What are the Pros and Cons of Being a Nurse Manager?
A nurse manager is a registered nurse who supervises and coordinates the activities of nursing staff in a healthcare facility. Nurse managers typically have several years of experience working in a nursing role before being promoted to a management position.
In addition to overseeing the daily operations of the nursing staff, nurse managers are also responsible for ensuring that quality patient care is provided and that nursing staff are following all policies and procedures.
Nurse managers play an important role in ensuring that the nursing staff is providing high-quality patient care and that the facility is running smoothly.
If you are thinking of becoming a nurse manager, it's important to understand the pros and cons first. On the plus side, nurse managers have a lot of autonomy and can make a real difference in their units. But there are also some drawbacks, like extra responsibility and long hours.
So, before you decide if this is the right career for you, read on to learn more about the pros and cons of being a nurse manager.
Pro No. 1 - Growth opportunities
A career in nursing is often seen as a way to provide care and support to patients, but it’s also a field with plenty of opportunity for advancement. Nurse managers are a perfect example of this. By taking on a leadership role within their hospital, nurse managers have the chance to impress upper management and potentially earn a promotion to a more senior administrative position.
In addition to supervising nurses and other staff members, nurse managers are also responsible for ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. This means that they are often exposed to different branches of the hospital, giving them the opportunity to show off their skills and knowledge. For those looking to move up in their career, becoming a nurse manager is a great option.
Pro No. 2 - Increased job satisfaction
As a nurse manager, you will have the opportunity to improve patient care and make decisions that directly impact the quality of care your team provides. This can lead to increased job satisfaction as you feel like you are making a real difference in the lives of those you serve.
Pro No. 3 - Improved patient outcomes
When nurses are satisfied with their jobs and working conditions, patient outcomes tend to improve. As a nurse manager, you will have the ability to create an environment that promotes both job satisfaction and high-quality patient care.
Pro No. 4 - Greater autonomy
Nurse managers typically have more autonomy than staff nurses. This means that you will have more control over your work schedule, budget, and staffing levels. You will also be able to make decisions about patient care without having to go through multiple layers of bureaucracy.
Pro No. 5 - Improved working conditions
As a nurse manager, you will have the ability to improve the working conditions for your team. This can include everything from ensuring that there are enough staff members to providing adequate supplies and equipment.
Pro No. 6 - Greater job security
Nurse managers typically have greater job security than staff nurses. This is due to the fact that they are in high demand and there is often a shortage of qualified candidates for these positions.
Pro No. 7 - Higher salary
Nurse managers typically earn a higher salary than staff nurses. This is due to the increased responsibility that comes with the position. The average salary for nurse managers is $86,350 compared to $77,600 for other registered nurses (RN).
Pro No. 8 - Better benefits
Nurse managers often have better benefits than staff nurses. This can include everything from health insurance to retirement plans.
Pro No. 9 - Increased opportunity for career advancement
As a nurse manager, you will have the opportunity to advance your career. This can include moving into a higher-level position within the organization or taking on additional responsibilities.
Pro No. 10 - Improved work/life balance
As a nurse manager, you will have more control over your work schedule. This can lead to an improved work/life balance as you will be able to better manage your time and energy levels.
Pro No. 11 - Greater sense of accomplishment
As a nurse manager, you will likely feel a greater sense of accomplishment than you would as a staff nurse. This is due to the fact that you will be directly responsible for the care of your patients and the success of your team.
Pro No. 12 - Increased knowledge and expertise
As a nurse manager, you will have the opportunity to increase your knowledge and expertise. This can include taking on additional responsibilities or pursuing advanced education and training.
Pro No. 13 - Improved patient safety
As a nurse manager, you will be in a position to improve patient safety. This can include ensuring that adequate staffing levels are maintained and that proper procedures are followed.
Con No. 1 - Long hours
Nurse managers often work long hours, including nights and weekends.
Con No. 2 - High stress levels
The job can be very stressful, due to the high level of responsibility and the potential for making life-or-death decisions.
Con No. 3 - Difficult working conditions
Nurse managers may have to deal with difficult working conditions, such as exposure to infectious diseases or hazardous materials.
Con No. 4 - Limited patient contact
Nurse managers may have limited patient contact, due to their administrative duties. This means that they may not have as much contact with patients as nurses in other specialty areas. Their job involves overseeing the nursing staff and making sure that all patients receive the best possible care.
Con No. 5 - High liability
Nurse managers may be held liable for errors or omissions made by their subordinates. This means that they may be held responsible for any mistakes that their staff members make. Nurse managers can be sued if someone is injured or dies as a result of a mistake made by a nurse under their supervision. They can also be held responsible for financial damages that may result from such mistakes.
Con No. 6 - Difficult staff relations
Nurse managers may have difficulty maintaining good working relationships with their staff.
Con No. 7 - Political infighting
Nurse managers may become embroiled in political infighting within the hospital or health care system. This can be a difficult and frustrating situation, as it can lead to conflict and discord within the workplace. Political infighting can also be disruptive and distracting, which can interfere with the manager's ability to perform their job effectively.
Con No. 8 - Job burnout
The high stress levels and long hours associated with the job can lead to burnout. This is when a person becomes so overwhelmed and frustrated with their job that they no longer enjoy it and may begin to experience physical and emotional symptoms. Burnout can be very damaging to an individual's health and can lead to job dissatisfaction and turnover.