RNs considering a career in nurse management may need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). That’s because healthcare employers increasingly favor bachelor’s-prepared nurses for management roles. In fact, the American Nurses Credentialing Center notes that 100% of nurse managers at Magnet hospitals must have a BSN or higher.
Online degree programs, like the RN to BSN at the University of Southern Indiana (USI), make it possible to earn a BSN while maintaining your current nursing role. Students can complete the program at USI in as few as 14 months.
What Is a Nurse Manager?
Nurse managers balance point-of-care nursing with administrative duties, often for an entire unit or department. As part of their typical responsibilities, they:
- Maintain appropriate staffing
- Ensure standards of care and patient satisfaction
- Mentor and coach staff
- Maintain supplies and equipment
- Oversee unit or department finances and budgets
- Monitor and enforce requirements and regulations
- Collaborate with the healthcare team and administrators
- Ensure that the unit’s activities meet organizational goals
Ultimately, nurse managers play a vital role in establishing a supportive environment. Their efforts improve staff retention and the quality of patient care.
What Is the Salary for Nurse Managers?
When it comes to salaries, RNs already have above-average incomes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the annual mean wage across all occupations is $51,960. Nurses, however, earn $75,510.
Nurse managers can expect even greater gains. While salaries vary depending on factors such as geographic location, employer and experience, nurse leadership positions in general come with higher wages. According to a 2018 nursing salary research report, nurse managers earn an average of $92,025 annually.
How Can RNs Become Nurse Managers?
RNs with a talent for inspirational leadership, problem-solving, communication and collaboration probably have what it takes to be a nurse manager. The first step on that career path is to earn a BSN.
BSN programs build on foundational nursing knowledge and skills. For example, USI’s RN to BSN core nursing coursework emphasizes:
- Nursing research and evidence-based practice
- Psychosocial and physical health assessment
- Care coordination
- Healthcare informatics
- Population-focused nursing care
- Nursing leadership and management
When it comes to nursing leadership, earning a BSN is about much more than a degree. A BSN prepares nurse managers with the competencies they need to create meaningful change on the front lines of care.
Learn more about the University of Southern Indiana’s RN to BSN online program.
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Sources:
American Nurses Credentialing Center: Eligibility Requirements
Emerging RN Leader: Why Nurse Managers Need a BSN
Nurse.com: 2018 Nursing Salary Research Report
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates
