What is the job outlook and earning potential for nurse managers?
Health services management positions, which include nurse managers, are projected to increase by 17 percent through 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is part of a widespread growth in the healthcare industry resulting from growing patient demand and aging baby boomers.
Our job-posting analysis revealed the average advertised salary for nurse managers was $81,942. This increased income comes along with the added responsibilities that come with overseeing an entire nursing department.
What education and training do nurse managers need?
You may be surprised (and relieved) to know that most nurse management positions do not require a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN). What they do require is a registered nursing license and, in most cases, a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). A majority of employers also ask for at least three years of nursing experience, according to our analysis.
If you’ve already earned your BSN and have been working in the field, you may already be qualified to become a nurse manager. You may also choose to become a Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) by passing the exam offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
If you do not yet have your BSN, the good news is you won’t be required to start from scratch. You can leverage your Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) and job experience to complete an online RN to BSN program in as few as 12 months.
Are you ready to step up?
You love the feeling you have when you leave work each day knowing you made a difference in your patients’ lives. If you’re ready to use a different skill set to help impact nursing at a higher-level, becoming a nurse manager may be the perfect change of pace for you.
The skills needed to succeed in this position can certainly be developed, but they are not innate in everyone. Kerfoot lists some questions to ask yourself if you’re considering a move into management:
- Do you already have others seeking your opinion and guidance in your current role?
- Are you comfortable with allowing the overall team to take credit for accomplishments?
- Do you strive for excellence in yourself and others?
If your answers are yes, it may be your calling to become a nurse manager. Advancing your education will arm you with the technical competencies to compliment your natural qualities.
