How to Become a Nursing Director

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

What does a Nursing Director do?

A Nursing Director administers the nursing program in a hospital, nursing home, or other medical facility to maintain standards of patient care. Advises medical staff, department heads, and administrators in matters related to nursing service. Being a Nursing Director recommends establishment or revision of policies and develops organizational structure and standards of performance. Interprets policies and objectives of nursing service to staff and community groups. Additionally, Nursing Director requires an advanced degree of nursing. Typically reports to top management. Requires RN license. The Nursing Director typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. To be a Nursing Director typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.

People's Opinions on Nursing Director responsibilities

A director of nursing is a registered nurse who is responsible for overseeing all aspects of nursing within the health-care facility.

01/17/2020: Boulder, CO

In addition, the director of nursing handles administrative duties as they pertain to patient care, supply needs, and finance.

12/09/2019: Pittsburgh, PA

Skill sets for a nursing director include patience, leadership abilities, tact, and the ability to work under pressure.

01/17/2020: Springfield, MA

Knowledge about finance and budget is called for in some director of nursing positions.

12/17/2019: Wilmington, NC

The nursing director often acts as a liaison between the nursing staff and the physicians or health-care facility managers.

01/27/2020: Salisbury, NC
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Nursing Director

Best tips for those who want to become a Nursing Director

Here are some tips to become a Nursing Director.

People's Opinions on best tips

Join a professional nursing association.

02/22/2020: Memphis, TN

Understand your impact as a culture leader.

12/23/2019: Nassau, NY

Provide a clear vision for your staff.

12/07/2019: Lorain, OH

Nursing is a 24/7 operation that requires teamwork - do your best to prioritize and work safely & pass on the rest.

12/03/2019: Cedar Rapids, IA

Learn the business of health care.

01/04/2020: Kennewick, WA
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Nursing Director

Best colleges and universities for Nursing Director

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

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

Is being a Nursing Director Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

Heather, who has worked for the Southern DHB for over 20 years has played a significant leadership role in mental health nursing incorporating clinical service input to local and national policy as well as research and teaching.

02/17/2020: Syracuse, NY

Patterson, who led education programs at several hospitals and was a mentor to generations of nurses, died from complications of atrial fibrillation on June 16 in Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Westborough.

02/18/2020: Billings, MT

Patterson graduated as a registered nurse at what was then the Misericordia School of Nursing in the Bronx, N.Y., and then began working in the hospital there.

03/01/2020: Gulfport, MS

Patterson, with only a two-year nursing degree, was no longer considered qualified for a top administrative job in Boston.

01/09/2020: Monroe, LA

The country’s largest primary health organisation has appointed a new nursing director to help develop nursing services in its practices spread across greater Auckland.

02/21/2020: Baltimore, MD
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Nursing Director

What skills do you need to be a Nursing Director?

A manager is often judged based on the success of their team and those working below them, as such, many skills are needed.  Success in this role depends on a critical ability in the following: Clinical Supervision, HIPPA Compliance, JCAHO Standards Compliance, Operational Policy Development, Staff Scheduling.  Experience in the following is fundamental to this role: Clinical Communication and Collaboration Software, Clinical Documentation Software, Electronic health records (EHR) Software, Medical Practice Management Software.  Skills may vary from job-to-job, but these skills are the ones most commonly associated with this role.

People's Opinions on Nursing Director skills

We ranked the top skills based on the percentage of Nursing Director resumes they appeared on.

01/01/2020: Kennewick, WA

Let's find out what skills a Nursing Director actually needs in order to be successful in the workplace.

01/23/2020: Charlotte, NC

Assumed authority, responsibility, and accountability for the delivery of nursing services for 83 bed facility.

12/26/2019: Hartford, CT

Supervised and managed all personnel, providing direct patient care including all skilled nursing personnel.

02/20/2020: Tacoma, WA

Aspire Regional Partners a leading provider of Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, and Independent Living Communities throughout….

02/01/2020: Charleston, SC
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Step 6: View average salary for Nursing Director

How much does a Nursing Director make?

The average salary range for a Nursing Director is from $144,937 to $190,950. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Nursing Director
$144,937 to $190,950

Step 7: Find relevant Nursing Director jobs, and apply.

Looking for Nursing Director jobs?

Here are some Nursing Director jobs in the United States.

Search Nursing Director Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Nursing Director

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Nursing Director? Nursing Director