Are You A Nurse Administrator Natural?

How Do Annual Salaries Compare with Other Nursing Specialties?

Like all salaries for any occupation, nurse administrator salaries can vary according to geographical location, cost of living, years of experience, education level, and other assorted factors.

While nurse administrator salaries are substantial, they aren’t necessarily always higher than the salaries given to nurses who treat patients. According to PayScale.com, in January 2016, clinical nurse managers earned anywhere from $55,841 to $102,458 per year. For chief nursing officers, salaries ranged from $82,046 to $182,197 per year.

For comparison, here are some typical salaries for nurses, as well as for other administrative personnel:

• Registered Nurse: $66,640
• Nurse Practitioner: $102,670
• Medical and Health Service Managers: $92,810
• Human Resources Manager: $102,780

So, moving into nurse administration can come with an increase in your salary.

Are There Many Job Openings for Nurse Administrators? Is It a Growing Field?

Like other nurses, nurse administrators are currently in high demand, due in part to an ongoing nursing shortage. Also, as the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, there will be an increased need for nursing homes and other assisted living facilities, which employ nurse administrators.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare administration is expected to grow 17% by 2024.

Is it Competitive?

Although nurse administrators are in high demand, employers will always gravitate toward the most qualified candidates. This makes advanced degrees, particularly a Master’s of Science of Nursing, a major asset if you want to become a nurse administrator. Geographic location can also play a role in your level of competition. Large metropolitan areas like New York, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia tend to have more job openings than smaller towns and cities.

If I Want to Become a Nurse Administrator, What Do I Need to Do?

If you’re serious about moving into administration, you’ll need an advanced degree. Although a bachelor’s degree is technically the minimum requirement, a master’s will greatly increase your chances of success. You may want to consider earning a master’s with a focus on nursing administration. If you already have a master’s, consider looking into post-graduate certifications.

However, with that said, it’s still possible for experienced and talented RNs to eventually be promoted into administrative positions.

Is Nurse Administrator the Right Job for You?

If a nurse administrator role sounds like it would be a perfect fit for your personality and skill set, it’s definitely worth considering. Obtaining a master’s degree, or getting further certificates after your master’s, can be good stepping stones toward making this career move.