The healthcare system is evolving, and nursing is central to that evolution. From the advent of the nurse practitioner to the critical role of nurses in advancing evidence-based medicine to the nurse-forward nature of Magnet certification, there is little doubt that nursing is vital to the future of healthcare.
As a natural extension of this evolution, an increasing number of nurses are taking on leadership roles within their organizations. Consequently, there is a growing demand for nurse leaders. As the healthcare system continues to grow and transform, top-level leadership and business skills will enable nurses to better collaborate with other health professionals in shaping that growth and transformation.
Graduate degrees are necessary for the most advanced leadership roles. Still, nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can work toward their most significant educational goals while achieving the knowledge they need to advance their career with a post-baccalaureate certificate in nursing administration.
The following represent just a few nursing positions that require leadership and business know-how, both of which professionals can develop through a certificate:
Clinical Nurse Manager
Moving beyond the bedside to direct the entire nursing staff, clinical nurse managers write policy, handle human resources matters, manage their unit’s budget and collaborate with other staff to ensure the highest possible level of care. They serve on committees, direct new hires and participate in meetings with other administrators.
Although this role removes the nurse from direct patient care, the fundamental traits that make a good nurse make for a good manager. Clinical nurse managers administer people rather than medications. The ability to care for your staff, listen to their needs and solve complex issues that arise are all within the required skills to be a nurse.
According to PayScale, the national average salary for clinical nurse managers is just above $88,000 a year.
Charge Nurse
If you’re not ready to completely step away from the bedside, the role of charge nurse offers you the opportunity to flex your leadership muscles while caring for patients. Charge nurses oversee admissions and discharges, schedule nursing assignments, direct patient care and order supplies for their shift, department or unit.
They also guide other nurses and address any issues or concerns that patients or their family members may have. This job is for multitaskers with excellent communication skills, and the position provides you the opportunity to demonstrate your leadership qualities.
PayScale reports the national average salary for charge nurses as just above $75,000 a year.
Head Nurse
A head nurse supervises a group of nurses focusing on patient care. This objective may include training their staff, team building, reviewing nursing practices, signing off on nursing procedures, organizing medical records and overseeing nursing assignments. The head nurse often liaises directly with management, specialists and doctors. Given their influential status, head nurses may be involved in hiring decisions.
These professionals frequently have specialty training in areas such as the emergency department, the intensive care unit and other focuses. As the team leader for other nurses, the head nurse needs a take-charge attitude, effective interpersonal skills and organizational expertise. They are a vital part of a smooth-running unit and may be called upon to serve as the doctor’s first assistant.
According to PayScale, the national average salary for head nurses is just below $68,000 a year.
Advantages of a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Just as there are many different levels of leadership roles available for nurses, different levels of educational achievement also exist. For BSN-prepared nurses interested in furthering their careers and following a managerial path, pursuing a post-baccalaureate certificate may be the first step they need toward achieving their goals.
The University of Texas at Arlington offers a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Nursing Administration that students can complete entirely online. This program lays the groundwork for nurses who wish to pursue a leadership career as nursing administrators. As an added benefit, the course hours earned toward this certificate may also apply to earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nursing Administration degree.
Nurses are leading the way to the future of healthcare. Obtain the skills you need to be an active part of this evolution.
Learn more about The University of Texas at Arlington online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Nursing Administration program.
