Resume/Experience

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 1, 2017

What do you mean by, "middle management"? What position do you currently hold and what is your next step? As for moving up from middle management, you need to have more than just a stellar resume. You need connections.

I am looking to move up in the next year or two too. I have a very good resume and am continuing to boost it on a daily basis by being involved in department and facility wide initiatives. However, I know that my efforts will only assist me to ultimately keep the next job once I land it. In order to get the next job, I need to strengthen and build relationships with those who do the hiring and promoting within my organization.

If networking within your organization is not an option, then try networking outside of it. Try joining local specialty nursing and leadership nursing organizations. Also connecting with recruiters and recruiting agencies that are looking to place people with your skill set, is a very good option as well.

By the way, most leadership positions (middle management and higher) are not flexible in hours. You may be asking a bit too much if you are expecting flexibility. Most management positions within nursing and outside of it requires a great amount of dedication on the part of the manager. For example, on my days off, I am provide unpaid work to my organization to accomplish projects and activities I cannot otherwise complete when I am working. I am not atypical.

special1rn · Feb 2, 2017

Thanks for feedback, currently I am patient flow coordinator/Nursing supervisor. I would like my next step to be a shift manager or nurse manager. I will definitely look into the networking piece of it. It is difficult at my organization, so maybe outside of the organization will be easier.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 2, 2017

Thanks for feedback, currently I am patient flow coordinator/Nursing supervisor. I would like my next step to be a shift manager or nurse manager. I will definitely look into the networking piece of it. It is difficult at my organization, so maybe outside of the organization will be easier.

Patientflow coordinator/Nursing Supervisor reads like a House Supervisor. If that is the case, you do not currently have direct reports. Have you ever had direct reports in past positions?

If not, you will likely need to take a lateral position as a Shift Manager/Assistant Nurse Manager to move forward in an area where you can run a unit or department. Assistant Department Managers have direct reports and over time gain the skills necessary to run a department. In other words, unless someone really likes you and is willing to give you a chance despite your lack of direct report experience (it happens), you are likely not going to land a Nurse manager / Department Manager position as your next step any time soon. On the other hand, networking will increase your chances no matter what you decide.

special1rn · Feb 3, 2017

Patientflow coordinator/Nursing Supervisor reads like a House Supervisor. If that is the case, you do not currently have direct reports. Have you ever had direct reports in past positions?
If not, you will likely need to take a lateral position as a Shift Manager/Assistant Nurse Manager to move forward in an area where you can run a unit or department. Assistant Department Managers have direct reports and over time gain the skills necessary to run a department. In other words, unless someone really likes you and is willing to give you a chance despite your lack of direct report experience (it happens), you are likely not going to land a Nurse manager / Department Manager position as your next step any time soon. On the other hand, networking will increase your chances no matter what you decide.

Thanks for the feedback I have pretty much made up in my mind that an assistant or shift manager is what I need to get experience. Shift managers in my institution are rare and mostly filled based on who you know and thats fine. At this point in my career I am ready to start fresh. So most recently I have just started applying at hospitals near me. I will keep you posted on how things turn out.