Which position would you choose: RN supervisor or utilization management?

[designer-mommy, BSN, RN]

This is very long, like novel length--I'm sorry. So I have a dilemma. I applied for two internal positions at the company I work for, which specializes in mental health and substance abuse. One is a nurse manager position of our inpatient unit, and the other is utilization management.

I only applied for the nurse manager position because the nurse administrator really wants me in that position. I was hesitant about it at first, because soon it's going to be an involuntary unit which makes for an extremely stressful atmosphere. One of the supervisors (non-clinical) on another unit got choked out today, and that's a voluntary unit! So yeah, involuntary is even rougher. But, thinking about the money definitely made me excited. It's $86,000 per year. The schedule is flexible, usually M-F 8-4 but they usually leave early. The positives are: flexible-ish schedule, money and experience. It would be my first supervisor position, so that would look good on my resume. The cons are: on call once a month and you only get an extra $100 for the entire week, high stress, high turnover, lots of call outs, and if one if the floors is short and three rounds of bonuses don't turn up a nurse who's willing to work, one of the three supervisors have to work it--and I don't think we get the bonus.

Now, the utilization management position is something I willingly applied for before I knew about the nurse manager position. I know a nurse who does it and she LOVES it. She actually used to be a supervisor and said she'd choose UM over that any day (so maybe there's my answer?) but maybe she doesn't need as much money as I do. I have five kids and I think she has like one who's grown already, so yeah, big difference in terms of financial responsibilities. Pros: I will be able to work from HOME after a few months of training!!!! This is huge for me. I worked from home for 7 years and miss it a lot. Also, I will get experience in UM (which I've wanted for years now) and there are tons of insurance companies that hire nurses work from home, so if I ever need to move on from this company there are many options. The schedule is flexible. They said if I need to take a few hours off one day, I can just work a few extra hours the next day to make up for it. One of the main pros is that I won't get choked out by angry patients because there's no patient care involved at all. Cons: less money. That's the only con. I think it's mid 70's per year but I have no idea.

I'm really leaning towards the UM position, but here's the main dilemma. After the interview, they said it may take a few weeks to hear back because they have other interviews scheduled. I feel like I will get an offer, because the director of nursing seemed impressed and after we left her office, the head of UM told me "that was awesome" in regards to how I did. I was supposed to have a second interview for the manager position yesterday, but that fell through and they have to reschedule (maybe that's a sign to not do it?). I'm 99% sure I'd get that position, and I'm sure that the offer will come quickly after the interview because the current manager's last day is this Friday and they need to replace him quick. So what if I get an offer for the supervisor position while I'm waiting for the UM offer? I don't think they'd let me wait weeks to accept the offer, and what if I never even end up getting the offer for UM? I'm fairly content with my current position, so if I passed up the supervisor position and didn't get the UM position I wouldn't be stuck in a crappy job.

I don't know. Sorry for rambling. I ramble when I'm stressed. What would you guys do if you were me? Which job sounds better? And thank you to those of you who actually read through all of this.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I would see what they say during your 2nd interview. I would also let them know when/if you get the other offer. Perhaps this will speed up their several week waiting period. The hiring process for some companies is so long, it's no wonder some spots never seem to get filled. My employer struggles with this sometimes. HR needs everything to be perfect from the practice manager to post or remove a job posting, despite the fact that sometimes we have delicate situations. I understand from HR's position, but it can be challenging at times.

Go with your gut. Whichever sounds best for your situation. Money is not everything, but it is a great incentive.

[Mr_Edwino]

RN supervisor.

[Seaofclouds, BSN, RN]

You sound must more enthusiastic about the UM position. I personally have never done that, so I can't really say much there.

I have been a Nurse Manager before and it was not for me. I was on call all the time though and had to go in frequently for call offs. The M-F day shift sounds great, until you find yourself covering call offs on evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays without extra compensation.

I would see how the second interview goes and maybe dig deeper into things like how often the manager has to go in to cover staffing call outs. Do you know why the current manager is leaving? If they make you an offer and you haven't heard anything about the UM position, you could always ask for time to consider their offer and follow up with the UM manager at that time.

[cleback]

The cons to the rn supervisor position are big to me. Money can't always make up for poor working environments. Also, would you want to be the kind of nm that leaves early? I know a few that did that as a staff rn... never saw them on pm shifts, didn't get the impression that they really cared about how the unit ran.

I'd vote um position. You could like it and be good at it.

[dream'n, BSN, RN]

This fall I went on a job search. I interviewed at a few places. The one position I had at the top of my favorite list and that was very competitive, I felt like the interview went just ok. The position I was so-so about, the interview went fabulous. I was sure I would be offered the so-so position and probably not my favorite one after the interviews. Well it worked out just the opposite. You just never know. Though in your case, think of the money (and time) you would save on transportation throughout the year and also on work apparel. That might make the salary gap actually not quite as wide.

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

You sound more enthusiastic about the UM position, and money isn't everything. That sounds like it's about the only pro for the supervisor position, since you'll have even more flexibility with the UM position once you're able to work from home. Good luck with your decision!

[CharleeFoxtrot, BSN, RN]

OP, you say the UM position is less money. Have you calculated the savings you'd have potentially while working from home? Not just gas, car maintenance, work clothes, etc but in time saved?

I currently have a 45 minute drive each way, I know I could do a lot with that extra time each week.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

On 1/15/2019 at 1:24 PM, designer-mommy said:

"I only applied for the nurse manager position because the nurse administrator really wants me in that position." That is a red flag. I would hold out for the UM position. You are 99% sure you will get it. It is a new skill that is priceless. Working from home is even more priceless. Best wishes in your endeavors

[Golden_RN, MSN]

Last month I attended a two day UM boot camp and, while it's not a position I have ever had, it was very interesting.

[Ruas61, BSN, RN]

UM any day of the week for me. I left MDS to go for it and I am moving from office to home working. I plan to ride this horse into retirement.

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

The management position sounds like hell. But if you haven't heard back on the UM position and the NM is offered and you think that you'd like to try it, then do that. If UM is offered later, you can always take that job and give notice. Or you can stay in your current job if you're not sure. I've been in a management job that paid very well, and there was a reason-it was hell! I needed the money, but stayed only 3 months. My sanity couldn't take it! Money isn't everything! Trust your gut