Nurse Manager

What Is the Role of a Nurse Manager?

A nurse manager directs, supervises, and leads a hospital’s or medical facility’s nursing staff. The nurse manager’s work is dynamic, complex, needs organization and critical thinking, and is crucial to patient care because they supervise the nurses who provide direct care. They must excel in both nursing and business-related activities, such as scheduling, budget management, and people management.

How to Become a Nurse Manager

Because nurse managers are responsible for supervising other nurses, natural leaders and those who thrive on assisting others are well-suited for the profession. Having expertise with a range of nursing styles is also a plus, as nurse management opportunities may become available in a variety of nursing units. For this professional path, strong leadership abilities, outstanding communication skills, and an interest in the business aspect of nursing are required.

What Education Do Nurse Managers Need?

If someone wants to become a nurse manager, an individual must first complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an authorized university or college (BSN). To obtain a nursing license, the nurse must pass a board exam called the NCLEX-RN.

Following this, the nurse must have experience providing direct patient care, preferably in an acute care setting such as a hospital. The duration of experience varies, however many employers want at least five years of experience for this type of position. Numerous nurse manager jobs promote and hire from within the ranks of staff nurses.

The following step is to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Master of Healthcare or Business Administration (MHA/MBA). This phase is optional for some nurse manager positions, though it is generally desirable.

Is it necessary to obtain any certifications or credentials?

The American Organization of Nurse Executives has defined two paths for certification:

CENP is an acronym for Certified in Executive Nursing Practice. This credential is intended for nurse executives. To earn this certification, you must possess an active, unrestricted RN license, a master’s degree in nursing with at least two years of experience in an executive nursing role, or a bachelor in nursing with at least four years of experience in an executive nursing position. There is a price associated with certification, and nurses must pass an examination to acquire certification.

Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML): This credential is presented in partnership with the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and is targeted at nurse leaders in a nurse manager position (AACN). This certification requires an active, unrestricted RN license, a BSN degree or higher with at least two years of experience in a nurse manager role, a non-nursing bachelor’s degree with at least three years of experience in a nurse manager role being in the field, or an associate’s degree with at least five years of experience in a nurse manager position There is a price associated with certification, and the nurse must pass an examination.

Where Can a Nurse Manager Be Employed?

Nurse managers are frequently found in hospitals, where they supervise and manage nursing staff assigned to a particular unit or specialty floor. They are also found at ambulatory care centers and long-term care facilities, where they may supervise nursing personnel assigned to various regions of the facility, such as a nursing home or assisted living facility.

What Does A Nurse Manager Do?

Nurse managers are critical to the success of any healthcare facility. They are in charge of a nursing unit in a hospital or clinic. This includes supervising nursing staff, monitoring patient care, and making certain management or budgetary choices. In other words, they spend their days organizing work schedules, coordinating meetings, and making personnel choices, rather than evaluating patients and checking vital signs.

What Are the Duties and Responsibilities of Nurse Managers?

A nurse manager wears numerous hats and is responsible for a variety of tasks, which may include the following:

  • Recruitment, training, and evaluation of nursing personnel
  • Provide training to nursing staff if the position is not assigned to another member of staff.
  • Assist interdisciplinary teams and nursing staff by acting as a liaison.
  • Assisting patients and their families, particularly resolving tense situations
  • Paperwork associated with management, such as medical health records
  • Supervise the day-to-day activities of the unit.
  • Financial management/reporting and budgeting

Nurse Manager Salary and Employment

Salary for a nurse manager varies according on setting, experience, and other criteria. The average annual wage in the United States is $79,725; nevertheless, it ranges from $59,212 to $108,478. Nurse managers typically earn a higher pay in hospital settings, particularly in fast-paced Intensive Care Units.

Due to the substantial expertise required to become a nurse manager, many enter and tend to stay in nursing management. Additional leadership positions available to nurse managers include nurse educator, director of nursing, clinical nurse specialist, patient care coordinator, and nurse case manager.