In nursing, leadership goes beyond managing a team. Nurse executives are strategic thinkers, developing policies and implementing effective nursing practices to improve patient outcomes. They also provide guidance and support to nursing staff and advocate on their behalf to ensure they have the necessary resources to do their jobs.
To become a nurse executive, nurses need extensive education and experience. Individuals with an interest in this role should consider the benefits of earning an advanced degree, particularly one with a curriculum that covers the fundamentals of nursing leadership.
What Is a Nurse Executive?
From managing day-to-day operations to making strategic decisions, a nurse executive — sometimes referred to as a chief nursing officer (CNO) — helps provide the vision and direction their team and their organization needs. They play a pivotal role in shaping nursing practices and health care delivery, overseeing and guiding teams of nurses and non-nursing staff to ensure optimal patient care.
Nurse executives also help develop policies to improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall quality of care provided by their organization. By staying on top of the latest research and best practices, they can implement evidence-based approaches and ensure that nursing practices align with the organization’s objectives. Nurse executives also work to address pressing issues like staff shortages and the integration of new technology.
Exceptional communication and organizational skills are crucial for nurse executives. They must be able to foster collaboration and maintain open dialogue among their staff, nurturing teamwork and promoting a positive work culture.
They also need to possess a comprehensive understanding of health care policies and regulations, which enables them to navigate complex legal frameworks while maintaining compliance and ethical standards.
Nurse executives work in various health care settings, including hospitals, clinics, insurance agencies, and nursing schools.
How to Become a Nurse Executive
Given nurse executives’ high degree of responsibility, employers typically seek candidates with extensive education and experience to fill the role. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a fundamental step on the path to becoming a nurse executive. Coursework in a BSN program allows students to hone their clinical skills and develop their knowledge of patient care and the intricacies of health care policy.
After earning a BSN, gaining valuable experience as a registered nurse (RN) is paramount. Working in a variety of health care settings allows aspiring nurse executives to further refine their clinical skills, learn about the challenges nurses face, and develop a holistic health care delivery perspective. The practical knowledge acquired during this phase is a vital asset when assuming leadership roles in the future.
While a BSN and RN experience lay the groundwork, aspiring nurse executives are encouraged to pursue advanced education as well. Earning a graduate degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), can equip nurses with the advanced knowledge and skill set needed to lead teams, implement evidence-based practices, and drive positive change within health care organizations.
By expanding their understanding of health care policy, leadership principles, and health care economics, prospective nurse executives elevate their expertise and broaden their career opportunities.
Nurse Executive Certification
Earning a nurse executive certification can provide nurses with further professional credibility as well as boost their career prospects. Certifications demonstrate that nurses possess a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted responsibilities and skills expected of nurse executives to potential employers.
The following are certifications offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) that aspiring nurse executives should consider:
- Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) — This certification covers competencies in unit or department leadership. It showcases a nurse’s skills in leading teams in daily operations, staff training, and ensuring adequate staffing.
- Nurse Executive, Advanced Certification (NEA-BC) — This certification demonstrates that a nurse has knowledge of systemwide organizational leadership, which is critical for an executive role. It encompasses competencies in health care strategy, executive-level finance, resource management, and system integration.
Nurse Executive Salary
The median annual salary for nurse executives was around $108,600 as of August 2022, with a salary range between $80,000 and $158,000, according to Payscale.
An individual’s years of experience, level of education, geographic location, and type of employer can impact their earning potential. Seasoned nurse executives with extensive experience and advanced degrees will likely command higher salaries than others, while those in entry-level positions or working in relatively small health care facilities may have salaries at the lower end of the range.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a strong job outlook for medical and health services managers, including nurse executives, with employment of these professionals projected to grow by 28% between 2021 and 2031. The BLS bases this projection on the increasing demand for health care services, which will lead to an increased need for both health care providers and leaders to manage them and their organizations.
As health care organizations strive to adapt to evolving industry trends, nurse executives will likely play a crucial role in steering their teams toward success.
Take the Lead in Advancing Your Career
As the complexity of patient care increases and new health care challenges emerge, the importance of nurse executives to the functioning of modern health care organizations will continue to grow.
If you aspire to take on a leadership role in nursing, consider the benefits of enrolling in Regis College’s online MSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice program. The program can help equip aspiring nurse executives with a comprehensive understanding of health care leadership, strategic decision-making, and policy development.
The program includes a Nurse Leadership specialization, which can help prepare students with coursework on nurse leadership concepts, regulatory issues, and strategic management.
With a 100% online format and multiple start times throughout the year, the program gives you the flexibility to earn your degree on your schedule, allowing you to position yourself to advance to a leadership position. Discover how you can take charge of your career and lead health care into the future with Regis College.
Recommended Readings
4 Trends in Nursing Technology
How a DNP Can Prepare You for Nursing Advocacy
Sources:
American Nurses Credentialing Center, Nurse Executive, Advanced Certification (NEA-BC)
American Nurses Credentialing Center, Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC)
American Organization for Nursing Leadership, Certified in Executive Nursing Practice Certification
American Organization of Nurse Executives, “Role of the Nurse Executive in Patient Safety”
ANA Enterprise, Chief Nursing Officer/Chief Nurse Executive
Chron, “The Characteristics of Nurse Executives”
The Health Care Manager, “Transformational Leadership in Health Care Today”
Indeed, “What Is the Role of a Nurse Executive? A Career Guide”
Johnson & Johnson Nursing, Nurse Executive
Payscale, Average Nurse Executive Salary
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical and Health Services Managers