MSC, RN
For some, taking a step away from bedside nursing and into a management position can be a daunting thought, but for others, it is part of the plan to climb the ladder.
But the question is, what kind of person should be taking these positions in nursing leadership and management?
Once a nurse makes it through school and gets a few years of clinical experience under their belt, are they equipped with the skills and knowledge to take on a leadership role? Does a bachelor’s or master’s degree automatically make you a leader?
The short answer to this is no – a successful career in nursing leadership and management involves a lot more than just academia.
So, what makes a good leader or manager?
It is important to distinguish the differences between these roles, as there is a place for both, and working in conjunction with each other can create success.
The American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Sciences defines a nurse manager as “someone who has decision-making powers and control over certain processes in an organization.”
Whether they are coping with complex situations or helping to structure policies and procedures, nurse managers must be able to handle many moving parts at once.
Large organizations can be chaotic if these structures are not in place, so the nurse manager role is essential. They are able to handle high-stress situations and present practical solutions.
This role focuses on coping with change within an organization, and as we know, constant change in healthcare is inevitable.
Whether it is changes in practice, research-driven care delivery methods, new equipment, pharmaceutical developments, or anything and everything in between, healthcare professionals are always adapting.
However, this change affects everyone, so where do nurse leaders come in?
From assisting with hiring and onboarding processes to serving as a role model for all nursing staff, nurse leaders are at the forefront of ensuring quality patient care is delivered.
These leaders are responsible for motivating staff while also meeting the organization’s goals.
Simplified, management presents any necessary updates and brings in an order to the workforce. From there, leadership will support the workforce to adapt to said necessary changes.
Have you ever worked under a manager or charge nurse who demotivated you? Or on the other hand, have you worked under someone who fully supported you? Take a moment to reflect on your experiences with those in nursing leadership and management and how they made you feel.
Did time stand still? Did you laugh? Did you get help when you needed it? Did you feel like you were doing a good job? Did you feel motivated?
Thinking back on your own experiences, especially the uncomfortable ones, try to think about what should have been done or said to you to make you perform better. It is safe to say that none of us work well when we do not feel appreciated or supported.
Direct line nurse managers must perform that supportive role, or patient care quality will suffer immensely.
Now, put yourself into that senior role.
Coming from the bedside, you are used to caring for your patients. However, a nurse manager is responsible for caring for its staff members.
As you can imagine, the nursing staff will have very different needs when compared to patients, however, if their needs are not met, patients and their quality of care might suffer.
Ensuring that the nursing staff has all the equipment, supplemental training, and support they need to be successful will all directly reflect the care they provide to patients.
Additionally, an important aspect that anyone in a nursing leadership and management role needs to understand is that all staff members need to feel valued and part of the team.
The good news is, there are many small ways to do this daily!
For example, new grad nurses are on a steep learning curve and will need practical help, support, and encouragement throughout their first year.
As the nurse leader or manager, it is good to recognize and acknowledge this milestone at a staff meeting and congratulate the young nurse on their commitment and performance.
Depending on their performance, perhaps you can ask them if they would like to serve as a resource for the next set of new grads. Offer them more responsibility, but seek out what they are comfortable with taking on.
These examples can not only increase their sense of achievement, but also make them feel like they are valued and that their hard work is not going unnoticed.
Being the leader of a team of nurses can be challenging, and if you are considering it but feel hesitant – that might be a good sign to try it out!
Self-awareness is a key component to being a great leader. Knowing the repercussions of your words and actions and their direct impact on others can truly set the bar for your team’s success.
From my experience in nursing leadership and management, it is vital that you can see a promising future in your career path. Some nurses do not want to leave the bedside as caring for patients is a rewarding job in itself.
However, if leadership is calling you, do some research! Of course, you do not need to know everything, but you do need to care about all the people who rely on you for support.
An army cannot be effectively managed into battle; they must be led – and if any other profession has been in a real-life battle recently, it is our healthcare workers.
If a career in nursing leadership and management is calling you, answer it! Our providers need strong, passionate, and driven leaders.
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