Nurse Executive

A Nurse Executive holds a top position within a healthcare organization, making sure its goals and mission are carried out in day-to-day operations.

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Required education

MSN

Average Annual Salary

$130k

Source: PayScale, Aug 2018

Attributes

Fast-paced

React and make decisions quickly in demanding conditions.

Managerial

Lead, guide and support other nurses so they can provide the best care.

Varied

Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.

You’ll play an essential role in shaping your organization’s healthcare policies and making sure your team of nurses have what they need to provide the best possible care.

Nursing bag, medication, and signs cartoon graphic

What you’ll do

Accounting

You’ll create budgets and manage the finances of the organization.

Administration

You’ll develop policies and procedures to help your organization run as effectively as possible.

Communication

You’ll understand the needs of your staff, help them flourish in their careers and provide the best care for patients.

Representation

You’ll speak up on behalf of your patients and staff when introducing new ideas and practices to parties outside of the healthcare organization.

Where you’ll work

Consulting firms
Healthcare organizations
Home health agencies
Hospitals
Nursing home
Nursing schools

How to become a Nurse Executive

01

Get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), taking business courses or pursuing a double major, or minor, in business.

02

Pass the NCLEX-RN and work as Registered Nurse.

03

Get a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Masters in Healthcare or Business Administration (MHA/MBA).

04

Work in an executive role before passing your Executive Nursing Certification Exam through the American Organization of Nurse Executives.

05

You’re ready to work as a Nurse Executive.

Join an Organization

Become a member of a Nurse Executive organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.

Related Organizations

American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE)

A group of medical personnel sitting at a table explaining treatment options to a couple

Nurses Leading Innovation

Why This Nurse Executive Believes In Transparent Leadership

“It’s important to have nurses at the table making decisions, because we can translate information from the bedside to the boardroom.” —Brandon “Kit” Bredimus, director of emergency services at Midland Memorial Hospital

2017-03-29T04:00:00Z

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A Nurse Educator is another type of management nurse.

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