how did u become a nurse manager?

Katnip, RN · Mar 28, 2008

I became a nurse manager by opening my big mouth one day and saying it might be something I'd like to try someday.

Qualities? They need to be the same as any nurse, but you need to think a bit differently. Now, not only do I need to be a patient advocate, but advocate for staff AND the corporation as well. And you have to have to courage to discipline people and let them go when necessary. Believe me, that last part gives me nightmares.

Also, never ever, ask staff to do something you aren't willing to do yourself.

candiceena · Apr 18, 2008

bump? Anyone else on how they became a nurse manager?

GreatnurseFL · May 21, 2008

I also have aspirations, but am having trouble getting my first break!! I even got my MSN a year ago, but nothing yet!!

Please advise me!!! I frequently do charge, so I can manage staff and put out fires..................my unit has 60 beds, and we usually have 13-15 nurses on each shift.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · May 21, 2008

I became a nurse manager by opening my big mouth one day and saying it might be something I'd like to try someday.
Qualities? They need to be the same as any nurse, but you need to think a bit differently. Now, not only do I need to be a patient advocate, but advocate for staff AND the corporation as well. And you have to have to courage to discipline people and let them go when necessary. Believe me, that last part gives me nightmares.
Also, never ever, ask staff to do something you aren't willing to do yourself.

:yeahthat:

1wellnessnurse · Jun 26, 2008

You must ask yourself the following:

What do I bring to the table?

What is the big picture - you have to start to look past what just your area is doing.

What are the overall goals of the company. How does my area contribute to achieving these goals?

What can I do better?

You must never make it about money or title - that will follow after you have demonstrated your excellence.

You should also seek out a mentor within your organization.

Sometimes the path to success can be convoluted. Every day ask yourself, what will I do today to further my goal of being a nurse manager.

Katnip, RN · Jul 15, 2008

I also have aspirations, but am having trouble getting my first break!! I even got my MSN a year ago, but nothing yet!!
Please advise me!!! I frequently do charge, so I can manage staff and put out fires..................my unit has 60 beds, and we usually have 13-15 nurses on each shift.

Get some business courses under your belt. I have a BSN. All my electives for the prereqs were business oriented. I'm planning to get my MBA/MSN combo if I decide to move above unit manager.

Also, keep in mind there has to be a management position open. And there will be multiple applicants who are going after all those openings, and they could have more experience. Look at facilities other than your own. Management often has a slower turnover and the positions are harder to get because there are fewer of them.

JoycMarr · Oct 19, 2008

an ability to negotiate, counsel, and be a strong patient advocate. You have to have personality and charm and be able to mingle with a variety of cultures, ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, levels within the organization, etc

You should also be educated and keep yourself up to date with the latest in evidence based practice, what other facilities are doing (and is working for them), trends in nursing recruitment, etc.

Basically, the list goes on and on.....

spacey · Nov 30, 2011

And as an addition to the OP's original question.... how did you handle leaving bedside nursing? I am in the process of considering a manger position and while I am thrilled that I was asked to consider it, I am saddened about leaving what I know and love and I am frankly a bit scared of dealing with some of the mean personalities we have on our very large unit. By far, most of our staff are wonderful, but all places have those who constantly criticize and judge and bring things down. I am just a jumble of emotions trying to sort out what I want to do and what will be best for me, my family, and the unit I love.

Guest296136 · Dec 4, 2011

I have found that sometimes it is who you know. Get involved in councils if you aren't already, that is how I got to know the higher ups. I felt invisible as the charge nurse, so I applied for every management job that was posted, even the ones I wasn't qualified for. I interviewed well and made an impression, I didn't get the ones I applied for but was offered a clinical supervisor position. I was told once I had a year or two under my belt in this position I would be a much better candidate in the future.

notmanyofme · Jan 10, 2012

I MYSELF AM A NEW RN GRAD!! YEAAA my first job starts in a week and im a little nervous. I was offered a UNIT MANAGER position on the ALZHEIMERS WARD. I have previous experience with the disease process but not with the full aspect of the management process. So it will be interesting to come fresh out of school with this position but I do have different long term goals that involve management skills and I think the Lord has put me in the right place at the right time!! YEAAHH!!