How Do You Become a Director of Nursing?
Life is about improving and growing. Having earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and practiced for several years, you have the chance to push your limits. In this case, it could be beneficial to consider earning a master’s in nursing.
If you have your sights set on becoming the Director of Nursing in a healthcare setting, you have your work cut out for you. But with the right education, further training, and some quick thinking, you could work towards your goal. It’s important to note that one factor will not get you there alone, you have to be willing to combine education, experience, and willingness to learn to help you along your way.
How to Become a Director of Nursing
Nursing directors in successful healthcare institutions have the chance to make a significant difference in the lives of many people. In using great leadership skills, the directors will have a positive impact on colleagues, patients, and their families. But how do you become a director of nursing?
As mentioned, the healthcare environment is always changing. This inevitable change clearly calls for continued education in nursing. To advance your nursing studies with aim of becoming a director of nursing with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Which is even a better fit if the degree focuses in Health Systems Leadership. This concentration is exactly what you would benefit from if you goal to is to be a director of nursing.
It is important to highlight the fact that leadership and management positions in the health sector are growing at an impressive rate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services manager, are bound to grow 17 percent between the period of 2014 and 2024.
What Do You Need to Learn to Become a Director of Nursing?
Provided you have all the educational qualifications required, a concentration in Health Systems Leadership is the best way for laying the appropriate groundwork towards achieving success as a leader in your nursing organization. The concentration will entail the application of theoretical ideas in different aspects of leadership. The following points could be lessons and skills taught in your graduate program:
- Systems management
- Policy and politics of healthcare
- Health technology
- Finance to case studies
- Role-plays
- Statistics
After earning a MSN degree, you will have the opportunity to explore different options. That is, from being a qualified nurse with just a bachelor’s degree, your new qualification could allow you to be a Patient Safety Director, Nurse Manager, Quality Improvement Director, or Nurse Director.
Educational Background
At this point, it is clear that before considering advancing your education in nursing, you would need a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. Rightfully so, the degree program must have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). At the same time, the institution from which you earned the degree should be in the list of recognized institutions by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
If you are just starting your bachelor’s degree and you plan to advance your education with a focus on leadership, then there are specific coursework areas you should focus on. During your undergraduate coursework, be sure to concentrate on material that deal with research, statistics, computer applications, and health assessment. Performing well in these areas and getting an undergraduate cumulative grade point of at least a 2.5 on a scale of 4.0 will help you successfully register for a MSN degree with a focus on Health Systems Leadership.
Skills of a Successful Director of Nursing
Just like in other professions, nurse leaders should possess skills to succeed in their leadership roles. Such skills and qualities are important especially in handling the many challenges that come with being a leader in a nursing institution. The skills include:
- Ability to manage conflicts
- Outstanding communication skills
- Excellent data analysis for evidence-based practice
- Proper financial management
- Great interpersonal skills for relationship building
Are you interested in a career as a Director of Nursing? If you’re interested in earning your Master of Science in Nursing, consider ECPI University for your educational needs. Offering a concentration in Health Systems Leadership, further education could be what you need to reach your goals. For more information, contact a helpful admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Master of Science in Nursing
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