Last Clinical Update

This week was a week full of drama. I was able to witness my preceptor handle various difficult situations with the skill an experienced manager. I don't know if I would like being a manager. There is a lot of pressure for the unit to exceed in raising scores. Hiring and orienting staff can be very challenging; the staff have to accept the new staff and train them with courtesy. New protocols and procedures must be enforced; staff are resistant at times. The stress that a manager feels is different than a floor nurse. While it is very intense for the 12 hours of work, the floor nurse gets to clock out and go home. The manager never gets to pass the baton; they have to follow through.

Overall, my experience has left me with a greater appreciation for what my manager does. She is a great advocate for patients and for staff. Sometimes making the staff and the patients happy simultaneously is a challenge. She also has to try to make the doctors and midlevels happy. I don't know if I would like going into management. I struggle with why can't everyone just do their own jobs to the best of the ability. Why are some people perfectly content with doing a mediocre job? I find it frustrating that not everyone is as committed to service excellence. It is so hard because managers can create an environment conducive to motivation, but it is not all up to the manager. Motivation comes from within and you cannot force a person into a higher standard. They must choose to do it themselves.

I have learned so much and am grateful there are people willing to go into management. I am grateful for good managers for they make all the difference in the world. I may choose to go into management someday, but I think I will stick with what I know (being a floor nurse) for a while yet!