Is nursing a field much like law enforcement, that attracts people who are rude, harsh and likely have personality disorders? Just wondering because, I'm not joking... the majority of my nurse managers and supervisors were long time nurses who seemed to be on some power-wielding trip. Like they had something to prove and that they were a nurse, an experienced nurse and because of that alone were somehow better than people who didn't fall into that category. As if being a 'charge nurse' or a 'nurse manager' made them great, even if they were insufferable to be around, even if they couldn't care less about patients or subordinates.
I have seen it go on many, many times. Nurse managers who ask of their staff what they wouldn't be willing to do a small fraction of. Charge nurses who gossip and make up stories about other nurses, simply because they don't fit into their 'clique'. Or mock patients if they know them in real life --- like had one who taunted a former classmate saying she had letters behind her name while he didn't.
Is the nursing 'profession' filled with jerks? Or arrogant fools? I have a few good, down to earth and likeable coworkers that I can count. But the ones in and kissing up to management always seem like arrogant jerks.
Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.
Why are you following what I'm doing so closely? Are you a crappy nm too? It doesn't matter if a nurse has a gazillion years of carefully strategized experience, s/he might not necessarily be a good manager. I'm surprised hospitals are still filling managerial positions with these nurses who couldn't care less about their subordinates, the patients, or nursing in general. They should hire MBAs, real business professionals and be done with it.
I'm seeing an awful lot of attitude in your responses. It doesn't surprise me that you have negative interactions with your nurse managers.
I can legally supervise nurses. I have an MBA, I have a BSN. Been a nurse for decades.
Non-registered nurses cannot evaluate performance or directly supervise RNs. If you have an MBA and you are an RN of course you can evaluate/supervise RNs.
I am going back for an MBA this year hopefully because I do think it would be extremely helpful with rising accountability on the Nurse Manager for financial performance. My MSN prepared me well but to advance I think I need to further my education.
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
I'm a little unclear how butt-wiping experience leads to leadership skills. I must have missed that class.
In my experience, a successful manager needs both leadership AND butt-wiping skills ("butt-wiping" being a catch-all term for technical nursing skills). I've found that the most respect I've received from my nurses are the times that I jump in and help out, actually take a patient, answer call lights, etc.
I'm a little unclear how butt-wiping experience leads to leadership skills. I must have missed that class.
I have a masters degree in nursing leadership with a minor in butt wiping. I also studied abroad for a semester to learn how I can capture the tears of my employees for my diabolical plans.
.thumb.gif.fc0b5b00a77a1cf676541776e02de0f9.gif){kind=avatar}
Orca, ADN, ASN, RN
2,066 Posts
I'm seeing an awful lot of attitude in your responses. It doesn't surprise me that you have negative interactions with your nurse managers.
MBAs cannot legally supervise nurses.