What is a nursing services manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted expert

Pawn Johnson-Hunter MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GERO- BC, CM/DN

A nursing services manager oversees the nursing staff in a healthcare facility. They are responsible for ensuring high-quality care and adherence to all relevant laws and regulations. A nursing services manager must also manage budgets, schedules, and staffing levels to ensure that the facility runs smoothly and efficiently. They work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and administrators, to ensure that patient needs are being met.

What general advice would you give to a nursing services manager?

Pawn Johnson-Hunter MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GERO- BC, CM/DN

Nurse Educator, Nclex Mentor/Coach

A few ways to maximize earning potential as a new graduate nurse is through skillful negotiations and previous experience in healthcare, such as degree level, nurse externships, phlebotomy skills, or certifications. Many, if not all, employers appreciate that new graduates are equipped with clinical skills that are strongly recommended for the practice area. While many nurse certifications require experience, some are for entry-level, such as advanced life support (ACLS and PALS) and IV insertion. There are also some specialty practice certifications that new grads can obtain without years of experience; although they may recommend the experience at times, this is optional. All of this demonstrates the applicant's commitment to the profession and interest. Other ways are to work overtime hours, learn about clinical career ladders, or continue formal education.

ScoreNursing Services ManagerUS Average

Salary

7.3

Avg. Salary $93,338

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.1

Growth rate 28%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.72%

Asian 7.53%

Black or African American 10.93%

Hispanic or Latino 14.52%

Unknown 4.27%

White 62.03%

Gender

female 81.73%

male 18.27%

Age - 47

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47

Stress level

7.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a nursing services manager?

Pros

Able to make a positive impact on patient care
Opportunities for advancement within healthcare industry
Diverse range of responsibilities and tasks
Ability to work in a team environment
Ability to mentor and develop staff

Cons

Long hours and irregular schedules
High levels of responsibility and accountability
Potential for burnout due to emotional toll of the job
Complex relationships with medical staff, patients, families, and insurance companies
Financial pressures of managing budgets and resources

Key steps to become a nursing services manager

Explore nursing services manager education requirements

Most common nursing services manager degrees

Bachelor's

43.7 %

Associate

28.4 %

Master's

19.5 %

Start to develop specific nursing services manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Patients	26.59%
Acute Care	8.30%
Surgery	5.56%
Quality Patient Care	5.16%
Patient Safety	4.04%

Complete relevant nursing services manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New nursing services managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a nursing services manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real nursing services manager resumes.

Research nursing services manager duties and responsibilities

Complete comprehensive assessments for all LTC residents which include managing falls, pain, skin integrity, and medications.
Monitor inpatient charts for JCAHO standards.
Assume all responsibilities of directing complete payroll department.
Transfer patients to vehicles following procedures via ambulating assistance or via wheelchair.

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