How to Become a Chief Nursing Officer

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Chief Nursing Officer

What does a Chief Nursing Officer do?

A Nursing management consists of the performance of the leadership functions of governance and decision-making within organizations employing nurses. It includes processes common to all management like planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling. It is common for registered nurses to seek additional education to earn a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice to prepare for leadership roles within nursing. Management positions increasingly require candidates to hold an advanced degree in nursing.

People's Opinions on Chief Nursing Officer responsibilities

The role requires oversight of all nursing personnel and activities in the facility.

10/07/2019: Casper, WY

This includes daily and long-term resource management, observation, reporting, and planning in order to ensure the well-being of both patients and nursing staff.

11/01/2019: Lowell, MA

Typically, chief nursing officers will have several duties that require an understanding of the medical facility where they work and the nursing industry in general.

12/05/2019: High Point, NC

A person working as chief nursing officer will work to consolidate and communicate key information with nursing staff.

11/13/2019: Columbus, MS

Chief nursing officers can be hired externally or from within an organization.

11/24/2019: Macon, GA
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Chief Nursing Officer

Best tips for those who want to become a Chief Nursing Officer

Here are some tips to become a Chief Nursing Officer.

People's Opinions on best tips

Kalafus most recently served as director of nursing operations at St.

12/01/2019: Salem, OR
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Chief Nursing Officer

Best colleges and universities for Chief Nursing Officer

  • Butler University
  • Carroll College
  • Cooper Union
  • High Point University
  • Princeton University
  • Providence College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Chief Nursing Officer

Is being a Chief Nursing Officer Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

Pamela Gaddy, R.N., (at  left) confers with Montgomery Memorial Hospital President Beth Walker (at  right) on a nursing floor while licensed practical nurse Vickie McDowell works  in the background.

10/16/2019: Cedar Rapids, IA

Margo began working at Swedish as a student employee more than 30 years ago while attending nursing school at the University of Washington.

10/31/2019: Hopkinsville, KY

Ursin will direct and oversee all aspects of nursing services and care delivery for the health system including the hospital, The Courtyard of Natchitoches, Natchitoches Assisted Living, and the NRMC clinic network.

10/14/2019: Great Falls, MT

Ursin has built an impressive nursing and leadership career which spans two decades and includes experience in strategic planning, performance improvement, organizational management and fiscal responsibility.

10/10/2019: Gastonia, NC

No stranger to Nyack Hospital, Lunney will be responsible for providing leadership to the hospital's nursing staff, with particular emphasis on driving nursing excellence and performance improvement.

10/17/2019: Las Cruces, NM
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Chief Nursing Officer

What skills do you need to be a Chief Nursing Officer?

This role is not a beginner's role, as such, there are many skills required.  It is vital to the role to command: Clinical Education, Clinical Supervision, HIPPA Compliance, JCAHO Standards Compliance, Operational Policy Development, Staff Scheduling.  For this position, you need to be experienced with: Clinical Communication and Collaboration Software, Clinical Documentation Software, Electronic health records (EHR) Software, Medical Practice Management Software.  Management isn't easy, if it were, everyone would have the competenticies to execute the role with success.

People's Opinions on Chief Nursing Officer skills

Objective To obtain a position of chief nursing officer in an organization where my experience in management and nursing will be effectively utilized for the growth of the organization.

11/22/2019: Poughkeepsie, NY

Qualifications like leadership, organizational skills, time management and communication are commonplace on Chief Nursing Officer resumes.

10/28/2019: Reading, PA

Maintaining update knowledge of latest nursing trends.

11/14/2019: Concord, NH

Highly accomplished and experienced chief nursing officer with enough management skills with strong leadership quality in field of nursing field.

11/13/2019: Alexandria, LA

Ability to deal with complex nursing problems and ability to work in stressful work environment, looking for the same job in order to perform my best as chief nursing officer.

12/06/2019: Los Angeles, CA
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Step 6: View average salary for Chief Nursing Officer

How much does a Chief Nursing Officer make?

The average salary range for a Chief Nursing Officer is from $243,285 to $330,979. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Chief Nursing Officer
$243,285 to $330,979

Step 7: Find relevant Chief Nursing Officer jobs, and apply.

Looking for Chief Nursing Officer jobs?

Here are some Chief Nursing Officer jobs in the United States.

Search Chief Nursing Officer Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Chief Nursing Officer