Promotion of Unit Manager? Advice please....

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Hi all. I've been in the LTC setting since I was a new grad LPN (4 yrs ago). I worked as a charge nurse as a new grad for only a couple months. I relocated and took a med nurse position while filling in once in a while as charge nurse at a facility while going for RN. Left LTC to work on a Tele/Med Surge floor for a year then went back to the LTC setting for another year as full time charge nurse. Gained good deal of experience overall in both settings. Recently changed jobs. The new place loves my "strong" personality and skills. A new company has taken over and lots of changes made, making people either want to quit as well as "clean house." Lots of new leadership in place and I've already seen ways that can improve the facility as a charge nurse based on past experience. Pitfall...I'm young (26) and look young, not sure people will accept leadership from me?

Anyways only been there about a month now and they want to promote me to unit manager due to expressing my interest in career growth(just didn't think of it happening now). Also the present unit manager wants to do MDS due to new baby etc but cannot until her position is spoken for. She is not being pushy but enthuised to know someone who wants to do good wants the job. The new company is large and encourages growth, just hoping I can meet their expectations. I feel I can be molded and will follow their "ways" as long as they are ethical etc...just nervous about taking on the headaches of unit manager as well as the big responsibilities that go with it, especially since I plan on starting a family within the year as well.

Any advice will be helpful and thankful.

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Specializes in Legal, Ortho, Rehab.

Sounds like opportunity is knocking real loud...

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

never turn down an opportunity for advancement. You will gain confidence and skills and always have the option of going back to what you used to do. As for your youthful appearance - that will be forgotten if you act professionally and fairly.

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Specializes in PICU, ED, Infection Control, Education, cardiology.

Don't let your age deter you from doing what you want. I am young, just like you. I teach in an ADN program and all the students thought I was transferring in from a different class, nope, sorry I'll be lecturing you for the next couple of hours. It is hard to get people to listen to you when you are young though. What I've learned from this is to go into every situation and know what you are talking about. I am very easy going and a nice guy, but when I teach I know my area well and the students (most of them much older) seem to respect me for that. You will be fine.

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Specializes in LTC.
. It is hard to get people to listen to you when you are young though. What I've learned from this is to go into every situation and know what you are talking about. I am very easy going and a nice guy, but when I teach I know my area well and the students (most of them much older) seem to respect me for that. You will be fine.

And be strong too.

I have to be charge nurse sometimes and I am in charge of CNA's.. all of which who are in their 30s, 40s and 50s. I am 21 years old. lol I look like I'm 14.

Sometimes when things arent going right.. you just have to set it straight and tell them.. "and this is what we are going to do and thats how its going to be."

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

I agree with the other posters, but don't underestimate what it takes to raise a baby. Just prepare to be totally tapped out trying to manage both. If you're confident you can do it then go for it.

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And be strong too.

I have to be charge nurse sometimes and I am in charge of CNA's.. all of which who are in their 30s, 40s and 50s. I am 21 years old. lol I look like I'm 14.

Sometimes when things arent going right.. you just have to set it straight and tell them.. "and this is what we are going to do and thats how its going to be."

Haha same here! I was a charge nurse for a few years as well and I look 18 although 26!!!!!!! The younger CNA's would be very cooperative and no attitude given when I had to lay down the expectations but the other CNA's did not like taking direction from me and lots of lack of respect. In the hospital I did not find this as they respected the nurses responsibilities as well. In the new placed where this advancement has been offered there is a higher level of respect for the nurse regardless of age.

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Thank you so much for your inspiring post. I love to teach and learn so I know I can fulfill the duties.

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Aboul

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