The role of director of nursing has been growing in importance as hospitals and health care facilities look to streamline their operations and improve efficiency. The director of nursing is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the medical staff’s work, as well as managing the budget and making sure that the facility is functioning properly.
The first step to becoming an RN director is to get your master’s degree in nursing. This will give you the basic knowledge base required to run a hospital or clinic effectively. You need at least two years’ experience working as an RN before you can expect to be considered for a director position, and many companies require even more experience than that. If you want to become an RN director, it’s important that you are prepared for a long educational process that may include multiple degrees, certification tests and continuing education courses throughout your career; however, once you’re hired by a company it will consider paying for these costs on your behalf through salary bonuses or other benefits packages they offer employees who have achieved higher educational levels during their time with them.
Becoming a director of nursing is a big step in your career. The role requires you to be an expert on all things related to nursing, as well as being able to manage people and resources at the same time. It’s a job that requires an incredible amount of patience, positivity, and dedication.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a director of nursing. You’ll learn how to prepare yourself for the role, how to find the right position for your career goals and personal needs, how to interview successfully for jobs in this field, and more!
How To Become Director Of Nursing
Nursing as a profession typically involves attending to patients in a health care setting. However, for those wishing to advance their careers or transition out of day-to-day patient care, they might pursue a position as director of nursing.
What is a Director of Nursing?
A director of nursing, otherwise known as a nurse director, is a registered nurse who leads the administrative work of an organization in the health sector.
Nurses in this field combine their clinical experience, education, and managerial skills to ensure the smooth running of a health care organization. They may also guide the cadence of the nursing department and determine the structure and standard of nursing care.
Director of Nursing Responsibilities
The following are some of the core responsibilities of a nursing director:
- Direct all administrative work in the nursing department, including formulating and implementing new policies and procedures
- Ensuring full compliance of their organization with all local, state, and federal regulations
- Lead hiring and other employee development, including training
- Plan and establish long-term goals for the nursing department
- Keep a record of all the activities in the nursing department
- Demonstrate excellent skills in leadership and development
- Conduct business plans and budgets for the nursing department
How to become a Director of Nursing
To become a director of nursing, there are some core requirements you must first meet.
Complete a Bachelor of Nursing or Associate Degree in Nursing Program
The first step to becoming a director of nursing is to enroll in an undergraduate nursing program. This will begin your path to licensure and allow you to pursue further graduate education.
Aspiring nursing directors must attend a nursing school or institution that offers either a bachelor of science in nursing or associate degree in nursing.
These programs set a foundation in the knowledge and application of nursing theory, research skills, and more—all in the context of a wide range of health care settings.
Take the NCLEX-RN Exam and Achieve Licensure
After completing your undergraduate degree, the next step in becoming a director of nursing is to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
The NCLEX-RN exam, organized by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, tests your knowledge and competencies in the nursing field and establishes your eligibility as a registered nurse (RN).
After passing the NCLEX, graduates are able to obtain state licensure as a nurse. For more information about nursing licensure state-by-state, head to this blog.
Apply for a Master of Science in Nursing Program
Aspiring nursing directors are expected to achieve a graduate degree in nursing before entering higher administrative roles. Programs like The Chicago School’s Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Leadership Administration degree specifically prepare students to become leaders in the field of nursing.REQUEST INFO
Obtain Certification
In addition to becoming a registered nurse through the NCLEX exam, aspiring nurse leaders should also achieve certification specific to higher-level nursing roles. These include certifications such as:
- The ANCC Nurse Executive Certification Examination
- The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) Nurse Manager and Leader and Executive Nursing Practice certifications
After achieving a graduate degree in nursing and passing relevant state licensure and certification exams, you are qualified for leadership positions.
Enroll in a Doctoral Nursing Program
Although this is not a necessary requirement, a doctorate in nursing further qualifies you and ensures career development and growth opportunities for aspiring nursing directors.
Nurses with this degree are leaders in the health care world and are given active roles in shaping the future of the health care system.
Management and Leadership in Nursing
Nursing leaders will always be in demand and require a host of knowledge, experience, and unique skill sets. Great nursing directors and leaders do not only ensure the smooth running of the nursing unit but also work to provide the best outcome for their patients.
For a more in-depth look at the leadership styles and careers in nursing, read our article on the role of leadership in nursing.
On your path to becoming a director of nursing, consider The Chicago School’s Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Leadership Administration program.
Stay up to date on education trends and career development with our digital magazine, INSIGHT.
