Become A Nurse Manager
Where do you want to work?
Working As A Nurse Manager
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Getting Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Deal with People
Unpleasant/Angry People
Unpleasant/Hazardous Environment
Make Decisions
$63,779
Average Salary
What Does A Nurse Manager Do
How To Become A Nurse Manager
Registered nurses usually take one of three education paths: a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN), an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses also must be licensed.
EducationIn all nursing education programs, students take courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, and other social and behavioral sciences, as well as in liberal arts. BSN programs typically take 4 years to complete; ADN and diploma programs usually take 2 to 3 years to complete. All programs include supervised clinical experience.
Bachelor’s degree programs usually include additional education in the physical and social sciences, communication, leadership, and critical thinking. These programs also offer more clinical experience in nonhospital settings. A bachelor’s degree or higher is often necessary for administrative positions, research, consulting, and teaching.
Generally, licensed graduates of any of the three types of education programs (bachelor’s, associate’s, or diploma) qualify for entry-level positions as a staff nurse. However, employers—particularly those in hospitals—may require a bachelor’s degree.
Many registered nurses with an ADN or diploma choose to go back to school to earn a bachelor’s degree through an RN-to-BSN program. There are also master’s degree programs in nursing, combined bachelor’s and master’s programs, and accelerated programs for those who wish to enter the nursing profession and already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement.
Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) must earn a master’s degree in nursing and typically already have 1 or more years of work experience as an RN or in a related field. CNSs who conduct research typically need a doctoral degree.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsIn all states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories, registered nurses must have a nursing license. To become licensed, nurses must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Other requirements for licensing vary by state. Each state’s board of nursing can give details. For more information on the NCLEX-RN and a list of state boards of nursing, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
Nurses may become certified through professional associations in specific areas, such as ambulatory care, gerontology, and pediatrics, among others. Although certification is usually voluntary, it demonstrates adherence to a higher standard, and some employers require it.
CNSs must satisfy additional state licensing requirements, such as earning specialty certifications. Contact state boards of nursing for specific requirements.
Important QualitiesCritical-thinking skills. Registered nurses must be able to assess changes in the health status of patients, including determining when to take corrective action and when to make referrals.
Communication skills. Registered nurses must be able to communicate effectively with patients in order to understand their concerns and assess their health conditions. Nurses need to explain instructions, such as how to take medication, clearly. They must be able to work in teams with other health professionals and communicate the patients’ needs.
Compassion. Registered nurses should be caring and empathetic when caring for patients.
Detail oriented. Registered nurses must be responsible and detail oriented because they must make sure that patients get the correct treatments and medicines at the right time.
Emotional stability. Registered nurses need emotional resilience and the ability to manage their emotions to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stresses.
Organizational skills. Nurses often work with multiple patients with various health needs. Organizational skills are critical to ensure that each patient is given appropriate care.
Physical stamina. Nurses should be comfortable performing physical tasks, such as moving patients. They may be on their feet for most of their shift.
AdvancementMost registered nurses begin as staff nurses in hospitals or community health settings. With experience, good performance, and continuous education, they can move to other settings or be promoted to positions with more responsibility.
In management, nurses can advance from assistant clinical nurse manager, charge nurse, or head nurse to more senior-level administrative roles, such as assistant director or director of nursing, vice president of nursing, or chief nursing officer. Increasingly, management-level nursing positions are requiring a graduate degree in nursing or health services administration. Administrative positions require leadership, communication skills, negotiation skills, and good judgment.
Some nurses move into the business side of healthcare. Their nursing expertise and experience on a healthcare team equip them to manage ambulatory, acute, home-based, and chronic care businesses. Employers—including hospitals, insurance companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and managed care organizations, among others—need registered nurses for jobs in health planning and development, marketing, consulting, policy development, and quality assurance.
Some RNs choose to become nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, or nurse practitioners, which, along with clinical nurse specialists, are types of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). APRNs may provide primary and specialty care, and in many states they may prescribe medications.
Other nurses work as postsecondary teachers in colleges and universities.
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Nurse Manager jobs
Nurse Manager Career Paths
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Staff Nurse 5.9 years
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Registered Nurse 5.7 years
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Clinical Nurse Specialist 4.5 years
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Registered Nurse Charge Nurse 4.4 years
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Registered Nurse Nurse Manager 4.3 years
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Head Nurse 4.1 years
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Nurse Manager 4.0 years
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Senior Registered Nurse 4.0 years
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Health Information Manager 3.8 years
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Unit Manager 3.6 years
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Nurse Administrator 3.5 years
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Assistant Nurse Manager 3.5 years
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Patient Care Manager 3.5 years
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Nursing Director 3.5 years
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Agency Nurse 3.4 years
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Nurse Coordinator 3.4 years
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Nurse Educator 3.3 years
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Nurse Case Manager 3.3 years
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Clinical Manager 3.2 years
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Assistant Director Of Nursing 2.5 years
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Registered Nurse Unit Manager 2.3 years
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Registered Nurse 33.6%
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Staff Nurse 20.1%
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Nurse 4.9%
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Nursing Director 3.9%
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Case Manager 2.2%
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Clinical Coordinator 2.0%
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Head Nurse 1.7%
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Critical Care Nurse 1.5%
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Clinical Manager 1.4%
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Clinical Instructor 1.2%
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Supervisor 1.1%
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Nurse Coordinator 1.1%
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Home Health Nurse 1.1%
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Registered Nurse 29.2%
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Staff Nurse 11.2%
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Nursing Director 9.0%
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Nurse 5.4%
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Case Manager 4.9%
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Director 3.4%
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Clinical Manager 2.8%
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Nurse Practitioner 2.8%
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Clinical Director 1.9%
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Nurse Educator 1.9%
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Manager 1.9%
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Clinical Coordinator 1.9%
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Adjunct Faculty 1.8%
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Nurse Case Manager 1.7%
Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Nurse Manager
Top Careers After Nurse Manager
Nurse Manager Demographics
Gender
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Female
84.7% -
Male
13.4% -
Unknown
1.8%
Ethnicity
-
White
83.1% -
Hispanic or Latino
8.4% -
Asian
6.2% -
Unknown
1.5% -
Black or African American
0.7%
Languages Spoken
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Spanish
63.8% -
French
11.2% -
Russian
3.3% -
Mandarin
2.0% -
Korean
2.0% -
Ukrainian
2.0% -
Tagalog
2.0% -
Japanese
2.0% -
Swedish
1.3% -
Hebrew
1.3% -
Filipino
1.3% -
Greek
1.3% -
German
1.3% -
Cantonese
1.3% -
Hmong
0.7% -
Dutch
0.7% -
Danish
0.7% -
Yoruba
0.7% -
Navajo
0.7% -
Italian
0.7%
Nurse Manager
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Nurse Manager Education
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University of Phoenix
27.2% -
Walden University
12.8% -
Grand Canyon University
10.5% -
Chamberlain College of Nursing
5.6% -
Excelsior College
3.6% -
University of South Alabama
3.4% -
Capella University
3.3% -
Indiana Wesleyan University
3.2% -
Western Governors University
3.1% -
Kaplan University
3.0% -
University of Texas at Arlington
2.8% -
South University
2.8% -
University of Saint Francis
2.7% -
Drexel University
2.7% -
University of Alabama
2.3% -
American Sentinel University - Aurora
2.3% -
Webster University
2.2% -
University of Cincinnati
2.2% -
New York University
2.2% -
University of Pennsylvania
2.1% -
Nursing 77.4%
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Business 5.9%
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Management 1.9%
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Nursing Science 1.9%
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Education 1.2%
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Public Health 1.0%
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Nursing Assistants 0.8%
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Psychology 0.7%
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Clinical Psychology 0.5%
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Elementary Education 0.5%
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Medical Technician 0.3%
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Information Systems 0.3%
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Law 0.3%
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Biology 0.3%
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Masters
34.2% -
Bachelors
27.7% -
Associate
17.3% -
Other
10.6% -
Doctorate
3.7% -
Certificate
2.9% -
Diploma
2.3% -
License
1.3%
Schools
Majors
Degrees
Nurse Manager
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Real Nurse Manager Salaries
Job Title
|
Company
|
Location
|
Start Date
|
Salary
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Nurse Manager-Surgical Services | Sutter Health West Bay Region | San Francisco, CA | May 13, 2013 | $152,184 |
| Nurse Manager | The University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Jan 08, 2016 | $139,326 |
| Nurse Manager | Trustees of The University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | Apr 21, 2016 | $139,101 - $141,857 |
| Nurse Manager-Emergency | Peacehealth | Springfield, OR | Oct 31, 2016 | $138,008 |
| Nursing Manager | Ciena Healthcare Management, Inc. | Southfield, MI | Sep 11, 2013 | $131,000 |
| Nurse Manager | Trustees of The University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | Apr 21, 2013 | $121,202 |
| Clinical Nurse Manager-Pcs | The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center | Dallas, TX | Jan 09, 2016 | $120,000 |
| Nurse Manager | Aspen Healthcare Services, Inc. | Lewisville, TX | Feb 23, 2015 | $118,518 |
| Nurse Manager | Roscommon Healthcare Inc. | MA | Oct 01, 2014 | $117,000 |
| Nurse Manager | Roscommon Healthcare Inc. | MA | Oct 01, 2014 | $110,000 |
| Administrative Nurse Manager | Willliam Beaumont Hospital | Royal Oak, MI | Jul 01, 2013 | $107,660 |
| Nurse Manager (After Hours) | Hospice of The East Bay | Pleasant Hill, CA | Jun 19, 2013 | $107,000 |
| Certified Wound and Ostomy Care RN Manager | Caregivers Home Health Services, Inc. | Falls Church, VA | Mar 13, 2014 | $104,333 |
| Wound and Ostomy Care RN Manager | Caregivers Home Health Services, Inc. | Falls Church, VA | Mar 11, 2014 | $104,333 |
| Nurse Manager | Northern Urgent Medical Care, PLLC | NY | Sep 15, 2015 | $80,433 |
| Nurse Manager .04 Clinical Nurse Specialis | Premier Rehab, Inc. | Fremont, CA | Sep 20, 2014 | $80,183 |
| Nurse Manager .04 Clinical Nurse Specialis | Aakash Inc. | Fremont, CA | Sep 18, 2014 | $80,183 |
| Nurse Manager | Ditmas Park Rehab Care Center | New York, NY | May 01, 2015 | $80,163 |
| Nurse Manager .O4 Clinical Nurse Specialis | Premier Rehab, Inc. | Hayward, CA | Sep 25, 2014 | $79,914 |
| Nurse Rehab Manager | Medical Dynamic Systems, Inc. | Roslyn, NY | Aug 19, 2013 | $78,263 |
| Nurse Rehab Manager | Medical Dynamic Systems, Inc. | Roslyn, NY | Sep 16, 2013 | $78,263 |
| Registered Nurse (Case Manager Specialist) | Cigna Behavioral Health, Inc. | Plano, TX | Oct 01, 2013 | $69,193 |
| Nurse Manager | The Health Center at Bloomingdale LP | Bloomingdale, NJ | Feb 22, 2013 | $68,640 |
| Nurse Manager | Tovar Residential Care, Inc. | Fresno, CA | Sep 18, 2014 | $68,120 |
| Nursing Manager | Ciena Healthcare Management, Inc. | Southfield, MI | Jan 19, 2015 | $68,000 |
| Nursing Manager | Middlebelt-Hope Acquisition Company, Inc. | Livonia, MI | Sep 13, 2014 | $68,000 |
| Nurse Manager | Aristocrat Rehab, LLC | Naples, FL | Sep 10, 2013 | $67,619 |
| Nurse Manager | Grace Home Health Care, Inc. | Long Beach, CA | Dec 01, 2014 | $67,267 |
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Top Skills for A Nurse Manager
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Top Nurse Manager Skills
- Direct Patient Care
- Facility
- RN
- Scrub and Circulate for procedures and help in direct patient care.
- Increased patient and family satisfaction from the lowest ranked unit in the facility to the highest ranked unit within a year.
- Handle customer concerns and service recovery.
- Interviewed and hired qualified competent clinical staff.
- Recommend and participate in research related to nursing interventions, patient safety quality and safety initiatives.
Top Nurse Manager Employers
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Nurse Manager Videos
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