Nursing Administration Career Path Overview
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What Does a Nurse Administrator Do?
Nurse administrators bring the experience, knowledge, and skills gleaned in prior clinical practice to provide operational management and strategic leadership to nursing staff in healthcare organizations. Specific roles and responsibilities may include:
Primary Responsibilities
- Collaborating with boards and committees to set performance goals
- Conducting performance reviews
- Coordinating with medical staff
- Developing policies and procedures
- Facilitating professional development activities
- Formulating and managing budgets
- Monitoring compliance with laws and regulations
- Recruiting and hiring nurses
- Representing nursing staff in meetings
- Scheduling nursing shifts
Key Skills and Traits
- Analytical
- Communicative
- Interpersonal
- Leadership
- Attention to detail
- Technical skills
Where do Nurse Administrators Work?
Thirty-three percent of nurse administrators work in hospitals, 12% in physicians’ offices, and 10% in residential care facilities. Common duties in each of these workplaces include:
HospitalsDevelop and implement departmental procedures, policies, and goals; direct and evaluate nursing staff; prepare reports and budgets.
- Physicians’ Offices
Collaborate with medical and administrative staff; hire and train nurses; manage patient billing and recordkeeping.
- Residential Care Facilities
Supervise nursing staff; oversee finances and facility maintenance; manage residents’ care.
Why Become a Nurse Administrator?
The advantages of becoming a nurse administrator include greater opportunities and larger paychecks, but nurses who entered the field to treat patients directly may find themselves too far removed from patient care. RNs can become licensed in two years, but a nursing administrator may need to devote an additional 2-3 years to earning a master’s degree.
Advantages to Becoming a Nurse Administrator
Much faster-than-average projected job growth rate of 23% from 2024-2034- High annual salaries averaging $132,620 in the government, $130,690 in hospitals, and $106,990 in outpatient care centers
- Career path options include chief nursing officer, nurse manager, and nursing director
- Fewer physical demands than in traditional nursing roles
Disadvantages to Becoming a Nurse Administrator
Distance from direct patient care- More paperwork and meetings
- Additional education potentially required
- Probability of engagement in conflict resolution
How to Become a Nurse Administrator
The path to become a nurse administrator will vary depending on leadership experience. To minimum qualifications include an RN license and BSN but many employers may prefer a graduate degree.
- 1
Earn a BSN
Nurse administrators need a BSN at minimum. BSN programs typically take four years to complete, and graduates can apply for their RN licenses.
- 2
Pass the NCLEX-RN to Receive RN Licensure
A passing score on the National Council Licensure Examination qualifies nurses for RN licensure. Most BSN-holders take the exam about a month after graduation.
- 3
Gain Required Nursing Experience
Licensed RNs can begin logging clinical nursing hours. Graduate nursing programs and certification organizations may require specific hours or years of work experience.
- 4
Advance your Career with a Graduate Degree
Graduate degree-holders enjoy more opportunities, and many employers require a master’s degree in nursing (MSN), dual master of health administration/MSN, or doctor of nursing practice/DNP.
- 5
Consider Applying for Certification
Certification, such as a Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC), Nurse Executive, Advanced Certification (NEA-BC), Certified in Executive Nursing Practice Certification (CENP), and Certified Nurse Manager and Leader Certification (CNML), increases marketability and some employers may require it.
Types of Nurse Administrator Roles
How Much Do Nurse Administrators Make?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists nurse administrator salary data under medical and health services managers. According to the BLS, these nurse leaders earn a median annual salary of $117,960. Government nurse administrators can expect to earn a median wage of $132,620, followed by hospital nurse leaders at $130,690. Nurse administrators make a median salary of $106,990 at outpatient care centers, $100,780 in physicians’ offices, and $99,250 at nursing and residential care facilities.
The tables below outline the top-paying states, metropolitan areas, and industries for nurse administrators.
| Top Paying States | Average Salary | Total Number of Medical and Health Services Managers |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $177,230 | 31,010 |
| District of Columbia | $176,520 | 2,170 |
| New Jersey | $169,520 | 16,070 |
| Georgia | $168,460 | 9,610 |
| Washington | $165,140 | 7,740 |
| Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Spectator Sports | $280,290 |
| Insurance and Employee Benefit Funds | $244,470 |
| Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing | $240,250 |
| Scientific Research and Development Services | $225,860 |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods | $221,100 |
Resources for Nurse Administrators
American Organization for Nursing Leadership
AONL boasts a community of 10,000 nurse leaders and provides links to crisis and coronavirus resources, hosts programs and events, and credentials nurse leaders. Membership is not required to access the job listings, podcasts, and some of the other resources, but it is required to read articles in the bi-monthly magazine and attend free webinars.AONL Career Center
The career center lists job postings for positions in nurse leadership, including administrative nurse manager, chief nursing officer, and clinical director. Job seekers can browse employment opportunities as guests, but those who set up an account can post their resumes, apply for jobs through the site, and sign up for job alerts.American College of Healthcare Executives
ACHE welcomes MHA students, seasoned professionals, and healthcare leaders transitioning from military service. ACHE features communities, forums, and networks, including Asian Healthcare Leaders, healthcare consultants, and early careerists, and offers scholarships and educational resources for students. Students pay less than half the dues of regular membership.Organization of Nurse Leaders
New England-based ONL seeks to advance a culture of health and serves its members with educational and networking events, committee opportunities, recognition awards, and knowledge resources, such as position statements, job postings, and links to information relevant to nurse leaders. The ONL Foundation invests in leaders who aim to transform nursing care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Administrators
Nurse administrators must hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Most BSN programs take four years to complete; however, accelerated or bridge programs admit licensed RNs. An MSN may be required by some employers, which adds 2-3 more years to the educational timeline. Nurse administrators should also log a year or two of clinical work as an RN.
Reviewed by:
Anna-Lise Krippaehne is a board-certified family nurse practitioner at Oregon Health & Science University’s Family Practice Department in Portland, where she practices with a distinct interest in preventative care and health promotion. She earned her BSN and DNP from the University of Portland.
Krippaehne is a paid member of our Healthcare Review Partner Network. Learn more about our review partners.
