Since nursing administration is one of today’s most rewarding executive positions in the growing healthcare field due to its higher level of patient interaction, many advanced practice nurses are making the decision to become a nurse administrator for leadership roles in their healthcare delivery system. According to The Huffington Post, as the industry is rapidly growing to create an estimated 5.6 million new job openings by 2020, nursing administrators are increasing in demand to manage the nursing staff members in a broad range of healthcare facilities. If you are interested in becoming a pivotal leader in ensuring the effective implementation of medical treatment procedures for the best patient care services, the following is a step-by-step guide on how you can become a nurse administrator.
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
After completing as many high school courses in English, mathematics, science, social sciences, and foreign language as possible, you will need to pursue higher education in the form of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at an accredited institution. At public and private universities across the nation, BSN degree programs are available with a four-year curriculum that will prepare you to assume the duties of a registered nurse. Along with a strong liberal arts core for a well-rounded education, a BSN curriculum will feature courses related to nursing theories, patient care, human anatomy, physiology, nursing leadership, and biology as well as clinical field experiences in real-world healthcare facilities.
Become Licensed as a Registered Nurse
Once you walk across the stage with your bachelor’s degree in hand, you will want to pursue licensure to practice as a registered nurse in your state of residence. Although certain educational requirements will vary from state to state, most will require you to submit an online application, have an accredited degree, pass a background check, and complete the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. As a computer-based examination without pens or pencils, the NCLEX-RN typically allows candidates a maximum of six hours with two optional breaks to complete all questions.
Pursue a Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Administration
Whether you decide to work as a registered nurse first or go right on to graduate school, you will eventually need to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing degree to have the best chances of making your way into the role of nurse administrator. Within many programs accredited by the CCNE or ACEN, you will have the option to pursue a specialty area in Nursing Administration to receive the specialized curriculum needed for leadership. Similar to a Master of Business Administration with a specific focus on nursing, this MSN will feature a two or three-year curriculum of courses in business, healthcare policy, human resources, finance, nursing leadership, management, ethics, nursing research, and healthcare legislation.
Related Resource: Healthcare Administrator
Overall, nurse administrators play a vital role in all healthcare facilities by establishing nursing protocols, creating work schedules, analyzing diagnostic decisions, communicating with upper-level healthcare executives, supervising nursing staff members, maintaining practice standards, encouraging professional development, and providing performance evaluations. Once you follow these steps to become a nurse administrator, you will have the credentials to move into a rewarding advanced practice nursing role with higher salary potential, stronger job stability, and more opportunities for career advancement in healthcare.
