Nurse Managers, also known as Nurse Administrators, are responsible for the daily operations of a nursing unit. They oversee the care provided to patients and ensure that nurses offer high-quality care. Nurse Managers also develop policies and procedures, hire and train nursing staff, and budget for supplies and equipment.
Nurse Managers play an essential role in ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. They work closely with doctors, other healthcare professionals, and managers from different departments to ensure that everyone works together to provide the best possible care for patients.
It is a perfect career track for RNs who want to move into a leadership position and make a difference in the lives of their patients. If you are interested in becoming a Nurse Manager, many online and offline programs can help you get started on your career journey.
If you want to start a career in nursing that pays well and has a great job outlook, then you should consider becoming a Nurse Manager. Because of the critical role that Nurse Managers play in the healthcare industry, the demand for Nurse Managers is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.
Responsibilities of Nurse Manager Include:
Nurse managers usually work in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. Following are some duties of nurse managers.
- Work closely with medical staff
- Create educational plans
- Interact with hospital administration and employees
- Manage disciplinary actions
- Support the healthcare facility’s mission
- Provide quality and efficient care to patients
- Recruit and hire qualified nurses
- Budget management
- Manage daily operations
- Organize the unit’s schedule
- Teach new nurses
So these are some of the responsibilities of a nurse manager. Becoming a nurse manager is a great way to advance your career in nursing. It is also an excellent way to make a difference in patients’ lives.
How To Becoming a Nurse Manager?
Since the career is very rewarding, there are many ways for RNs to become Nurse Managers. The most common way is to get a bachelor’s degree in nursing and then complete a master’s degree in nursing administration or a related field.
Getting your BSN degree can take around four years, depending on whether you attend a full-time or part-time program. Once you have your BSN degree, you will need to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam to become a registered nurse.
After you have passed the NCLEX-RN exam, you can then start working towards your goal of becoming a Nurse Manager. You will need to complete a master’s degree in nursing administration or a related field to do this.
A master’s degree will give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this career. It will also help you stand out from other candidates when you are applying for jobs.
What Is the Average Salary for Nurse Managers Across the US?
According to Payscale, the average Workplace Nurse Manager salary in the United States is $88,100 as of March 29, 2022, but the range typically falls between $79,300 and $99,900.
- An entry-level Nursing Manager with less than 1-year experience can earn an average total compensation (including tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of $82,567 based on 57 salaries.
- An early career Nursing Manager with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $81,709 based on 509 salaries.
- A mid-career Nursing Manager with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $85,381 based on 744 salaries.
- An experienced Nursing Manager with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $92,698 based on 1,004 salaries.
- In their late career (20 years and higher), employees earn an average total compensation of $99,990.
These are an estimated national average, but every state in the USA has a different average. Let’s take a look at some of the states with the highest average salary for Nurse Managers.
Average Salaries For Nurse Managers in All 50 States:
| State | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $93,330 | $44.87 |
| Alaska | $122,430 | $58.86 |
| Arizona | $123,540 | $59.40 |
| Arkansas | $89,700 | $43.12 |
| California | $138,030 | $66.36 |
| Colorado | $122,090 | $58.70 |
| Connecticut | $130,510 | $62.75 |
| Delaware | $130,300 | $62.65 |
| District of Columbia | $157,590 | $75.77 |
| Florida | $110,130 | $52.95 |
| Georgia | $103,130 | $49.58 |
| Hawaii | $139,650 | $67.14 |
| Idaho | $99,830 | $48.00 |
| Illinois | $124,940 | $60.07 |
| Indiana | $103,470 | $49.74 |
| Iowa | $91,160 | $43.83 |
| Kansas | $98,140 | $47.18 |
| Kentucky | $94,600 | $45.48 |
| Louisiana | $105,790 | $50.86 |
| Maine | $100,100 | $48.12 |
| Maryland | $132,090 | $63.50 |
| Massachusetts | $136,930 | $65.83 |
| Michigan | $108,660 | $52.24 |
| Minnesota | $111,360 | $53.54 |
| Mississippi | $100,680 | $48.40 |
| Missouri | $112,500 | $54.09 |
| Montana | $100,790 | $48.46 |
| Nebraska | $124,080 | $59.65 |
| Nevada | $121,420 | $58.38 |
| New Hampshire | $120,490 | $57.93 |
| New Jersey | $127,380 | $61.24 |
| New Mexico | $128,250 | $61.66 |
| New York | $156,140 | $75.07 |
| North Carolina | $120,060 | $57.72 |
| North Dakota | $126,560 | $60.84 |
| Ohio | $106,670 | $51.28 |
| Oklahoma | $95,180 | $45.76 |
| Oregon | $129,710 | $62.36 |
| Pennsylvania | $107,710 | $51.78 |
| Rhode Island | $130,620 | $62.80 |
| South Carolina | $106,360 | $51.14 |
| South Dakota | $107,850 | $51.85 |
| Tennessee | $104,380 | $50.18 |
| Texas | $110,870 | $53.30 |
| Utah | $107,660 | $51.76 |
| Vermont | $110,640 | $53.19 |
| Virginia | $118,530 | $56.98 |
| Washington | $132,620 | $63.76 |
| West Virginia | $111,120 | $53.42 |
| Wisconsin | $119,220 | $57.32 |
| Wyoming | $104,510 | $50.25 |
Data gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The top respondents for the job title Nursing Manager are from the companies HCA, Inc., SSM Health Care, and Ascension Health. Reported salaries are highest at Dignity Health, where the average pay is $120,000.
Other companies that offer high salaries for this role include UCHealth and AdventHealth, earning around $114,575 and $107,074, respectively. SSM Health Care pays the lowest at approximately $85,731. HCA, Inc. and Baptist Hospital also pay on the lower end of the scale, paying $89,204 and $92,599, respectively.
Where Can Nurse Managers Work?
Nurse Managers can work in a variety of settings. As the field of healthcare and nursing continue to evolve, the opportunities for Nurse Managers will continue to grow.
The following areas are currently available for Nurse Managers:
- Agencies providing home healthcare
- Clinics and hospitals
- In nursing homes
- Outpatient Treatment Centers
- Private Doctor’s Offices
- Urgent Care Medical Centers
- VA Hospitals
Essentially, Nurse Managers can work anywhere with a staff of nurses. The job possibilities are endless for this career.
Nurse Manager FAQs
Still, have questions? Here are some frequently asked questions about the Nurse Manager career.
Is There A High Demand For Nurse Managers?
According to the bureau of labor statistics, nursing managers are high in demand. The aging population is one of the primary reasons for this demand. As the baby boomers age, they will need more health care services. This will create a more significant demand for Nurse Managers.
What Kind Of Education Do I Need To Become A Nurse Manager?
To become a nurse manager, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing. You may also need to complete a master’s degree in nursing administration or a related field.
What Is The Future Outlook For Nurse Manager Salary?
The outlook for nurse manager salaries is rich. Because of the aging population, the demand for nurse managers will continue to grow. This will lead to an increase in wages for nurse managers.
Is Being a Nurse Manager Worth It?
In short, yes, being a Nurse Manager is definitely worth it. This is a very rewarding career that comes with many benefits. If you are looking for a healthcare career, then this is a great option to consider.
Conclusion:
So as you know, Nurse Managers are in high demand due to the aging population. This career is also enriching and comes with many benefits. If you have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, then you should definitely consider becoming a nurse manager.
More Resources:
- What Makes an Ideal Nurse Manager?
- What defines a Nurse Manager or Nurse Leader
- The Nursing Process as an Administrative Nurse
