Nursing Administration Programs
Nursing Administration Practitioner Programs & Their Role in Nursing
A nursing administrator is a registered nurse with an advanced education in both nursing and administration. Nursing administrators typically have a lot of different responsibilities. Most nursing administrators work to deliver high quality care to patients by coordinating and managing a team of nurses. Some nursing administrators manage only a small team of nurses, while others may be responsible for an entire department. To become a nursing administrator, you must complete nurse administrator training and obtain the relevant certification.
About Nursing Administration Programs
Nurses who complete nursing administration programs are typically individuals who want to become leaders within their fields. Nursing administrators are comfortable working in hands-on situations with patients, but they are also capable of making executive decisions. Nursing administration programs prepare nurses to work with patients, as well as to supervise other nurses and organize the activity of the team. These programs also prepare nurses for the statistical analysis that is often required to make good leadership decisions.
In most cases, students begin nurse administrator training after they have already obtained licensure as a registered nurse and a four-year undergraduate degree. The program awards a master’s degree, so it typically takes around two years to complete if you attend courses on a full-time schedule. Part-time students may require more time to finish their degrees. At the end of the program, graduates can obtain certification by sitting for an exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Organization of Nurse Executives. There are different licensure tests a nurse may take depending on his or her ultimate career goals.
Many students complete a nursing administration program in a classroom-based setting. However, online nurse administration programs are also available. The goals and curriculum of online nurse administration programs are similar to those of a traditional program, but the schedule is typically more flexible. Students with a lot of other obligations may benefit from online nurse administration programs because they can work from home when they have time. However, online nurse administration programs may still require students to participate in internship or observation experiences in order to complete the program.
Typical Curriculum in Nurse Administrator Training
During a typical nursing administration program, you will take a combination of advanced courses in both nursing and administration. Most programs include biostatistics courses, which teach you to interpret data and make conclusions. You may also take courses in clinical reasoning, as well as current health care policies. Several courses during the program will focus on management and leadership in healthcare organizations. Finally, you will also spend time observing the careers of current healthcare administrators.
Benefits of a Nursing Administration Degree
When you earn a nursing administration degree and certification, employers will be more likely to hire you for leadership positions in the nursing field. Nursing administrators can work with patients just like any other nurse practitioner, but they can also manage teams of nurses and make important policy decisions within a department or team. Nursing administration programs prepare students for these roles by ensuring that they have the skills necessary to interact with patients and work with other nurses in a position of leadership.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
Nurses that graduate with a degree in nursing administration can obtain certification and work in a variety of different careers in the healthcare field. Most nursing administrators work in larger hospitals where there are a lot of other nurses. However, they may also work in private practices, clinics, or nursing home facilities. A nursing administrator may be responsible for a team of only one or two other nurses, a larger team of more than two nurses, or all of the nurses within a given department of a hospital. Most certified nurse administrators begin their careers in a lower management role and work their way up to managing larger numbers of nurses.
Professional Organizations for Nursing Administrators
Professional organizations allow nursing administrators to connect with other individuals in the field, learn new techniques, and stay on top of the latest developments within the industry. The primary organization nursing administrators join is the American Organization of Nurse Executives. This organization provides nursing administrators with leadership, fellowship, and resources for professional development. Membership in this organization is open to all nurse administrators, but it does require a membership fee.
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