Becoming a Nurse Executive: What You Need to Know

A nurse executive is known as one of the most senior nurses within an organization. Not only are nurse executives in charge of the administration side of healthcare organizations, but they also play an important role in helping organizations follow and deliver their mission of providing excellent healthcare services, ensuring all facilities and teams are operating according to plan.

If you are interested in becoming a nurse executive, here is a guide on the roles and responsibilities expected of you, as well as the skills, credentials, and knowledge you will need to possess.

Roles and Responsibilities

The main purpose of a nurse executive is to help healthcare organizations implement their missions and values, while simultaneously maintaining the delivery of excellent healthcare. Nurse executives also help in shaping healthcare policies, as well as empowering staff to provide the best level of care possible for patients. Other duties of a nurse executive include:

·       Designing and managing patient care

·       Creating and managing budgets

·       Developing patient care procedures

·       Delivering continuing education courses

Nurse executives also take on the role of a human resources manager for healthcare organizations, meaning they must know how to communicate successfully with various teams.

Communication and Relationship Building

One of the key traits that a nursing executive must possess is the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with their team members. Nurse executives need to learn how to facilitate conflict resolution, as well as create an environment that is safe and trustworthy. Also responsible for producing oral and written healthcare presentations, nurse executives need to possess excellent communication skills in order to succeed. There are various benefits that go hand in hand with effective communication, such as:

·       Building a team

·       Making things clear

·       Managing diversity within the nursing sector

·       Dealing with problems

·       Surviving difficult situations

Knowledge of the Healthcare Environment

To succeed as a nurse executive, it’s crucial that you have a strong background and knowledge in healthcare economics, governance, clinical practice, and healthcare policy. Nurse executives must be familiar with the concepts of evidence-based practice, as well as know-how to make the right decisions based on research to provide excellent patient care.

Leadership

Nurses who are in an executive position need to show their authority and assertiveness with members of staff. If you are interested in making a difference and like to take charge, a nurse executive requires you to have excellent leadership skills. There are key benefits of effective leadership that you can gain from a nurse executive position, such as:

·       Improved productivity

·       Growth in confidence

·       Improved communication & listening skills

·       Ability to succeed under pressure

If you have the confidence and drive to motivate your team within the nursing sector, the leadership aspect of a nurse executive role may be of interest to you.

Business Skills

Apart from the management element, a nurse executive must be able to understand healthcare from a business point of view. There are various duties that a nurse executive is required to carry out that link with business, such as:

·       Managing financial resources

·       Hiring, training, and managing staff

·       Conducting SWOT analyses

·       Keeping pace with technological change

To flourish in a nurse executive role, you will need to not only be business savvy but have a strong knowledge of the healthcare sector. Understandably, those who have obtained a business degree alongside a DNP will have an added advantage. If you are interested in the business aspect of a nurse executive role, it’s important that you demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.

Professionalism

No matter who you encounter throughout your career as a nurse executive, you are expected to demonstrate a high standard of professionalism in your work. The job demands a sense of professional and personal accountability, as well as:

·       Setting professional standards for colleagues

·       Maintaining the team’s ethics

·       Coaching teams in developing their career plans

·       Adhering to corporate policies at all times

Working Environments

There are various healthcare environments that you can work in as a nurse executive. These include:

·       Hospitals

·       Home health agencies

·       Healthcare clinics

·       Rehabilitation centers

·       Schools of nursing

A well-qualified nurse executive will be able to find job opportunities in the healthcare settings listed above, so make sure that you research vacancies within your local area once you have completed your DNP degree.

Study a DNP Program

Now that you have a better understanding of the key traits and skills needed to work as a nurse executive, your next step should be to gain the relevant credentials. Look into DNP nursing leadership programs that can help take your career to the next level, giving you the necessary skills needed to flourish as a nurse executive. To ensure you’re qualified for the positions you are applying for, it’s crucial that you have a DNP degree at your disposal. Before you sign up for the course, make sure that you look at career outcomes, the modules you are expected to undertake, as well as course fees so you can be confident that you can financially afford to study.

Online Studying

With many nurses working longer hours than ever, finding the time to go back into education can be difficult. If you’re serious about becoming a nurse executive, there is the option to study online, rather than having to attend nursing school or a traditional educational facility. Studying online not only gives you flexibility but enables you to learn from the comfort of your own home.

Whether you have a family to look after, or a busy household to run, being able to learn as and when you please can reduce stress levels and help you feel more in control. There are lots of reasons why you should study online for your DNP, including:

·       Lower total costs

·       Gives you self-motivation

·       Teaches time management skills and self-discipline

If you are a nurse who is passionate about helping healthcare organizations flourish, a career as a nurse executive may be the best route for you to take. Before you can qualify, you will need to complete a DNP degree which can teach you the key skills and attributes needed to succeed in this position.