title: The nurse manager in transition.
abstract: With the current, widespread, highly visible, non-fault dismissals brought about by massive hospital downsizing and restructuring, there has been a layoff of many capable, responsible, and respectable managers. In some localities it will not be possible to obtain a similar position to the one that is lost. Adjusting to this significant life transition event, moving from one job to another involves a process that is initiated when the manager's current reality is disrupted and ends when a bridge is built from the disrupted reality to one of the possible realities that can be created. During this process there are many emotional ups and downs and confusion as to identity. While what is happening may be clear to an observer, for the person in transition reality may be fractured in such a devastating way that it is like being frozen in time. Finally, a new reality is built as the old one is relinquished, and the excitement of new beginnings is experienced with a new and perhaps different role. Eventually, the pain and disappointment of losing a job is replaced with the challenges of the present. Meanwhile, while the present job seems secure it is good planning for the future to be aware and ready for the job hunt process. Getting laid off or fired is a real possibility in today's tightening economic conditions and the astute nurse manager should be ready for it.
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Davidhizar
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Shearer
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology*; D009745:Nursing, Supervisory / Q000458:organization & administration; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D020415:Personnel Downsizing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011582:Psychological Theory; D014478:Unemployment / Q000523:psychology*