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Nurse Executive

Management
BSN or MSN

Nurse Executives help carry out the mission of their healthcare organization. To do this, these nurses effectively communicate with their teams, encourage creativity and demonstrate financial responsibility. They also provide continuing education courses for their staff and encourage them to join national nursing organizations. As a Nurse Executive, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the healthcare policies at your organization or facility, and help your nursing staff provide the best patient care possible.

Things You'll Do:

  • Design and manage patient care
  • Develop procedures and policies for your organization
  • Create healthcare facility budgets

Your job characteristics:

  • Fast-paced
  • Multifaceted
  • Behind-the-scenes
  • Managerial
How You'll Get There
  • Get Your
    Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Take business classes, or consider a double major, or minor, in business.
  • Pass Your
    National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)
  • Work as a Registered Nurse, getting experience to see what problems, exist in nursing, that need solutions.
    More about becoming an RN ›
  • Get Your
    Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Masters in Healthcare or Business Administration (MHA/MBA)
  • It’s a good idea to get experience working in an executive role in healthcare, before applying for certification.
  • Pass Your
    Executive nursing certification exam through the American Organization of Nurse Executives
  • Become a
    Certified Nurse Executive
More About this Specialty

  • Meet
    Patricia

    Informatics Nurse, RN

    My first thought of becoming a nurse was at the age of 12. While babysitting my younger brothers and sisters...

    read her story

  • Meet
    Fidelindo

    Nurse Educator, RN

    I was 15 years old when I entered nursing school. Of course at that age, I didn't exactly know what I was going into.

    read his story

  • Meet
    Gloria

    Nurse Attorney, RN

    A registered nurse and attorney, Gloria Ramsey is known for her work in bioethics...

    read her story

  • Where You
    Can Work

    • Hospitals
    • Healthcare organizations
    • Home health agencies

    find jobs

  • How Much You
    Can Make

      an average salary of

      $49K - $67K

    find salary by state

  • What Else You
    Can Expect

    • Your certification exam will cover clinical and administrative topics, assessing your understanding of human resources, staffing, performance improvement, financial management, technology and strategic planning.

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