Transition to Nurse Supervisor

[athey1999]

I have done a good job in my department and have a good solid reputation at work (RN for 17 years, 3 of those years in my current department- a GI Lab). I applied to be the department Supervisor and while there were many people who were supportive of my bid, there were a lot of people that weren't. Unfortunately, our department is very cliquey and gossipy (I stay out of the clique) thanks to some of the millenials that have taken over our department (this is not meant to be an attack on millenials, but rather just a statement of the particular age group involved). The millennials (many of whom have been nurses for under 5 years and have been in our department for two years or less) believe that they should be able to dictate what goes on in our department (even when I am the charge nurse, they come and argue to question my decisions). They also seem to have the Manager (who is in her 30s) wrapped around their finger, even though some of them exhibit some questionable behavior (I.e. laziness, manipulativeness, bullying, etc).

I was initially enthusiastic about the job and I have the department and the staff's best interests at heart. I intend to be a Supervisor who will help the staff as much as possible to make sure that they are taken care of because a happy staff that trusts their leadership is also a productive staff. But the bullying, the comments being made, and the staff members that are clearly determined to be unhappy about this is making me feel leery about taking on the position. I have always considered myself strong and I don't usually care about other's opinions, but I am concerned that people might try to set me up to fail. It seems like it could just end up being more aggravation than it's worth. Any thoughts, advice, or opinions would be welcome.

[Nunya, BSN]

What JKL33 just said. You can't make changes if the manager is listening to the less experienced nurses and won't let you. You would definitely need to be on the same page as the manager as to policies etc, at least 90% if the time. Is the pay raise worth it? IS there a pay raise?

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

This clique already argues and questions you in the charge position. It will not improve in the supervisor position, rather it will escalate, as the manager has proven not to supportive.

Been there done that. Cliques win without management backup.

[kp2016]

On 7/19/2020 at 10:53 AM, athey1999 said:

- while there were many people who were supportive of my bid, there were a lot of people that weren't.

- Unfortunately, our department is very cliquey and gossipy (I stay out of the clique)

- many of whom have been nurses for under 5 years and have been in our department for two years or less) believe that they should be able to dictate what goes on in our department, even when I am the charge nurse, they come and argue to question my decisions).

-They also seem to have the Manager (who is in her 30s) wrapped around their finger, even though some of them exhibit some questionable behavior (I.e. laziness, manipulativeness, bullying, etc).

- I was initially enthusiastic about the job and I have the department and the staff's best interests at heart.

- the bullying, the comments being made, and the staff members that are clearly determined to be unhappy about this is making me feel leery about taking on the position.

-I am concerned that people might try to set me up to fail. It seems like it could just end up being more aggravation than it's worth.

I have edited your post down to the parts that really jumped out at me. I understand why you applied for the Supervisor position and I 100% believe that you believe you have the experience and motivation to really bring something positive to the role.

I also believe that you are well aware that if you do get the position it may well go badly due to the reasons you have listed above.

I don’t work with you, your colleagues or your manager so it’s impossible for me to say if they would accept you and allow you to do your best or if they would make your work day miserable everyday until you gave in and quit.

I guess the real questions are, do you want this position enough to put up with the amount of ill feelings and push back you think you will receive?

Is this role a long term goal for you or a stepping stone to something else? Exactly what will your next step be if it is “more aggravation than it is worth”?

Would you step down from being the supervisor and go back to being a Charge Nurse or would you feel that you had to move to a new department?

I really don’t think I can give you much advise here other than to say carefully consider your choice. It may be worth asking your manager privately for her feed back as she actually knows all the people involved in this situation.

Let us know how it goes!

[simba and mufasa]

Whenever we are faced with a situation, we tend to run away, but fear in this case should be your only courage. I understand a lot about the millennial's because I have a few on my unit, complaint after complaint, running to the manager etc. My husband always says, you can only leave or take a job according to your own terms. This is the time to enjoy your experience and move to a higher position. Stay true to yourself, be you and do whats good for the department. Be on your guard, and watch those who seem to do whatever you wanna call it. It's true, you could be set up, so take the position with your eyes and ears open and kick butt, leaders are not born, they are created, be your own kind of supervisor and do not be afraid without trying, its worth the fight. I had issues at a certain college, instead, I packed my bags and ran, big mistake, stick to it and put up the fight. You cannot have a testimony if you have not been tested! This will make you stronger!

Been there done that!