I’ve finally made the leap.
I’ve finally jumped the gap.
At the beginning of this new year, I accepted a position as an Assistant Nurse Manager. Some may say I have gone to the dark side. I like to think I’ve just broadened my horizons.
Prior to my career in nursing, I worked in Human Resources, countless administrative positions with a bit of managerial experience, so it wasn’t a far cry when the position was presented to me.
I took it.
I’ll admit, I had to take a few moments to appreciate and remember that while I will never completely leave the bedside, I will not be there 100% of the time anymore. My time will be spent elsewhere, performing different tasks and having different responsibilities. But, rather than mourn my absence, I realized a few very important things: Leaving the bedside to enter management doesn’t mean I’ll automatically ‘lose touch’ with where I came from, but rather will allow me to bring that fervent passion for nursing TO management, where I think it is sorely needed at times. I will fight hard for my nurses, because I AM A NURSE, first and foremost, whether at the bedside or collaborating with management. I know the difficulties firsthand, and I know the challenges.
And, yeah, if they ever need me to drop in a difficult IV, I’M THERE.
I’m excited. I’m energized. I’m optimistic. I’m realistic. I’m ready.
Yesterday, at work, one of the nurses asked me: “Why did you do it? Why did you take the job?”
I thought about it for a second, and replied, “I like a challenge.”
What I really meant was that I couldn’t think of a better place to be to facilitate real, good, and positive change. Our unit is in the midst of some uncomfortable tightening, and I want to be a part of making the transition as comfortable, realistic, and safe as possible. I worked side-by-side with these nurses, and we shared the struggle when things felt tight, when staff morale was low, when we felt like our shift might never end, and we needed to rely on each other to make it through the end of our eight hours. I want them to know that I appreciate BOTH sides of the coin.
But, before you accuse me of being a Pollyanna, let me assure you that I am prepared for some hard work ahead, making difficult decisions, being put smack dab in the middle of two forces pulling hard on either end. I never said it would be EASY. I said I was up for a challenge.
Eyes wide open.
Let’s jump.
