At some point in their careers, nurses think about running a unit or becoming a nurse manager. As a staff member, they see how the unit functions from the front line: a unit that is well-run provides the conditions to deliver quality patient care.f you are thinking about running a unit, this article will provide a framework to consider for becoming a manager. There are two categories of costs to consider: personal and financial. Personal Costs. 1  Identity shift-Shifting away from direct patient care can be an assault on your identity.