Am I Special?

Got a new job!!

Question is, can a Ward Sister manage a speciality ward without having worked in that speciality before?

I've done similar specialities, and there's a crossover with my current and new job but I've never actually worked directly in this speciality since I was a student nurse, near on twelve years ago!!

At my 'informal chat / interview' the matron was great, encouraging and supportive... The consultant, probably quite rightly, grilled me! He was clearly looking for someone with speciality knowledge but bearing in mind, there were no other applicants, he was kinda limited on choice! besides, I do have the required management experience and eleven years of quality nursing behind me!! Maybe he could be a little enthusiastic?

Anyway, it's a six month temporary contract in the first instance - we'll see if they want me and / or I want them after this time! I had avoided applying for the permanent position (which obviously wasn't filled) as the last sister was in post for several decades! Big shoes to fill! I'd rather have the opportunity to test the water!

I start very soon anyway - just a few more shifts in neurology before I jump ship... Thirty Four bedded ward to an eighteen bedded unit! Should be a walk in the park...!!!

Yeah, right! Jxx