By pursuing a career in nursing, you’ve already shown a commitment to delivering quality healthcare and a dedication to patient safety. If you’re ready to expand your sphere of influence and inspire others to achieve excellence, you may want to consider the role of chief nursing officer (CNO).
As nurse leaders, CNOs are usually the most senior nursing professional in their workplace. Often, CNOs manage healthcare facilities, medical offices, or departments of all sizes and kinds. A CNO’s job functions are similar to those of top executives in other industries in that they usually serve as part of the senior executive leadership team. Nurse managers may be in charge of drafting organizational policies, strategic planning, budgeting, supervising a team of direct reports, and a host of other high-level duties. Whether CNOs lead sprawling healthcare facilities or moderately sized medical offices, they must use well-developed leadership, business, and communication skills. They must draw on deep experience and knowledge and adhere to the highest professional standards.
Simply put, CNOs are leaders.
What Will I Do as a CNO?
A CNO’s roles and duties vary, which is an attribute that goes into the “pro” column for many nurse managers interested in advancing professionally. According to the American Nurses Association, some of the responsibilities you can expect as a CNO include:1
- Strategy development
- High-level decision-making
- Financial forecasting
- Budget accountability
- Quality
- Safety
- Staff and patient engagement
How Can I Become a CNO?
The path many RNs take to top leadership positions includes a master’s degree in nursing, the academic credential most employers prefer or require. Many healthcare organizations also require several years of nursing management experience.
As you explore nursing school options, look for an online MSN program that’s accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The best master’s in nursing programs offer a nurse executive specialization to help sharpen your skills and expand your knowledge to prepare you to lead at the highest levels in healthcare.
A leadership in nursing focus may include courses in finance and economics, human resources, and strategic planning, along with core classes on improving care, technology, research, leadership, and much more.
The best online nursing schools offer degree programs customized to the educational level you’ve already achieved, to deliver the most efficient and cost-effective experience. Registered nurses with a BS in nursing may choose a BSN to MSN track. If you hold a hospital diploma, an associate degree in nursing, or a bachelor’s degree other than a BSN, look for an RN to MSN online track. Select universities also offer their MSN program in both course-based and competency-based formats to suit different learning styles.
When Can I Get Started on My Degree?
Walden University is a top granter of nursing master’s degrees in the U.S. Walden’s innovative online MSN program offers rolling start dates so you can design the timeline that’s right for you. Your MSN degree program is at your fingertips in a flexible, online learning platform that travels with you.
The healthcare industry is looking for gifted nurse leaders. If that’s your passion, heed the call and become a CNO who improves the delivery and quality of patient care and inspires staffs to excellence. Get started with an MSN degree today and let the skills and knowledge you gain help propel you to a top leadership position.
Walden University is an accredited institution offering a Master of Science in Nursing degree program online featuring eight specializations as well as course-based and competency-based formats. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.
1Source: www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/nursing-leadership/chief-nursing-officer
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Walden University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is designed to provide the academic degree required to apply for national certifications. Because no graduate program can guarantee that graduates will achieve national certification, we encourage students to consult the appropriate credentialing center for the specific requirements. It is an individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to national certification as requirements vary widely. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain national certification. For more information about certification programs, students should contact the American Nurses Credentialing Center at www.nursingworld.org/ancc, or other certification websites.
Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.