How to Become a Director of Nursing
Directors of nursing manage all nursing positions in a facility. The steps to become a director of nursing (DON) include education, testing, and licensing, after which directors of nursing can pursue employment. Below, we’ll detail the steps to follow, how long it takes to become a director of nursing, and where to start.
Become a Director of Nursing in 7 Steps
To become a director of nursing, candidates must first become licensed registered nurses (RNs). After some bedside experience, they can pursue higher education and certification in their specialty.
1
Graduate With a BSN Degree
To become an RN, candidates must earn either a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. A BSN typically takes four years, but many programs offer accelerated options for those with prior degrees or completed prerequisites. However, aspiring directors of nursing will need to obtain a BSN degree to be considered for the role.
4
Work as a Registered Nurse
Before an RN can begin work as a director of nursing, they must first gain several years of bedside clinical experience and nursing management experience. Any field can provide helpful experience for a future career in executive nursing roles.
5
Apply for Director of Nursing Jobs
After achieving the required experience, nurses can apply for director of nursing positions.
Schooling Requirements for Directors of Nursing
Directors of nursing may work as RNs or pursue advanced degrees, like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). While some positions won’t require high-level degrees, they may offer higher compensation and more opportunities for professional advancement.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing gives future DONs well-rounded education experience. Typically done over four years, the BSN curriculum covers the basics of nursing care and how the body works, but also teaches more specialized critical thinking skills.
Clinical Hours
160 to 750*
Pros
- More likely to pass NCLEX on the first attempt (82.32% with a BSN vs. 77.91% with an ADN)
- Easier to find work in highly specialized environments like gerontology or neonatology
- Higher salary than an ADN
Cons
- Takes longer to complete than an ADN
- More competitive than an ADN
- More expensive than an ADN
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Forbes Advisor, Teaching and Learning in Nursing, National Council of State Boards of Nursing
A BSN prepares future directors of nursing to handle a high level of critical thinking. This degree teaches high-level concepts like evidence-based practice, community health nursing, statistics used in research, nursing management and leadership, health informatics and analysis, healthcare ethics, and nutrition.
Master of Science in Nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing, or MSN, can be earned in two years, but many students continue to work throughout the program, which increases time to completion.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is the highest level of education a nurse can achieve. This program takes longer than an MSN but may offer higher salaries and more opportunities for directors of nursing.
Director of Nursing Licensing
Once a new nursing graduate has earned their degree, they must apply for licensure. To become a licensed and practicing nurse in any state, all nursing graduates must pass the state licensing exam (the NCLEX-RN) and apply for a state license.
NCLEX-RN
The National Council Licensure Examination–RN (NCLEX-RN) is a computer-based exam with 85 to 150 questions. The exam takes anywhere from one hour to a maximum of five hours. Questions fall into four basic categories:
1. Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Psychosocial Integrity
4. Physiological Integrity
Once completed, the state board of nursing sends test results within six weeks, usually by email. In the time leading up to the NCLEX-RN, it’s important for graduates to study practice questions to ensure a passing grade and many students take NCLEX prep courses to increase their likelihood of success.
Registered Nurse State License Application and Renewal
Each state in the U.S. has a unique registered nurse licensing application process. The state board of nursing will want proof of an NCLEX passing result and a diploma from an accredited nursing program. Most states require criminal background checks and fingerprinting, and some may want to see university transcripts.
In most states, RNs must renew their license every two years after initial licensure. Each state has varying requirements for continuing education and other documentation needed for renewal. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers a wealth of information on registered nurse licensing requirements by state.
Specialty Certification
Directors of nursing may choose to pursue specialty certifications through the AAPACN, the NADONA/LTC, or the ANCC. These include:
Where Do Directors of Nursing Work?
Directors of nursing can find employment in a wide range of organizations. These may include:
- Insurance companies
- Government agencies
- Healthcare system corporate offices
- Health startups
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Outpatient care centers
- Skilled rehab facilities
- Universities and colleges
FAQs: How to Become a Director of Nursing
1.What education is needed to become a director of nursing?
Directors of nursing must graduate with a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited college or university. However, some employers may require their directors of nursing to hold an MSN or DNP.
2.How many years does it take to become a director of nursing?
The time it takes to become a DON is four years for an undergraduate degree, plus bedside and managerial experience. The total time can be anywhere from eight to ten years or more if an advanced degree is required.
3. What are the steps to become a director of nursing?
To become a director of nursing, candidates must apply to and graduate from an accredited nursing school with a BSN, pass the NCLEX-RN, and apply for and receive a nursing license in their state. After these steps, they must earn several years of bedside and leadership experience, specialty certification, or higher education before they may apply to DON positions.
4. How much do directors of nursing make an hour?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), directors of nursing earn an average of $64.63 per hour, which equals about $134,440 annually. Nurses with an advanced degree will be able to earn more.
