I currently work in a nursing home as a floor nurse but am a RN. I have held my position for close to one year and in that time, I have had 10+ unit managers, and even more house supervisors come and go.
Most of these managers and supervisors were 'promoted' from the floor and given these new jobs, only to be walked out the building in no time (some did not last 3 days in their new jobs)
I have basically avoided getting 'promoted' by laying low while doing my work. The problem now is that the DON and ADON have pretty much made it clear that I must accept a unit manager position immediately. This post has recently been vacated by a nurse who started out staff, promoted to quality assurance then to unit manager and out the door all within 6 months.
I hate that I have been turning down advancement opportunities at the facility and have been pretty much labeled a non-team player, but I just know taking on this new position is just a way to lose my job.
The expectations for these positions are ridiculous. They change daily, there is no written job description ( I have asked several times for one) so they can make it up as they go and then blast you if you do not get it done when and how they want you to.
I know the writing is on the wall, and I should look for another job, but I really need my medical benefits right now and can not afford to wait 90 days for new insurance to kick in. I am hoping if they (or when) they end up firing me, I can file for unemployment.
Anyways, that's just a bit of background and I would appreciate any ideas and suggestion. I have been filling out applications online, but ofcourse the market is not very friendly right now.
If anyone thinks am exaggerating, I assure you I am not. Getting promoted in this place is not a good thing.
Wishing you luck and offering prayers for you . Hope all goes well for you , but plan for likely outcome . Did you ever recieve a job description ?.Did you ever actually apply for the position ?.Or did the promotion just get dropped upon you ?.
The other issue is as some other posters have suggested, do everything you can to protect yourself with documentation, which is a good idea. But how sad that you have to go in to work and spend half your time trying to do a job that has no parameters or definition or training and the other half trying to protect yourself from your employer.
Gotta love LTC.
Mazy,
I think this is a HUGE point! Having to go into work, watch your back, try and fly under the radar and protect yourself from management. Having to spend, copious amounts of time, journaling everything that happens during your work day. Having to send emails, with carbon copies, or using a copy machine for a hard copy of such emails. Having to justify, everything you do and why you even belong there. Whatever happened to going into work, working hard, and knowing you will be paid Friday for your labor? Then retire at 65 and collect a pension as a thank you, for all the hard work and loyalty you gave to the company? Okay, a bit much, but why not be able to work hard, get paid and not fear for your job, everyday. The latter has turned into an American dream. At least in nursing. So sad, so darn sad.
Well folks, it is official....meet fallinnstyle RN, unit manager. I got my new badge handed to me yesterday morning in stand up along with a long list of things that must be completed by the end of the week.
Man I love it!!!
In my part of the country (the south) you get benefits after 90 days. Many places make CNAs wait a whole year before they qualify (can you imagine??) I wish I could find a place with day 1 insurance. (I applied to Healthsouth which is the only one I know that does that but they chose someone else for the job).
And yes, I know they did not put a gun to my head and make me take this job, but it was put very clearly that my choices were limited.
Wish me luck!
Make the most of it. Since you accepted, enter in with enthusiasm. You may find, you not only like it, but are good at it. So even if the position were to be taken from you at a later date, your experience Never. Unit manager is a fine position to put on a resume.
Another thing many dont realize. When you start climbing into management, leadership and administrative positions, your risk are higher. But, because the nursing community created this culture, they are well aware and will hire you even if fired. As long as you get a year under your belt, another SNF, will snatch you up. This is why our community is so small. In certain ares, from home to home, you will find folks you know. A DNS from this facility, a SDC from that one, etc,.these positions are what are known as "recyclables". So chin up, do your very best and wishing the best of luck. Peace!
PS- remember where you came from and what you have gone through, when dealing with your staff. This is a way, you can make a change, regardless of how small. Don't drink too much kool-aid, or you will just repeat the abusive cycle. jMHO. Peace!
nicurn001
805 Posts
Wishing you luck and offering prayers for you . Hope all goes well for you , but plan for likely outcome . Did you ever recieve a job description ?.Did you ever actually apply for the position ?.Or did the promotion just get dropped upon you ?.