Am i Head Nurse material?

RE: Am i Head Nurse material?

Selena Carnell — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 07:30:07 GMT

I am just about to make the move from Nursing to more hands on Practice management, not sure if i am doing the right thing but i love the little practice that i am in. I have self esteem issues too and not the greatest self confidence. But i am giving it a go. I was head nurse for 2.5 yrs, and seemed to be respected then. i just find hr and staff issues the hardest part. and also difficult clients. i am doing level 3 leadership and management which i hope will help me. I would say go for it.

RE: Am i Head Nurse material?

Jill Butterworth — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 21:56:38 GMT

Ha ha, thanks!

RE: Am i Head Nurse material?

Alison Clare Hickman — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 08:56:49 GMT

Fab advice Jill! If I could've given you 10 stars or even more I would've!!!

RE: Am i Head Nurse material?

Jill Butterworth — Wed, 31 May 2017 22:04:48 GMT

No one can answer that question for you until you try. It sounds like confidence is your underlying problem. Confidence is a funny old thing, it can fluctuate daily (ahem, or monthly even!). Apparently Confidence = Knowledge + Practice, but people management is the most important skill you will need, and can be learned and improved. As head nurse, you need to have the respect and ear of all the stakeholders: the other nurses, the vets, partners, receptionists etc. it can be quite stressful , and you can end up doing less actual 'hands on' nursing. A friend of mine swears by using a life coach to help her with her career. It may be that you may need to move practices to make the jump, and one with fewer nurses might feel more manageable. If you are at a well run clinic, you will have acquired lots of good ideas which you could bring to a less progressive practice. However, you need to read up on 'managing change' as this can be challenging. Good luck.