Hi, I’m a Registered General Nurse with over 5 years post qualification experience in Adult Nursing, of which only around 6 months was worked in elderly Nursing homes and within dementia services. I am looking to progress into Management as quickly as possible, but would like to know which mandatory courses I need to complete or be working towards before applying for management jobs.

I have gained some supervisory experience over the past 4 years, albeit in acute care with people undergoing elective surgery and not in a Nursing home setting.

Answered by Laura Wood

Many thanks for your question.

Different care home providers have different stipulations and it is possible to become a Registered Manager with your clinical experience alone particularly if you can demonstrate leadership and management qualities in your supervisory role.  However. many providers will expect you to have completed a relevant qualification in Leadership and Management or willing to do this if appointed. This will be a QCF or NVQ equivalent qualification. You will then n also be expected to complete relevant mandatory training related to your environment which will include Infection control, safeguarding moving and handling, health  and safety, privacy and dignity, GDPR and Equality and Diversity. Different provider also have other stipulations such as Dementia or other training relevant for the area in which you are working. You may also be asked to undertake additional training which will enhance your management skills such as project management and carrying out investigations. You should also explore the support and induction you will be given as a new manager and this should give you robust knowledge and insight into every aspect of a Registered manager such as budget management, staff planning, management of complaints and dealing with employee related issues to name but a few.

If you manage a nursing home then you should also keep up to date with your clinical skills to help support the nurses and wider staff team. Some Registered Nurses also manage non-nursing homes, however if this is something you wish to do, you will need to consider how you will stay clinically  competent so you should explore training  courses that you can access .

Good luck in your future endeavors-Managing a nursing home is very rewarding.