of a unit that i have worked in for over 7 years as a staff nurse. most of my co-workers and all the physicians have recommended me to the director of nursing for this position. i am however, a little hesitant to take on this huge responsibility. for those of you already in this position, please post your comments/suggestions, etc on your personal experiences. thank you in advance for taking the time to assist me with this.

i think that everyone who wants to improve the quality of nursing care needs to try a leadership/manager position at least once. there are many pro's and con's...the least of which is the reality of the job verses one's perception of it.

a management position can give you a better understanding of the responsibilities and the limitations of the position and yourself. most important of all, if you do not try the position, you will never know what all it would teach you.