Nurse Manager

A Nurse Manager is in charge of hiring and supervising the nursing staff of a hospital or other healthcare organization.

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Required education

MSN

Average Annual salary

$60k–$114k

Source: PayScale, Aug 2018

Attributes

Fast-paced

React and make decisions quickly in demanding conditions.

Independent

Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.

Managerial

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

Patient-facing

Work hands-on, directly with patients.

Varied

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

You’ll use your nursing and business management skills to fulfill many roles, and act as the go between for your nursing staff, doctors, and the organization.

Nursing bag, medication, and signs cartoon graphic

What you’ll do

Accounting

You’ll manage the budgets and finances related to the nursing staff.

Collaboration

You’ll work with doctors and other hospital staff, coordinate meetings, and assist patients and families.

Documentation

You’ll take care of the managerial details, including medical health records, recruitment, and disciplinary actions.

Management

You’ll be the liaison between interdisciplinary teams and nursing staff, and supervise nursing-related operations within an organization.

Where you’ll work

Ambulatory care centers
Hospitals
Long term care centers

How to become a Nurse Manager

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.

03

Work as a Registered Nurse, gaining experience in clinical management.

04

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

05

Get Certified in Executive Nursing Practice or pass your Certified Nurse Manager and Leader exam through the American Organization of Nurse Executives.

06

You’re ready to work as a Nurse Manager.

Join an Organization

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

Related Organizations

The Voice of Nursing Leadership

Female nurse comforting newborn baby laying in clear bassinet in NICU setting

Nurses Leading Innovation

Providing Comprehensive Care in the NICU through Creative Improvement

In an environment like a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), constant improvements and dedication to patient safety are essential to provide efficient, up-to-date care. Maureen Maurano, BSN, RN, NICU nurse manager at Children’s National in Washington, D.C., knows firsthand how important patient-focused care is and has implemented initiatives at the hospital that ensure top-level care for the smallest, most fragile patients.

2018-03-15T04:00:00Z

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