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What is a registered nurse unit manager and how to become one
A registered nurse unit manager is a healthcare professional responsible for overseeing and managing a specific unit within a hospital or healthcare facility. They are responsible for ensuring that the unit is running smoothly, providing high-quality care to patients, and managing staff members. A registered nurse unit manager's duties include coordinating patient care, monitoring patient progress, managing staff schedules and assignments, ensuring compliance with hospital policies and regulations, and communicating with other healthcare professionals.
What general advice would you give to a registered nurse unit manager?
Sophia Thomas
President, American Association of Nurse Practitioners
I recommend new NPs interview their prospective employers, not only to learn what is expected of the NP regarding the role, patient load, and clinic time, but also to learn about the work environment, professional expectations, the employers' understanding of the NP role, and opportunities for orientation and mentorship. They should inquire about compensation rates and standard benefits as well as additional compensation offered, such as license, certification, and DEA fees, as well as reimbursement for continuing education and any productivity incentives offered.
New NPs shouldn't limit themselves to being a clinician. They should get involved in health policy, research, and leadership opportunities. I always recommend that new NPs get a mentor, a seasoned NP who can facilitate continued professional growth in areas they want to focus on. The Fellows of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners have a formal mentorship program that I encourage all NPs to get involved in.
Avg. Salary $75,427
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 6%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.44%
Asian 8.91%
Black or African American 11.97%
Hispanic or Latino 8.76%
Unknown 4.24%
White 65.68%
Genderfemale 91.11%
male 8.89%
Age - 43American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 43Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
What are the pros and cons of being a registered nurse unit manager?
Pros
Higher salary compared to staff nurses
Ability to make a positive impact on patient care and outcomes
Ability to mentor and train staff nurses
Access to a wider range of resources and support services
Develop new skills in budgeting, staffing, and policy implementation
Cons
Long working hours, including weekends and holidays
High levels of stress and pressure
Heavy workload and responsibility
Difficulties in balancing administrative tasks with patient care duties
Challenges in managing conflicts among staff members or between staff and patients/families
Registered nurse unit manager career paths
Key steps to become a registered nurse unit manager
Explore registered nurse unit manager education requirements
Start to develop specific registered nurse unit manager skills
Skills Percentages Home Health 19.74% Patients 18.69% Rehabilitation 13.05% Term Care 8.55% Care Management 5.41% Complete relevant registered nurse unit manager training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New registered nurse unit 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 registered nurse unit manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real registered nurse unit manager resumes.Obtain the necessary licensing
Becoming a licensed registered nurse unit manager usually require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed registered nurse unit manager in most of states. 43 states require registered nurse unit managers to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.State Education Exam License url Alabama Degree required State exam required Registered Nurse (RN) Alaska Degree required Third-party exam required Nurse, Registered Arkansas Degree required Third-party exam required Registered Nurse (RN) California Degree required Third-party exam required Nurse, Registered Colorado Degree required Third-party exam required Registered Nurse Gain additional registered nurse unit manager certifications
More About CertificationsRegistered nurse unit manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific registered nurse unit manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for registered nurse unit managers include Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and Wound Care Certified (WCC).
Research registered nurse unit manager duties and responsibilities
- Manage patient pain relief and sedation by providing pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention, monitor patient response and record care plans accordingly.
- Obtain weekly wind care measurements and assessments with completion of wind care flow sheets and given to MDS assessor.
- Provide and coordinate direct patient care on a skil nursing rehabilitation unit.
- Ensure HIPAA compliance by monitoring and educating staff as needed.
Prepare your registered nurse unit manager resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your registered nurse unit manager resume.
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Apply for registered nurse unit manager jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a registered nurse unit manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first registered nurse unit manager job
Are you a registered nurse unit manager?
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Average registered nurse unit manager salary
The average registered nurse unit manager salary in the United States is $75,427 per year or $36 per hour. Registered nurse unit manager salaries range between $54,000 and $105,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do registered nurse unit managers rate their job?
Registered nurse unit manager reviews
Nursing isn’t what it was 12yrs ago when I started. It is all about “family centered care” and not what is actually best for the patient. Not only am I a nurse and caring for the patient, but I’m the house keeper, waitress, and coffee go getter. There is no more respect for nurses and their patients.
Business people micromanaging and wanting more from clinical staff without providing proper pay or incentives.
Updated January 8, 2025
