How To Become A Chief Nursing Officer – Forbes Advisor – Technologist

If you aspire to a chief nursing officer (CNO) position, you’ll need to follow a strategic path to meet the milestones required for this high-level role. Becoming a CNO involves advanced education, clinical experience, leadership skills and professional development. CNOs must also maintain their registered nurse (RN) licensure.

As a CNO, you’ll guide your organization toward improved patient care while managing the daily operations of the nursing department. You’ll also serve as your department’s spokesperson and advocate for patient care.

CNOs demonstrate a commitment to quality patient care, effective communication and adaptability in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Read on to learn how to become a chief nursing officer, including education, licensing, experience, certification and how long it takes.

What Is a Chief Nursing Officer?

A chief nursing officer serves as the top executive for nursing within a healthcare system. They are a part of the organization’s strategic decision-making and planning team. The CNO oversees all daily activities within the nursing department. They must also consider business needs such as managing the nursing budget and ensuring quality patient outcomes.

CNOs must have an active RN license, at least a bachelor’s degree, and several years of nursing and leadership experience, including experience in a mid-level administrative role. They also need to earn 30 hours of continuing education in nursing management every three years.

Key Responsibilities

A CNO does not typically interact with patients but still plays a vital role in ensuring they get high-quality care. Many of the CNO’s key responsibilities include:

• Directing nurses, supervising nurse managers and hiring new nurses
• Facilitating training opportunities
• Maintaining compliance with government regulations
• Overseeing administrative departments
• Developing strategies to improve patient care
• Upholding the organization’s mission, vision, values and goals
• Interacting with other healthcare professionals and community leaders
• Providing insight into the facility’s budget

Work Environment

While top executives work in many industries, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) cites hospitals, physician’s offices and nursing and rehabilitation facilities as the largest employers of medical and health services managers.

Healthcare team leaders work full time. They may work evenings and weekends or remain on call for emergencies.

Steps To Become a Chief Nursing Officer

Becoming a CNO takes preparation, dedication and a substantial time investment. CNOs demonstrate a willingness to lead, a clear vision for the future, an ability to make timely and strategic decisions, excellent communication skills, and a goal-oriented mindset.

Earn RN Licensure

Start by earning a nursing diploma from an accredited nursing program. You can become an RN by earning an associate degree in nursing (A.S.N.) or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (B.S.N.). However, you might start with a B.S.N. vs. A.S.N., since CNO roles typically require a higher degree.

Then, sit for and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®) to obtain your license.

Advance Your Education

Many CNOs have advanced degrees like a Master of Healthcare Administration or a Master of Science in nursing with a concentration in nursing administration or leadership in healthcare systems. CNOs may also earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Gain Experience

Next, work up to higher positions and start building experience as a leader and healthcare administrator. Before pursuing an executive nursing position, many CNOs complete several years of clinical experience and five or more years of managerial experience.

Consider An Advanced Certification

While not required, certification signifies your commitment to maintaining the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the role. The American Nurses Credentialing Center offers the board-certified nurse executive certification (NE – BC®). You can also pursue the Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP®) distinction through the American Organization for Nursing Leadership. We’ll discuss these in more detail later.

Chief Nursing Officer Salary and Job Outlook

Nursing is the largest healthcare profession in the U.S., employing nearly 5.2 million RNs. Still, the healthcare system faces a growing need for nurses and CNOs to manage them. According to the BLS, employment of medical and health services managers is expected to increase by 28%, or an average of 54,700 openings annually from 2022 to 2032.

Chief executives in healthcare made a median annual salary of $169,400 in May 2022, the BLS reports. The highest 10% of earners earned more than $239,000, while the lowest 10% earned less than $75,000.

Certifications for Chief Nursing Officers

Aspiring CNOs can pursue several certification options. While optional, obtaining a professional certification could enhance your career prospects, depending on the work environment.

The American Nurses Creditionaling Center’s NE – BC distinction requires 2,000 hours of leadership or management experience. The certification’s timed exam tests entry-level knowledge and skills related to a nursing unit, team, department or program. It costs $295 for American Nurses Association members and $395 for nonmembers. The credential lasts for five years.

Experienced nurse executives can pursue the CENP credential from the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL™). The exam covers leadership, communication and business skills. It costs $325 for members and $450 for nonmembers.

AONL also offers an midlevel option: the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML®) certification. The exam costs $300 for AONL members and $425 for nonmembers, and certification is valid for three years before renewal.

Certification exams require experience in nursing leadership or administration, so earning one of these titles demonstrates your expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Becoming a Chief Nursing Officer