The opportunity for those RNs considering a nursing leadership and management career path is growing rapidly. A study done by Hader, Saver, and Steltzer found that "55% of nursing leaders plan to retire between 2011 and 2020. These retirements will come at a time when effective nursing leadership will be in critical demand." If you have aspirations of moving up the corporate ladder in nursing to a leadership or management position, your dreams could come true provided you have the right experience and education.
How Can You Advance in Nursing?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Most RNs begin as staff nurses in hospitals and, with experience and good performance, often move to other settings or are promoted to positions with more responsibility. In management, nurses can advance from assistant unit manager or head nurse to more senior-level administrative roles of assistant director, director, vice president, or chief of nursing. Increasingly, management-level nursing positions require a graduate or an advanced degree in nursing or health services administration." In general, RNs with at least a bachelor's degree have better job opportunities than their colleagues who don't have a bachelor's. Earning a bachelor's in nursing degree from a respected, accredited university is a critical step as you pursue a nursing leadership and management career path.
What's Next For Tomorrow's Nursing Leaders and Managers?
"Education, mentoring programs, better incentives, modeling and replacing ourselves really is the responsibility of leadership," asserts Anne Evans, CNO of Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. The next generation of leaders and managers will not only need great mentors, but they'll also need excellent education. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that, "bachelor's degree programs offer more clinical experience in nonhospital settings. A bachelor's or higher degree is often necessary for administrative positions, research, consulting and teaching." For higher level positions, a master's degree or higher may be necessary as well.
JU's Online Nursing Education Program
Individuals considering a career in nursing leadership and/or management should pursue higher education from a world-class, accredited university like Jacksonville University (JU). With JU's online RN to BSN degree program you'll expand on your knowledge and improve your leadership, management, critical thinking and assessment skills. For example, the Leadership & Management in Professional Practice course covers theories and concepts related to leadership and management skills and how they are applied to the role of the professional nurse in a continuously changing healthcare environment. Working with the best and brightest minds in the country as you earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing online from U.S. News & World Report-ranked Jacksonville University, you'll experience the kind of education that can truly transform your nursing career.
Why wait to take the next step? Follow your dreams, and pursue your nursing leadership and management career path with Jacksonville University's online RN to BSN degree program!
