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Job outlook for registered nurse unit managers in the United States
Registered nurse unit manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected registered nurse unit manager job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 195,400 new jobs for registered nurse unit managers are projected over the next decade.
Registered nurse unit manager salaries have increased 10% for registered nurse unit managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 120,474 registered nurse unit managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 491,638 active registered nurse unit manager job openings in the US.
The average registered nurse unit manager salary is $75,427.
Are registered nurse unit manager jobs in demand?
Registered nurse unit manager job and salary trends over time
Registered nurse unit manager jobs over time
Registered nurse unit manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 120,474 | 0.04% |
| 2020 | 115,479 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 115,567 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 114,007 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 112,074 | 0.03% |
Average registered nurse unit manager salary over time
Registered nurse unit manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $75,427 | $36.26 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $73,394 | $35.29 | +2.2% |
| 2023 | $71,822 | $34.53 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $70,090 | $33.70 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $68,538 | $32.95 | +1.4% |
Registered nurse unit manager jobs by state
Most common states for registered nurse unit managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 1,643 | 122% |
| 2 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 1,543 | 116% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 720 | 115% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 862 | 114% |
| 5 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 960 | 110% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 7,153 | 104% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 923 | 96% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 700 | 95% |
| 9 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 1,931 | 92% |
| 10 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 947 | 90% |
| 11 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 5,763 | 86% |
| 12 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 17,873 | 85% |
| 13 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 573 | 83% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 10,224 | 80% |
| 15 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 5,187 | 77% |
| 16 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 2,424 | 77% |
| 17 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 2,245 | 77% |
| 18 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 1,360 | 75% |
| 19 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 5,473 | 74% |
| 20 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 8,515 | 73% |
Most common cities for registered nurse unit managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | York | 7 | 16% | $81,570 |
| 2 | Silver Spring | 6 | 8% | $85,902 |
| 3 | Lancaster | 4 | 7% | $81,767 |
| 4 | Medford | 4 | 7% | $88,110 |
| 5 | Asheville | 5 | 6% | $67,670 |
| 6 | Trenton | 5 | 6% | $86,932 |
| 7 | Boca Raton | 4 | 4% | $62,896 |
| 8 | Spokane | 6 | 3% | $83,908 |
| 9 | Dayton | 4 | 3% | $72,349 |
| 10 | Joliet | 4 | 3% | $73,781 |
| 11 | Baltimore | 12 | 2% | $86,168 |
| 12 | Tampa | 8 | 2% | $63,094 |
| 13 | Cincinnati | 6 | 2% | $71,970 |
| 14 | Newark | 6 | 2% | $86,961 |
| 15 | Birmingham | 5 | 2% | $66,411 |
| 16 | Buffalo | 5 | 2% | $94,082 |
| 17 | Milwaukee | 6 | 1% | $80,377 |
| 18 | Virginia Beach | 5 | 1% | $72,993 |
| 19 | New York | 29 | 0% | $97,899 |
| 20 | Philadelphia | 6 | 0% | $82,287 |
Registered Nurse Unit Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of registered nurse unit manager experts
California State University - Chico
George Fox University
University of Maine
Stephen F Austin State University
Prairie View A & M University
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Texas A&M University - Central Texas
Aurora University
Loyola University New Orleans
Morgan State University
Molloy College
The University of Alabama
Mars Hill University
Rutgers University - Camden
Western Carolina University
Elmhurst University
What Registered Nurse Unit Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rich Burton DNP, RN, CMSRN: Most hospitals have set rates for nurses but if you are looking to maximize your salary, I would say location location location. Certain areas of the country pay more than others, be willing to move to maximize your earning potential. Hospitals might also pay more for certifications or a bachelor’s degree as well.
What will help Registered Nurse Unit Managers increase their earning potential?
Kari Sandau MSN, RN, PCCN, CNE: Don't be afraid to ask questions. Your nursing preceptors will not expect you to know everything. Give yourself grace and know that it may take several months to a year to feel comfortable and confident in your new role. Look for new positions with RN new grad residency programs to help support you in this transition from student to nurse. Take time to reflect on the care you give and how you want to improve. Care for yourself. Make sure you take time each week to do something that brings you joy. Spending time with friends, playing games, hiking, crafting, or exercising are important self-care activities.
What will help Registered Nurse Unit Managers increase their earning potential?
Jordan Porter DNP, APRN, FNP-BC: Looking ahead in the field of nursing, one significant trend I foresee is the ever-increasing integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare. Nurses have long been recognized as among the most trusted and ethical professionals nationwide, with our code of ethics considered one of the most rigorous globally. This ethical foundation positions us uniquely to lead in the ethical application of generative AI in healthcare. We shouldn't view AI as a replacement for nursing intelligence but as a tool to augment it. It’s crucial that we maintain a human-centered approach in deploying AI technologies, ensuring they don’t perpetuate health inequities but rather promote health equity. We need to have a seat at the table to ensure that these technologies are used ethically and responsibly. This means being involved in creating AI systems that are not only effective but also accountable and aligned with our commitment to caring and fairness. So, in the next three to five years, I believe developing expertise in AI and ethics will be essential for nurses. We'll need to be vigilant and proactive in shaping how these technologies are implemented to truly support and enhance patient care without compromising our ethical standards.
Dr. Erin Bailey DNP, APRN, FNP-C
MSN CoordinatorStephen F Austin State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What will help Registered Nurse Unit Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Erin Bailey DNP, APRN, FNP-C: Learn from everyone! Learn what is good and learn what not to do from those that are not. Managers will notice. Treat all patients and coworkers fairly. As a new nurse, volunteer for the nights and holiday differentials. People notice when you do and you make more. If you have debt to pay off, consider the residency programs that will help you do that. The Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program of 2024 is also a good place to look. This way you can save more of your salary.
What Registered Nurse Unit Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Allyssa Harris RN, PhD, WHNP-BC: The health care system is experiencing a shortage of health care providers including nurses. Between 2020 and 2030 the need for RNs is expected to grow by 9% yearly, making the profession on of the fastest growing in the health care sector. Nurses and the care they provide will always be in demand, whether you are employed in a hospital environment or other health care setting. Furthermore, the skills that you learn as a nurse are transferrable. Nurses not only work in hospitals, but they also work in variety of settings such as health educators in business, health insurance case managers, they work in STEM industries as computer software developers, in law offices, in the travel industries on cruise lines, school settings and are business owners.
What will help Registered Nurse Unit Managers increase their earning potential?
Alison Alaimo MSN, RN: I think the biggest thing people like about nursing is the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others which is highly rewarding. Job stability in the field as well as variety and flexibility are also viewed as favorable. Nurses can also have a high degree of autonomy in their practice allowing them to make clinical decisions. Finally, there are always opportunities for leadership advancement and a large variety of advanced education that can be obtained in the field. Some of the things people dislike about being a nurse are the high workloads and emotional stress that often come with the job. There is also often a lack of recognition and support for nurses. The tasks of nursing can also be physically demanding, and nurses must be careful not to accidentally injury themselves on the job. Administrative burdens such as documenting can reduce the amount of time a nurse can spend on direct patient care and may cause frustration for some nurses. Overall though, I think the positive aspects of being a nurse far outweigh the negative ones.
Dr. Theresa Buxton PhD, RN, CNE
Nursing Department ChairMetropolitan State University of Denver
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Registered Nurse Unit Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Theresa Buxton PhD, RN, CNE: Obtaining a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in nursing is the first step in advancing your salary potential if you decide on a career path of advanced practice or further graduate education.
What general advice would you give to a Registered Nurse Unit Manager?
Dr. Theresa Buxton PhD, RN, CNE: Some of the most important skills to hone over the next three years is communication, time management, and self-care.
Communication is important because nursing is a team sport. If you need help, ask early. If you see a change in your patient that worries you, ask someone to weigh in. Communicate clearly with other nursing colleagues.
Time management is an important skill to learn but takes practice. Time management is a combination of knowing how long tasks should take and what happens when priorities shift.
Self-care is needed to learn to balance your time away from work with time on the job to keep you whole in mind, body, and spirit.
Dr. Karen Macey-Stewart DNP, A-GNP-C, PMGT-BC
Undergraduate Program Director, Professor of PracticeWhat will help Registered Nurse Unit Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Karen Macey-Stewart DNP, A-GNP-C, PMGT-BC: One of the best pieces of advice I can offer is to seize every opportunity that comes your way. Get involved in committee work, volunteer your time, and mentor those who are following in your footsteps. Don't limit your education to just a BSN or MSN degree; strive to obtain the highest degree possible. Lastly, join nursing organizations that align with your passions, and stay up-to-date with policy changes both locally and on a federal level. Remember, every policy impacts healthcare and nursing in many ways. Don't be afraid; we are the most trusted profession for a reason!
What general advice would you give to a Registered Nurse Unit Manager?
Natalie Heywood DNP, RN, CNE: I encourage new graduate nurses to embrace their first role and lean into the opportunity they have to ask questions, ask for more time on certain skills or patients, and make connections with their RN colleagues to develop mentorship relationships. I also recommend that new graduate nurses create a community both within their clinical setting with fellow new grads, experienced nurses/mentors, and other healthcare team members, as well as at home create that same community to support them. The first few years of a new nurses career lays the foundation for the rest of their career, so it's important to give yourself grace as you learn & build your confidence. A final piece of advice is to prioritize your mental health and well-being. You can't take care of others if you neglect yourself so find ways to balance your needs with the demands of your job, family and other responsibilities. This will be so important throughout your entire career, not just at the beginning.
What Registered Nurse Unit Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Natalie Heywood DNP, RN, CNE: When you are first starting as a nurse, it will be important to find a role that fits best for you. This could be in terms of the facility, unit, leadership, etc. To increase your salary potential as a nurse, you can focus on earning specialty certification for your area of specialization. An example of this would be an emergency room nurse earning their Certified Emergency Nurse (CNE) or an ICU nurse earning their Critical Care Certified Nurse (CCRN). In order to take these specialty exams, you usually need 2+ years of bedside practice. I recommend taking those first two years of your career to focus on gaining confidence in the RN role. Additionally, nurses can also look at furthering their education, through earning a graduate degree in nursing, which opens up opportunities including education and leadership roles. Many MSN-prepared nurses also work bedside.
What will help Registered Nurse Unit Managers increase their earning potential?
Natalie Heywood DNP, RN, CNE: I think one of the most important and prevalent skills that will be prevalent in the next 3-5 years in nursing is the ability to communicate with patients in a therapeutic manner that supports trust and mutual respect. Additionally, a skill that will be vital to current and future nurses is the ability to provide individualized care. Our patient populations are increasingly complex and unique, and it will be important for health providers to care for all individuals based on their needs and where they are at the moment. Lastly, as we see the increase of technology and AI use in healthcare, we need to be technology proficient and confident, as well as flexible in the use of these tools to improve patient care.
Dawn Riess Ph.D., RN, ACUE
Assistant ProfessorTexas A&M University - Central Texas
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Registered Nurse Unit Manager?
Dawn Riess Ph.D., RN, ACUE: Nursing is difficult both physically and emotionally, but it is rewarding. Entry nurses may feel overwhelmed when they first enter the nursing field. I recommend you seek out a mentor and follow up with that person often. Texas Nursing Association (TNA) offers a mentoring program, I recommend you join that organization to help support you as you enter the nursing field. You will have good and bad days when you first begin your career. Having support in the unit you work in is important and usually, the organization has an internship program. You will have a direct impact on people's lives at the worst time in their lives. If someone is stressed, they may take that out on you but do not take it personally.
There are so many different avenues for entry-level nurses. If you don't want to work in the hospital setting, you can go into community health, clinics, outpatient rehab, home health, school nursing, informatics, and more. The flexibility offered in nursing is phenomenal. Your patients may not remember your name, but they will remember how you made them feel. Your impact on patient's lives is limitless. Nurses are present from birth to death and everything in between.
What Registered Nurse Unit Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dawn Riess Ph.D., RN, ACUE: Soft skills are extremely important in healthcare and employers are requiring a nurse force that can meet these expectations. The ability to talk to your patients and show empathy is vitally important. Working on nonverbal communication and making someone feel heard is extremely important. You will never know everything, but if you talk to your patients and convey a caring attitude, then you will be an effective nurse.
The ability to use electronic devices is important in the nursing field and may be a specialty available to experienced nurses (Informatic Nursing). Most areas in healthcare have electronic documentation and use multiple devices for patient care from a handheld device to a computer. The ability to set up devices that link to electronic health records is part of nursing care today.
What will help Registered Nurse Unit Managers increase their earning potential?
Dawn Riess Ph.D., RN, ACUE: The nursing shortage is an ongoing issue. As the number of nurses decreases, the pay scale increases. Having a varied background in nursing care makes you more marketable. Know your worth by researching what nurses make in different fields and then voice your pay expectations. Advancement is possible in many areas of nursing care. The hospital setting is usually the highest paying employer, as that is where a large percentage of nurses are needed. Having a minimum of a bachelor's degree is required for ongoing advancement. Choosing a specialty (ICU, OR, ED, Cath lab, etc.) area in nursing will also increase your salary potential. Taking advantage of any certifications will also increase your salary and marketability.
Christina Cicero
BSN Program Chair & Assistant Professor of NursingAurora University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Registered Nurse Unit Manager?
Christina Cicero: Utilize your resources and ask for help. The seasoned nurses, managers and educators are there to support you, but you need to be willing to accept the feedback.
What Registered Nurse Unit Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Christina Cicero: Communication skills and the willingness to be a life-long learner because we are continuing to see the advancements and changes in healthcare and in nursing education.
What will help Registered Nurse Unit Managers increase their earning potential?
Christina Cicero: Find a place of employment with a clinical ladder system and continue to take advantage of all professional development opportunities.
Michelle Collins Ph.D., CNM, RNC-EFM, FACNM, FAAN, FNAP
Dean and ProfessorLoyola University New Orleans
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Registered Nurse Unit Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michelle Collins Ph.D., CNM, RNC-EFM, FACNM, FAAN, FNAP: As mentioned in my first response, flexibility is an absolute must have quality to make it in the nursing profession. Your work day will hardly ever go as expected; being able to pivot and change course at a moment's notice, and not allow change to totally unnerve you is a great quality to have. Another is the ability to multitask well. This may take some practice but it's a necessity for a nurse to be able to capably juggle numerous tasks at one time. Technical expertise will also become increasingly important given the nurse's use of electronic medical records. Lastly, resilience is of utmost importance for a nurse to have. New nurses are leaving the field at an alarming rate much earlier in their career than in the past. Nursing required resilience to survive. I can promise anyone going into nursing that it is indeed the most difficult job you could ever have - and also the most rewarding.
Samantha Hickson
Professor of Practice, Morgan State University Department of NursingMorgan State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Registered Nurse Unit Manager?
Samantha Hickson: You can maximize your salary as a new nurse through continuing education. Whether
pursuing continuing nursing education credits, attending educational conferences, or
acquiring certifications, there are always ways to grow our knowledge base and
demonstrate to hiring managers just how valuable we are and what we can bring to the
position or organization. Hiring managers are more willing to pay you more when you
come to the table with more than the baseline qualifications. Plus, continuing your
education demonstrates your desire to grow professionally as a nurse and stay up-to-date
with the latest research for evidence-based practice.
What Registered Nurse Unit Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Samantha Hickson: Be open to the endless possibilities and always remain look for opportunities to learn.
Learning does not end with nursing school. In fact, nursing school is only the beginning
of a career of lifelong learning. Therefore, as a new graduate nurse it is easy to quickly
feel like you do not know enough. Be willing to ask for help, learn, research, take your
time, and lean on others for support. The world of nursing has no boundaries and there
will always be something new to learn and add to your repertoire.
What will help Registered Nurse Unit Managers increase their earning potential?
Samantha Hickson: Critical thinking is probably the most important skill that has become more prevalent in
nursing and will continue to be important in the next 3-5 years. Being a nurse requires
you to think about things in ways that you never would have before. Nothing about
nursing is task oriented, and as we shift more into a health care system that is more about
preventative care, health care professionals are relying heavily on nurses and the skillsets
we bring as we remain at the forefront of patient care. You have to be confident in your
knowledge and able to critically think through situations as nursing is coming with more
and more autonomy. Steadily, clinicians and other health care providers are seeing
exactly how valuable our wealth of knowledge is, and as nurses, we have a responsibility
to bring our voices to the table in a way that places our expertise at the forefront.
Rose Schecter PhD, RN
Associate Dean: Undergraduate Nursing & Nursing Administrative AffairsMolloy College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Registered Nurse Unit Manager?
Rose Schecter PhD, RN: New graduates should be open to the opportunities that present that are sought after AND those that just present themselves. Graduates should welcome offers of interviews in areas of nursing that perhaps were not first choices. New graduates should take part in continuing education courses if available to increase their skill set even before starting their first professional job. For example EKG testing and phlebotomy are skills one can learn prior to first positions. They will enhance the new graduate's resume.
What Registered Nurse Unit Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rose Schecter PhD, RN: New graduate will definitely be expected to have skill and comfort using computers and other technology. New graduates will also be expected to work collaboratively with other professionals. The graduates' interpersonal skills are also critical. The future is evolving and being prepared to work collaboratively, with other professionals, to care for and educate patients is where the future lies. Use of AI for diagnostic as well as treatment is likely to accelerate. Being able to utilize as well as critically evaluate will also be important.
What will help Registered Nurse Unit Managers increase their earning potential?
Rose Schecter PhD, RN: Salaries for new graduates is fairly consistent across health care systems in a geographic region. Being willing to travel may result in a salary differential as will as working off shift. Increasing salary potential will most likely be a result of further education. Seeking a master's or DNP degree is likely the most important way to maximize salary potential.
Pawn Johnson-Hunter MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GERO- BC, CM/DN
Nurse Educator, Nclex Mentor/CoachWhat general advice would you give to a Registered Nurse Unit Manager?
Pawn Johnson-Hunter MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GERO- BC, CM/DN: 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.
What Registered Nurse Unit Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Pawn Johnson-Hunter MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GERO- BC, CM/DN: The most beneficial advice for a new graduate nurse is to seek mentorship. Identifying an individual in the profession who has achieved what you are aspiring toward is essential. Network:
Seek individuals who are known as experts in their area of specialty and develop professional relationships.
Ask questions, never assume you're more capable than your current level of clinical experience, and never feel too embarrassed to report an error.
Utilize and seek out your organization's resources: unit-based preceptors, clinical nurse educators, and other experienced co-workers are an asset to professional development.
Practice the art of self-care; nursing is rewarding but can be emotionally taxing. Self-care can help to reduce exhaustion and burnout.
Lastly, when things get tough, always remember your why.
What will help Registered Nurse Unit Managers increase their earning potential?
Pawn Johnson-Hunter MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GERO- BC, CM/DN: Changes to healthcare and its delivery are unfolding more vastly. Along with a solid clinical background, nurses will need to continue the development of soft skills, including communication, critical thinking, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and leadership, to name a few. Nurses must also maintain their spirit of inquiry through knowledge acquisition. With the shift toward increasing nurse community health services and an increase in the complexities of patient physical and mental health, nurses must continue to educate themselves beyond an employer-required competency level. Nurses are at the forefront of clinical practice, leading the workforce as integral members engaged in the overall health and wellness of the community.
Dr. Michelle Cheshire
Associate Dean Undergraduate ProgramsThe University of Alabama
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Registered Nurse Unit Manager?
Dr. Michelle Cheshire: Nurses are in high demand and I do not see that changing in the next 10 years. Nursing salaries are at an all time high. To optimize you salary potential, being able to articulate your worth to an agency is critical. Salaries differ depending on what shift you are willing to work. If you are willing to work evenings or nights in high demand areas you will find that the salaries reflect that need.
What Registered Nurse Unit Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Michelle Cheshire: As nursing education transitions to competency based education I believe that students will graduate from programs more "practice ready". I believe that in the next 3-5 years having strong leadership and delegation skills will be critical for nurses to optimize patient care outcomes. The healthcare team is interdisciplinary so delegation and leadership for fellow nurses is not the only skill you will need. You will need to be able to lead a healthcare team with members from other disciplines within the healthcare arena.
What will help Registered Nurse Unit Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Michelle Cheshire: As nursing education transitions to competency based education I believe that students will graduate from programs more "practice ready". I believe that in the next 3-5 years having strong leadership and delegation skills will be critical for nurses to optimize patient care outcomes. The healthcare team is interdisciplinary so delegation and leadership for fellow nurses is not the only skill you will need. You will need to be able to lead a healthcare team with members from other disciplines within the healthcare arena.
Clare Chambers
Assistant Professor of NursingMars Hill University
Nursing Department
What soft skills should all Registered Nurse Unit Managers possess?
Clare Chambers: Soft skills are a critical part of any healthcare profession. The key skills for nurses specifically are leadership, interdisciplinary teamwork, intrinsic motivation, effective communication, excellent work ethic, and having a positive attitude. Emotional intelligence and empathy are also gaining more recognition as critical to long-term career success and effective patient care.
What skills stand out on Registered Nurse Unit Manager resumes?
Dr. Catherine Stubin Ph.D.: Some skills that stand out to nurse managers include prior employment as a nursing assistant or patient care technician. Since nursing assistants work so closely with the nursing staff, it is a perfect opportunity to explore what takes place and gain invaluable experience and learned skills. These candidates will have work experience to offer a potential employer in combination with a degree, while many other potential candidates will only have their degree. Employers like to maintain their quality employees, so If a candidate can demonstrate outstanding work ethic as a nursing assistant, they will likely be offered a position as a nurse upon completion of their degree.
Prior work in customer service, such as bartending or waitstaff, is also important because these employees typically have experience with personal interactions, an essential component of the nursing profession. Working as or being a caregiver or companion is also beneficial because it involves compassion and dedication to assisting others, which is also necessary for success in the nursing profession.
Because nurses are the "face" of the facility they work for, excellent communication skills are essential. During the interview process, nursing graduates must communicate a passion for the profession and be engaged in the conversation while maintaining eye contact and conveying a positive and caring attitude and a professional demeanor.
What soft skills should all Registered Nurse Unit Managers possess?
Dr. Catherine Stubin Ph.D.: Nursing is a complex profession that requires continuous interaction with a variety of individuals in a high-stress environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased nurses' psychological distress, which could leave the U.S. with an unstable nurse workforce in years to come.
Priority consideration must be given to the psychosocial needs of nurses, as preparing nurses to persevere through adversities is essential for maintaining their physical, mental, and emotional health throughout their careers. We need skilled, caring, competent nurses who can cope with the physical and psychological demands of the nursing profession. Resilience is a core value and fundamental theme that must be addressed in the nursing workforce. Research demonstrates that there is a correlation between a healthcare professional's resilience and well-being in the workplace. Access to or engagement with social resources can activate self-care and resilient attributes, and resilience training can positively impact nurse stress, mindfulness, and resilience. Resilient nurses can better manage their response to stress and adversity, which will contribute to patient safety and promote positive patient outcomes.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Registered Nurse Unit Managers?
Dr. Catherine Stubin Ph.D.: Nursing is a complex profession that requires continuous interaction with a variety of individuals in a high-stress environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased nurses' psychological distress, which could leave the U.S. with an unstable nurse workforce in years to come.
Priority consideration must be given to the psychosocial needs of nurses, as preparing nurses to persevere through adversities is essential for maintaining their physical, mental, and emotional health throughout their careers. We need skilled, caring, competent nurses who can cope with the physical and psychological demands of the nursing profession. Resilience is a core value and fundamental theme that must be addressed in the nursing workforce. Research demonstrates that there is a correlation between a healthcare professional's resilience and well-being in the workplace. Access to or engagement with social resources can activate self-care and resilient attributes, and resilience training can positively impact nurse stress, mindfulness, and resilience. Resilient nurses can better manage their response to stress and adversity, which will contribute to patient safety and promote positive patient outcomes.
What skills will help Registered Nurse Unit Managers earn the most?
Dr. Catherine Stubin Ph.D.: In most facilities, the nursing salaries are fixed and non-negotiable. However, a commitment to life-long learning evidenced by earning an advanced degree for future opportunities, obtaining additional certifications to increase knowledge and skills, and participating in the institution's career ladder program are several options that will increase compensation. In addition, a positive attitude, pleasant personality, excellent communication skills, strong work ethic, and good organizational and leadership skills may help lead to promotions and/or managerial and nursing leadership positions.
Terrica Durbin Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director, School of NursingWestern Carolina University
College of Health and Human Sciences
What soft skills should all Registered Nurse Unit Managers possess?
Terrica Durbin Ph.D.: Communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, flexibility.
Diane Salvador Ph.D.
Executive Director and ProfessorElmhurst University
Department of Nursing and Health Sciences
What hard/technical skills are most important for Registered Nurse Unit Managers?
Diane Salvador Ph.D.: New nurses should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in basic nursing care and procedures. It is important to realize that each hospital has its own policy and procedure to follow, so taking advantage of your nurse preceptor and orientation program will ensure you are familiar with these basic procedures.