Becoming a Nurse Manager

Career Plan: a step by step approach…

Nurse Managers are nurses who have taken on supervisory and administrative duties. Part of becoming a nurse manager is experience – establishing oneself, over time, as a skilled nurse and a good communicator. Another component is education; magnet hospitals have quotas and are required to have baccalaureate level nurses in most nurse manager positions. If you’re just entering the field and want to become a nurse manager, here are some tips to help you.

1. Use your high school years to get a strong foundation in math, science, and composition. Baccalaureate level nursing programs are competitive, and many programs look at both your overall GPA and your performance in program prerequisites. Chances are good that you’ll be writing a composition as part of the application process.

2. Get health care experience long before time application time. Look into nursing camps and volunteer opportunities. You might also join the Health Occupations Students Association. You’ll get a chance to develop your speaking skills and enter health-related competitions.

3. Research nursing programs at the baccalaureate level. Make sure they are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

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4. Complete prerequisites and begin nursing coursework.

5. Excel in coursework and clinical rotations. Seek out instructors or preceptors who can mentor you and provide you with references down the road. You may also want to join a professional organization.

6. Take the NCLEX exam and fulfill other licensing requirements.

7. Utilize real world contacts as well as online job boards to secure that first job.

8. Take advantage of learning opportunities. Your professional organization will be a good source of continuing education. You’ll also get a chance to develop professional relationships.

9. After you’ve gained some experience, you can apply for charge nurse positions. Later you can apply for unit manager. A graduate degree is an asset for higher level management positions.

Nurse Manager Personality Traits: Nurse managers are dedicated, compassionate, and well-organized. They have strong communication skills.