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TOPIC: Nurse who wants to be a Project Manager

Nurse who wants to be a Project Manager 1 week 1 day ago #32263

  • Warren Ferrer
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Hi,

I’m a nurse for 15 years and have grown to admin.management position but I’ve been feeling stuck career-wise.

After some research, earning a PMP certification seems a good way forward. The idea of leading healthcare projects and working in a more structured environment really appeals to me!

But I’m nervous for this career shift. The two jobs seem pretty different, and I’m struggling to see how my nursing experience might transfer over.

For those of you who have made a similar transition—or just have insights—are there any skills from nursing that are actually useful in project management?

Nurse who wants to be a Project Manager 1 week 1 day ago #32266

  • Markus Kopko, PMP
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Absolutely yes, your nursing experience is not just transferable – it's gold for project management, especially in healthcare!

Hi Warren,
First of all, huge respect for your 15 years in nursing and your move into administration. That alone shows leadership, resilience, and the ability to manage under pressure –
all essential qualities in project management.

Let me tell you: nurses bring a superpower mix that’s often underestimated. Here are just a few examples of what translates brilliantly from nursing into project management:

? Prioritization under pressure—managing shifting demands and critical situations? That's risk and issue management in action.

? Interdisciplinary communication – Nurses act as bridges between doctors, patients, and families—that’s stakeholder engagement at its best.

? Following protocols + adapting in real time – You can stick to procedures and improvise when needed. That’s hybrid project management in a nutshell.

? Empathy-driven leadership – You lead with care. In modern project management, emotional intelligence is more valuable than ever.

? Attention to detail—Precision matters, whether in charting or medication. That same mindset boosts project planning and quality assurance.

If you're drawn to more structure, impact, and leading cross-functional healthcare efforts, PMP can be your next step. And trust me: the leap is big, but not as wide as it seems.
You’ve already got one foot on the other side.

? If you'd like, I’d happily share resources or tips to help you bridge the gap and build your confidence.

You got this. The healthcare sector needs more project managers who truly understand what happens on the front lines, and you’d bring exactly that perspective.

Please keep us posted,

Markus
Community Moderator

Follow me on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/markuskleinpmp/

Nurse who wants to be a Project Manager 1 week 1 day ago #32267

  • Markus Kopko, PMP
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  • experience is the key
  • Posts: 68
  • Karma: 8
  • Thank you received: 30
Absolutely yes, your nursing experience is not just transferable – it's gold for project management, especially in healthcare!

Hi Warren,
First of all, huge respect for your 15 years in nursing and your move into administration. That alone shows leadership, resilience, and the ability to manage under pressure –
all essential qualities in project management.

Let me tell you: nurses bring a superpower mix that’s often underestimated. Here are just a few examples of what translates brilliantly from nursing into project management:

? Prioritization under pressure—managing shifting demands and critical situations? That's risk and issue management in action.

? Interdisciplinary communication – Nurses act as bridges between doctors, patients, and families—that’s stakeholder engagement at its best.

? Following protocols + adapting in real time – You can stick to procedures and improvise when needed. That’s hybrid project management in a nutshell.

? Empathy-driven leadership – You lead with care. In modern project management, emotional intelligence is more valuable than ever.

? Attention to detail—Precision matters, whether in charting or medication. That same mindset boosts project planning and quality assurance.

If you're drawn to more structure, impact, and leading cross-functional healthcare efforts, PMP can be your next step. And trust me: the leap is big, but not as wide as it seems.
You’ve already got one foot on the other side.

? If you'd like, I’d happily share resources or tips to help you bridge the gap and build your confidence.

You got this. The healthcare sector needs more project managers who truly understand what happens on the front lines, and you’d bring exactly that perspective.

Please keep us posted,

Markus
Community Moderator

Follow me on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/markuskleinpmp/

Nurse who wants to be a Project Manager 1 week 1 day ago #32268

  • Harry Elston
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Warren,

Markus gets up earlier than I do and he's got the right answer. Good luck!

Harry
+++++
Harry J. Elston, Ph.D., CIH, PMP
Moderators: Yolanda MabutasMarkus Kopko, PMPMary Kathrine PaduaProfessor Kevin ReillyJohn Paul BugarinAnusha JayaramHarry ElstonJean KwandaElena ZelenevskaiaErik SmithBrent LeeJoseph Flanders

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