Transitioning to Nurse Management

Making the Move

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by the year 2030, the need for medical and health services managers will have jumped by 32% compared to the professionals needed in 2020. This category includes positions such as nurse manager or nurse administrator, Director of Nursing (DON), and regional quality assurance nurses. As a result, the industry will be looking for many nurses to transition from bedside nursing to various leadership roles in hospitals and skilled nursing centers to meet the sharp increase in staffing needs for this critical area of healthcare. 

While this can be considered a natural progression in a nurse’s career, a move into the management side presents a nurse with many questions to ponder.

Is This The Right Move For Me?

Not every registered nurse has the skill or desire to transition into an administrative leadership role. While the need will continue to be great, the industry will be best served by men and women who are ready for this type of work. Not everyone can lead and manage people. Not everyone is well-suited to administrative tasks. If you’re considering a move to management, ask a supervisor who knows you well if they feel you are “management material.” Don’t settle for a simple “yes” or “no” answer but dig deeper with a “Why or why not?” 

On the other hand, not every registered nurse has the desire to climb the ladder. While some will have felt the tug toward management from their early days of nursing, others are and will continue to be content in the patient-care side of nursing. And that’s perfectly fine. 

Will Relationships With My Peers Change?

A shift from bedside care to administration will impact a nurse’s relationships on the job. Period. Moving from co-worker and peer to manager/supervisor/coach can create awkwardness and distance in once-close relationships and a roadblock to success. But it doesn’t have to spell disaster on either the friend or management front. Awareness of the potential pitfalls and strategizing the best way to navigate them ahead of time can quell the uneasiness and prepare the way for success in a managerial position. 

Will I Need Additional Education?

While a nurse can begin a nursing career with an Associate Degree in Nursing, those wanting to move into management will need at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Going a step further to earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree will open doors as some leadership positions require this level of education. Additionally, any continuing education that hones a nurse’s administrative and clinical skills will significantly benefit both obtaining advanced or executive positions and preparing the nursing professional for the job responsibilities. 

What Duties Are Part Of Many/Most Nurse Management Roles? 

While each facility will have specific duties assigned to each of its management roles, the items noted here by the LeaderStat team include a range of responsibilities that will be part of many leadership roles—

• Recognize and assist in solving clinical and administrative problems
• Supervise care delivery systems to ensure accuracy and consistency
• Provide clinical expertise in medical, behavioral, and crisis management
• Coordinate with the Unit Manager or Director of Nursing to accomplish facility and patient-care goals
• Develop and implement nursing policies and procedures
• Communicate with patients and families to address care-related concerns
• Monitor patient medications, treatment, and therapies for quality assurance and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations

If nursing leadership is right for you, go for it! You might just find you are a born leader who enjoys collaboration and teamwork.