1-14. THE M6 PRACTICAL NURSE AS MANAGER

Any M6 practical nurse may be utilized as a manager. Senior enlisted supervisors will delegate selected administrative, logistical, or supervisory tasks to designated subordinates so that the individual has the opportunity to learn, under supervision, tasks needed to master the next skill level. These "mini-management" experiences help to prepare the practical nurse for future duty positions.

a. Management experience prepares practical nurses to be Senior Clinical NCOs or Clinical NCOs. These positions are normally held by an E6, E7, or E8 who will manage that particular ward, unit, or section and supervise all paraprofessional personnel assigned to that area. This supervisory experience, in turn, will further prepare the soldier for positions of higher responsibility.

 

b. Some practical nurses in grades E8 and E9 are utilized as chief clinical NCOs while those in grades E7 and E8 may serve as assistant chief clinical NCO. These assignments involve supervising the entire staff of enlisted personnel within the medical facility's Department of Nursing. As the senior nursing NCO, the practical nurse has the responsibility for the operation of all areas of the hospital involved with providing some form of nursing care. Needless to say, much of this responsibility is shared by the clinical NCOs and NCOs within the department.

c. A great amount of authority is delegated to subordinate supervisors. It is up to each practical nurse supervisor to ensure that his subordinate supervisors and subordinate workers are performing to standards. You can see that each management experience assists in preparing the individual to manage larger and more complex areas and larger numbers of personnel. An E5 in charge of a small clinic with one or two personnel could eventually find himself as an E8 in the position of Chief Clinical NCO at a MEDCEN.