MSN: Nurse Management Degree Programs & Career

A nursing manager uses their expertise in directing, organizing, planning, and staffing of nurses within a healthcare organization. Obtaining a management role within the nursing profession almost always requires a master’s degree in nursing. Different managerial roles for nurses can vary. A Director of Nursing (DON) is an RN who supervises patient care at a hospital or other healthcare facility. This title typically is reserved for a senior nursing position, and is usually synonymous with Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), Chief Nurse Executive, or VP of Nursing. Other types of managers include service directors, who oversee a certain area within the facility; nurse managers, who manage a nursing unit and report to the service director; and charge nurses, who are usually responsible for a shift.

How to Become a Nurse Manager

To become a nurse manager, students typically complete the following steps:

  1. Complete an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing program
  2. Earn a Registered Nurse Certification
  3. Meet the professional experience conditions
  4. Enroll and complete an MSN degree in Nurse Management

Nurse Manager Salary and Career Information

The expected salary, career growth, and work environment for a nurse manager might include:

  • Median Expected Salary: $79,000, according to Indeed.com’s most recent report
  • Job Prospects: Very good to excellent
  • Job Setting: Private practices, nursing homes, hospitals, educational institutions, home health care agencies

Nurse Manager Qualifications

To become a nurse manager, students are typically required to meet the following job qualifications:

  • Earn certification as an Advanced Practice Nurse
  • Hold an MBA degree (depends on career path and healthcare facility requirements)
  • Computer skills using various applications such as word processing, presentation, and online database systems

Nurse Manager Job Description

A nurse manager is typically responsible for the following job duties:

  • Evaluate the quality and effectiveness of nursing services and identify areas of strength and improvement
  • Develop professional practice standards in collaboration with physicians and other medical practitioners
  • Promote and monitor regulatory standards by conducting periodic surveys and site visits
  • Contribute to the ongoing development of nursing staff and assure clinical competency
  • Monitor department budget and expenditures and prepare reports for management review

MSN Degrees for Aspiring Nurse or Healthcare Managers