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Discussion

Supervisor Qualifications

I work nights on a 40 bed medical unit, and there is a manager over our unit. Then there are two supervisors for each shift (night and day). So one of the night supervisors is resigning, and the floor is gossiping (obviously) about who will replace him. There are three or four experienced RN's (in their 50's) but they don't want the job. Then there are four or five of us RN's who have been working on this floor (right out of school) for almost two years. Then there are about ten RN's who started right out of school last summer.

I was having a discussion with one of the LPN's that works here, and he said that he didn't think that any of us 2year nurses were qualified for the job. Then he backtracked and said that this one nurse is more qualified than I am because:

1. she has a BSN and I don't. I do have a BS and a Masters degree in another field, but an associates in nursing.

2. she has "been here for a long time". She was a tech here before she was an RN, and I came here right after nursing school.

Obviously point one is a bone of contention. I am not denigrating the BSN, but I don't think it makes that much difference at this point.

Point two has nothing to do with her being more qualified than me. We are talking about a person who spent four years at college, worked as a tech for her last year of nursing school (part of the program), and passed her boards six months after I did. I, on the other hand, spent three years as a CNA in a nursing home, then I was an LPN for one year, charge nurse in a nursing home, etc. Then I graduated nursing school, and started my current job almost two years ago. I'm not saying I'm more or less qualified than she is, just that we are both equally qualified.

It just bothers me that someone would say I'm not qualified for something that I think I truly am. The funny thing is that I'm not even sure I want the job (it's kind of a hassle, plus it's salary).

So my question for all of you is this: At what point is someone (generally speaking) qualified to be a nursing supervisor?

Featured Replies

  • Expert

Most of the nurses I have worked with over the yrs just plain don't want the job. Even, if qualified, I wouldn't want it either. To attempt to answer your ?, the person is qualified who has a certain level of education, experience, good judgement, good people skills, and a backbone. One of the best people I ever saw with these qualities, walked off the job, over something she found important enough to do that for. She was the DON. We cheered her on, b/c of her guts. She did this over pt well being.

What makes a good supervisor? I agree with Caliotter3, all those qualities.. and also, a good time manager. Knowing the job you are directing takes a great deal of time and energy. Knowing that you can trust the people under you takes a grea deal of time and energy.

A job opened up at my facility, and I wasnt really interested in it(supervisory) but I queried the DON as to my qualifications in an unofficial job interview. I asked why I would or wouldnt be considered for that position. It was informational and I appreciated her candor. Turns out, except for my complete inability to not say what Im thinking, (sarcastic biting wit) I was qualified for the position, (under the EEOC) after they had ruled out persons with masters degrees. I think you should get a 'just pre lunch time' appt. with your DON, and ask her what her expectations are for a preson taking that position.

You may suprise yourself with how qualified you are, and how qualified she thinks youare.

but remember.....Sometimes the position requires more bending over than any one person is willing to do in an 8 hour day.

:nurse:

  • Author

Oh, and I just found out that the person that is "more qualified" than me is the daughter of the head of human resources. Hmmm.

Hi

Where I work, You need a BSN plus you must have or be working on your Master's Degree for even a floor Manager Position; The shift supervisors need the same.

I'm not saying you couldn't do it, but that's just our paper requirements. I don't know if they require a certain number of years of experience or not.

You could always check out what they say there requirements are.

I have done this job as a vacation replacement. I would not want it now or full time. I was a Manager many years ago----would never do that again, either.

But, if you think this is something you want, or would be good at---Go for it--at least explore what it is that they want.

Listen--being related to someone in HR doesn;t or shouldn't give a person any head start.

Mary Ann

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