New nurse managers have a very full plate, leaving you little time to seek education and guidance on the principles of finance and budgeting related to your role. But any amount of time you spend learning basic terminology and concepts associated with the budget process will save you time and sanity down the road.

Your learning curve begins with knowing who and where your resources are.

If you have not already done so, there are several people you should schedule a meeting with to help clarify your responsibilities, including:

Your manager. Have your manager explain his or her expectations of you as they relate to the budget and other fiscal concerns. Your manager should let you know what reports you will be receiving.