How to become a nursing administrator

What does a nurse administrator do?

A Nursing Administrator, also known as a Nursing Manager, is a healthcare professional who is responsible for overseeing and coordinating various aspects of patient care to ensure the well-being of their patients. 

As you embark on your journey to become a nursing administrator, it's essential to understand the full scope of responsibilities and the key elements that define the role, which we delve into in more detail in this blog on ‘What does a nursing administrator do?’ 

At Discovery Behavioral Health, we are looking for nursing administrators who exemplify exceptional leadership, possess a strong commitment to patient care, and have the ability to coordinate with various healthcare professionals. 

Learn more about what education, requirements, and skills are needed to be considered for this role, and how long it takes to become a nursing administrator.

What education does a nursing administrator need? 

Pursuing a career as a nursing administrator requires a growth mindset as this role requires continuous learning, even after you have successfully secured a position. 

We recognize the importance of well-qualified healthcare leaders, including Nursing Administrators. Our commitment to providing the highest standard of care for our clients is reflected in our team's expertise and dedication. 

Here are some of the mandatory and optional requirements needed for this role: 

Mandatory requirements: 

• Bachelor's Degree: To start, you'll need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This typically takes about four years of full-time study.
• Registered Nurse (RN) License: After earning your BSN, you'll need to become a licensed RN. This usually requires passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
• Work Experience: Gain experience as a registered nurse. The amount of experience required can vary but is often at least a few years.

Optional/preferred: 

• Advanced Degree (Optional): While not always mandatory, many Nursing Administrators pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a related advanced degree. An MSN program can take an additional 1-2 years of full-time study.
• Certifications (Optional): Nursing administrators may choose to obtain certifications, which can involve several months of preparation and examination, for example, the Nurse Executive Board certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

How long does it take to become a nursing administrator? 

The journey to becoming a nursing administrator is one that requires dedication. The time it takes to qualify can vary based on the level of education and experience you would like to gather and pursue but also based on individual circumstances. For example, if you are studying part-time as opposed to full-time. 

However, on average, you can expect this professional development journey to take about 6 to 8 years. Before progressing to a nursing administrator position, professionals usually dedicate 2 to 5 years as a registered nurse.

Whilst this process is a lengthy one, the ultimate destination is a career that offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the world of healthcare. It is a path worth pursuing if you have a real passion for nursing and aspire to take on a leadership role. 

Nurse administrator skills 

Nurse administrators require a diverse skill set to effectively oversee healthcare operations and lead nursing teams. Key skills include:

• Leadership - ability to inspire and motivate teams, set clear goals, and provide guidance.
• Organizational management - proficiency in managing budgets, staffing, and resources to optimize healthcare delivery.
• Communication - strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with staff, patients, and stakeholders effectively.
• Problem-solving - capacity to address complex issues and make informed decisions under pressure.
• Regulatory compliance - knowledge of healthcare regulations and policies to ensure adherence and quality care.
• Strategic Planning - skill in developing and implementing strategies to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

Is nursing administration a good job? 

If you are looking for an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of those struggling with behavioral health issues, a career as a nursing administrator at Discovery can be both rewarding and fulfilling. 

As an essential leader in our organization, you'll be part of a dedicated team that values excellence in patient care, continuous learning, and personal growth. 

Take the next step in your career and apply to our Nursing Administration vacancies today. 

FAQs on nursing administration jobs 

What is the difference between a Nurse Manager and a Nurse Administrator?

Nurse Manager:

• Focuses on managing nursing units or departments.
• Responsible for daily operations, staff supervision, and patient care delivery.
• Reports to nurse administrators or higher-level management.

Nurse Administrator:

• Oversees entire nursing departments or healthcare facilities.
• Manages budgets, policies, staffing, and strategic planning.
• Has broader responsibilities in healthcare management and administration.

Can you become a Nurse Administrator with no experience?

While direct entry into a nurse administrator role without any prior healthcare or administrative experience is rare, it's possible to progress into this position through a combination of education, experience, and professional development. Typically, nurse administrators have several years of clinical experience and leadership roles before transitioning into administrative positions.

What environment does a nurse administrator work In?

Nurse administrators work in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, and healthcare organizations. They oversee nursing departments or entire facilities, ensuring efficient operations, high-quality patient care, and compliance with healthcare standards and regulations.