How to Become a Nurse Manager
Nurse managers oversee the nursing staff in a specific hospital or medical facility unit. The steps to become a nurse manager include education, testing, and licensing, after which nurse managers can pursue employment. Below, we’ll detail the steps to follow, how long it takes to become a nurse manager, and where to start.
Become a Nurse Manager in 6 Steps
To become a nurse manager, candidates must first become licensed registered nurses (RNs). While not mandatory, they can pursue higher education and certification in a specialty after a few years of bedside experience.
4
Work as a Registered Nurse
Before an RN can begin work as a nurse manager, they must first gain a few years of bedside clinical experience. Any field can provide helpful experience for a future career in nursing management.
5
Apply for Nurse Manager Jobs
After spending some time at the bedside, nurses can apply for nurse manager positions.
6
Earn Nurse Manager Certification
After some bedside experience, nurse managers may pursue specialty certification in their field through the American Organization for Nursing Leadership. While not required for work in this field, specialty certification can make candidates more desirable to potential employers.
Schooling Requirements for Nurse Managers
Nurse managers must first become registered nurses after obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing gives future nurse managers 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.
A BSN prepares aspiring nurse managers 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.
Nurse Manager Licensing
Once a new nursing graduate has earned their degree, they must apply for licensure. Nurse managers must have a registered nurse license to practice. 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 to see 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
Some nurse manager positions require certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Additionally, nurse managers may choose to pursue specialty certifications through the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, including the Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP®) and the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML®).
Where Do Nurse Managers Work?
Nurse managers can find employment in a few different settings. These may include:
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Outpatient care centers
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Home health care services
FAQs: How to Become a Nurse Manager
1. What education is needed to become a nurse manager?
Nurse managers must graduate with a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited college or university.
2. How many years does it take to become a nurse manager?
The time it takes to become a nurse manager is four years for an undergraduate degree plus a few years of bedside experience.
3. What are the steps to become a nurse manager?
To become a nurse manager, candidates must apply to and graduate from an accredited nursing school with a BSN degree, pass the NCLEX-RN, and apply for and receive a nursing license in their state. After these steps and a few years of bedside experience, they may apply to nurse manager positions and pursue specialty certification.
4. How much do nurse managers make an hour?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurse managers 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.
