I am a RN with 5 yrs of bedside hospital experience and 1.5 yrs of phone triage/admin work. I want to get into management, but I keep getting rejected when I apply and never called to interview. Any suggestions on how to make the next career step?
Have you worked as a full-time charge nurse? Having done that is definitely a pre-requisite and if you’re having trouble being considered for a charge position, talk to your current manager and let her/him know that you’re very motivated to train for that role, even if it’s on a PRN basis as they need fill-ins.
If you can manage a unit in a calm and professional manner, keeping emotions and personal opinions and most importantly, GOSSIP, out of your working practice, this will shed a lot of positive light on you. Working in management takes a special temperament and definitely a mature mentality.
Lead by example, never expect another nurse or tech to do anything you wouldn’t do yourself, NEVER gossip bc it causes loss of credibility and a general negative atmosphere, treat patients, visitors and staff with respect at all times, and above all else, put patient care and their families first. Communicate w staff and keep patients and family informed of their plan of care at each encounter. Knowledgeable patients rarely need service recovery.
Nursing is all about baby steps. We all start at the bottom and then get promoted when we’re ready for the next challenge. You’ll get there!
My advice would be to take a house supervisor or assistant manager position first. Always stay current in practice, I am a Director and still work shifts on my unit when I can - that keeps my skills, builds trust and always makes me feel like I’m not stuck in management if I change my mind. Good luck!
My first question is do you have your BSN? If you do then perhaps your resume should describe the management skills that you have used and which ones, would meet their needs for the position you are applying to. I don't know which positions you have been applying for, which would make a big difference. Going on the assumption that you have your BSN What are they looking for? 1.5 years with phone triage is not sufficient, as they would want to know your experience with staffing, employee management, evaluations, and more.
What degree do you have? Many leadership roles require BSN or MSN now. Do you have leadership experience in your current role? It doesn’t have to be an official title but are you participating in committees where decisions are being made or developing protocols or solutions to problems? If the answer is yes, then you may just need a resume makeover to highlight those informal leadership activities. Good luck!
Go up the ladder within a specific unit. Staff RN then charge RN then clinical manager and maybe director. Or go into a house supervisor position which sees the organization globally and from there you can get into another admin position if desire. In the house supervisor position allows one to network and get to know middle and above management including CEOs. All of it is not easy but great experience. Additionally get your masters in administration, education, or informatics. An alternative is a business degree.
Good Luck.
It is unlikely you will get hired in leadership without experience. Your best bet is to speak with leadership at your current job and look for growth opportunities there.
Hello there! We are hiring for Assistant Nurse Manager if you are interested. Please let me know. Thank you!
I would suggest a couple of things. One, make a move to a specialty area, ED or ICU to get critical care experience. Having that can open MANY doors esp in the way of management. I also would suggest taking some management classes to add to your resume or going back to school to get your masters in business or in nursing administration. I have been a nurse since 1997 and went right into the ED out of school as I had worked as an ER tech and a floor secretary along with working on my towns ambulance service as well. I also got my SANE certification and worked sexual assault cases for a few years and did a little home care while my kids were small. I always kept up my ER job perdiem and finally left in 2014 when I got a job as a house supervisor position. I had many years under my belt and felt this was a great stepping stone towards becoming a manager someday. I am still working a a supervisor as dept management is a 24/7 responsibility. I have one younger child at home and one in college so once the younger one is able to stay alone and fend for herself more, I hope to start looking for an ER manager or assistant manager job. I wish you the best and hope that these suggestions help!!
By
