transition to management

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Jul 24, 2005

Could you be alittle more specific with the problems? I've been in those positions before after working the floor for a few years. I didn't have problems with the other management staff, just the other nurses and CNAs. Most of it was now that I'm management I'm not one of them anymore. After proving myself I think I earned their respect. Is it the other managers?

Bird2 · Jul 24, 2005

Hi, I am working in management now at a LTC facility in FL Specifically in restorative and MDS Ive been a floor nurse for 5 years. I was wondering if there is anyone out there who has gone through this transition. I feel like a freshman in high school! I want to stay in this position but am having difficulty in dealing with the egos, etc. Also, wondering if anyone else has had difficulty getting other management staff to explain things. Any survival tips????

I have been in your shoes. At times I discovered that the other management couldn't answer the question because they did not know the answer. I ended up getting a group of contact people that I could count on. For example a Corporate person might be an expert with the MDS or if your company has multiple LTC's then an employee at one of the other LTC's may really have a great handle on Restorative nursing. Gradually you will get to know best practices and regs via the internet. You need to learn to network. The transition is very difficult. The nurses that you worked the floor with will accuse you of changing and management will wonder if you have changed enough. This is the best I can offer -IGNORE all of them and do your job and learn, learn, learn at the same time. Management can be very difficult. Two weeks ago I had a melt down because I let it become personal but I'm back on track again. Good luck, you will do great.

jsteine1 · Jul 25, 2005

Hi, I am working in management now at a LTC facility in FL Specifically in restorative and MDS Ive been a floor nurse for 5 years. I was wondering if there is anyone out there who has gone through this transition. I feel like a freshman in high school! I want to stay in this position but am having difficulty in dealing with the egos, etc. Also, wondering if anyone else has had difficulty getting other management staff to explain things. Any survival tips????

Being promoted internally is always difficult, even is you are promoted from, for example, a senior director to a Vice Presidency. So, it's not you or anything you're doing or not doing, it's somwehat par for the course. In LTC, chances are, those you now report to were rapidly promoted without adequate preparation as well. If its a large chain, there should be corporate level consultants who can assist and train. Even a peer in another facility performing a similar function can provide some mentorship. There are a number of us on Allnurse that can help. Throw out your challengin situations in some detail and perhaps we can providse some feedback to you.

Nascar nurse, ASN, RN · Jul 25, 2005

I also do restorative and MDS in LTC. Was lucky I guess, as the transition was smooth for me. Have been in management 10 years now (staff development too). Will be glad to help you with whatever you need. I see alot of postings about going for help from corporate consultants. From my experience, they really lack MDS knowledge. These dang regs change so fast, that unless you're involved in the process daily, you lose touch quickly (but they refuse to admit to that). See if your facility will allow you to go to a seminar. These are usually very informative (especially the ones put on by the state). Don't hesitate to PM me if you have a specific question. Good luck

panurse101 · Jul 29, 2005

I can sympathize with you. I worked as an aide in my facility for 9 years, then came back as an RN. I worked as a charge nurse, became a supervisor, and now in an adminstrative position. I still have some problems, when, for example, "management" is making changes that will effect the floor staff, but they dont take into account, what is really going on out there on the floor. I have earned the respect from the aides, and nurses, that once worked with me side by side, so I don't have too many problems there. Im the one they all seem to come to, if there is a problem going on. "Because I understand".

I love my job, I do Staff Dev. / Infection Control and Risk Management. I am learning alot, and always looking for more information. All nurses.com is a great site, I have utilized this forum many times, when I have come up against a problem, or looking for ideas. Many many good people here that are willing to help.

Good luck Tracy

rats · Aug 27, 2005

What are the unwritten expectations of a salaried administrative job in LTC?

What kind of hours will I be putting in-will I really make more 'per hour' then I do as a staff nurse?

panurse101 · Aug 28, 2005

What are the unwritten expectations of a salaried administrative job in LTC?
What kind of hours will I be putting in-will I really make more 'per hour' then I do as a staff nurse?

I am expected to give up more of my time for qa's, state survey time, etc. I did make less money yearly when I first took this job. However, thanks to our recent raise, Im finally making more. There are good points and bad, just like anything else. I have more flexibility of my scheldule. If I have to leave for an appt, I dont have to use vacation time, I use "comp" time. However, thanks to people abusing the "comp" time, we can no longer take a whole day off, and use the comp time. Otherwise, for example, I had to submit a doh report last saturday and was there for about 5 hours, then the sat before that, I was in work approx 4 hours, I wasnt able to take a whole day off and not use vacation time, it has to be used on individual days. I dont know how everyone else works this way. Im curious to know. You can email me if you want to talk. Good Luck, Tracy