The most widely accepted route to a career in nursing leadership is with an advanced degree such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Earning an MSN opens many career options for the registered nurse (RN) who decides to pursue this advanced degree.
Two of these career options are nurse administrator and nurse educator. In Lamar University’s online RN to MSN program, students choose from two tracks that align with these two nursing careers: MSN in Administration and MSN in Education. Plus, the RN to MSN bridge model allows RNs without their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees through one fluid, convenient and efficient program, avoiding redundant coursework and wasted time.
What Is a Nurse Administrator?
A nurse administrator understands the complex and multi-faceted nature of modern healthcare and can create effective systems of healthcare delivery throughout an organization. Nurse administrators must also lead productive and efficient workforces and be knowledgeable in leadership practices related to the nursing profession.
What Does a Nurse Administrator Do?
Nurse administration may include the roles of chief nursing officers (CNOs), nursing directors and executive vice presidents of nursing. Some of the duties of nurse administrators include:
- Designing, managing and facilitating patient care delivery within several types of healthcare settings
- Developing successful visions for nursing organizations and nurturing collaborative relationships among management and the staffs of several departments to achieve that vision
- Applying analytical and problem-solving skills daily and providing direct guidance and mentorship to unit nurses
- Acting as a liaison between staff, various levels of management and the organization’s executive team
- Planning for large-scale policy, staff management, financial resource management and business management
- Negotiating contracts and managing interdisciplinary support services
Nurse Administrators Are in Demand
As the number of individuals seeking healthcare increases and the national uninsured rate decreases, there will be a greater strain on hospitals and healthcare facilities. Additionally, as the baby boomer generation ages, there will be an increased need for long-term care facilities. Nurse administrators will be needed to provide financial and business expertise to manage the logistics of increased patient loads, staff and number of facilities.
While demand for nurse administrators is high, the qualifications nurse administrators need to work in high-level roles are also substantial. For example, nurse administrators must have a master’s degree to advance to CNO positions at the nation’s top Magnet hospitals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also reports that employers may prefer healthcare professionals in various medical and health services management roles to have a master’s degree in a healthcare-related field like nursing.
What Is a Nurse Educator?
According to ExploreHealthCareers.com, “Nurse educators are registered nurses with advanced education who are also teachers.” Nurse educators generally have substantial experience working as nurses before dedicating their careers (part-time or full-time) to educating future nurses. Many states require that nurse educators have an MSN. Nurse educators serve as faculty members in nursing schools and teaching hospitals, sharing their knowledge and skills to prepare the next generation of nurses for effective practice.
What Do Nurse Educators Do?
Nurse educators teach courses, develop lesson plans, oversee students’ clinical practice, evaluate educational programs and serve as role models for their students. They may teach general courses or focus on areas of specialization, such as geriatric nursing, diabetes education, oncology, pediatric nursing or nursing informatics. Nurse educators must stay current with new nursing methods and technologies to remain on the leading edge of clinical practice.
Nurse Educators Are in Demand
This country is experiencing a serious nursing shortage and the problem is complex. Not only are more nurses needed in the near future — over 203,000 new and replacement RNs will be needed every year through 2031, according to the BLS — but nearly 80,000 qualified applications (not applicants) were not accepted by nursing schools in 2022. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) notes that the lack of needed nursing program capacity is in large part due to a shortage of nurse educators. All these factors make it necessary to train more nurse educators.
There Is No Better Time to Earn a Master of Science in Nursing
With the shortage of nurses and nurse educators, as well as the great need for nurses with good leadership skills, this is an opportune time to earn an MSN. Earning the degree through an online RN to MSN program is efficient, cost-effective and convenient, especially for nurses who must continue working while furthering their education.
Obtaining an MSN will help fulfill several important needs in today’s healthcare environment. But there are also personal benefits, such as greater job options, security, prestige and income.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online RN to MSN program.
