What is an Administrative Nurse?

WHAT IS AN ADMINISTRATIVE NURSE

An administrative nurse focuses on developing the skills and training of medical staff in healthcare facilities.

As a result, these healthcare professionals take on a more direct managerial role.

Because of their administrative role, these nurses must possess excellent communication, management, and critical thinking skills.

They must also be outgoing, leadership and team-oriented, well-organized, and excellent trainers.

What Do Administrative Nurses Do?

Administrative nurses have numerous responsibilities related to education, training, and management.

It includes developing nurse training programs, interviewing and hiring nursing staff, and managing department budgets.

Administrative nurses also perform research and analysis to maximize patient healthcare and nurse performance.

Finally, they conduct employee and department reviews to ensure they follow proper procedures.

Administrative nurses may perform various other duties depending on their employer and department.

Ultimately, an administrative nurse’s duties and roles change to meet the healthcare facility’s needs.

It enables the facility to maximize its performance and patient care while minimizing costs and time.

Administrative Nurse Duties:

  • Recruit, employ, and train nursing staff
  • Address staff complaints
  • Manage department budgets and reporting
  • Attend management meetings
  • Plan nursing schedules
  • Develop educational programs
  • Determine medical equipment purchases
  • Conduct performance evaluations
  • Develop and implement hospital policies

Where Do Administrative Nurses Work?

Administrative nurses work in various healthcare departments and institutions, requiring management and employee support.

It includes hospitals, physician offices, rehabilitation clinics, geriatric centers, NICU units, and emergency rooms.

They also operate in other medical facilities and departments, needing administration and employee assistance.

Administrative Nurse Settings:

  • Hospitals
  • Physician offices
  • Rehabilitation clinics
  • Geriatric centers
  • NICU units
  • Emergencies rooms

Administrative nurses may work on the floor, training nursing staff and managing patient care more directly.

Other administrative nurses work primarily in desk positions and don’t spend much time in direct care.

In this case, these specialists typically manage paperwork and perform medical-related duties behind the scenes rather than directly with other nurses.

Administrative Nurse Salary

Those who work in administrative roles can expect to earn an above-average salary.

Administrative nurses earn roughly $110,812 annually in the United States.

However, their income varies depending on their experience level, training, work setting, location, and negotiated salary.

Work location is one of the most significant factors influencing an administrative nurse’s salary.

In some states, nurses earn tens of thousands more annually to accommodate their cost of living and demand.

In addition to earning an above-average wage, administrative nurses may receive other perks and benefits.

It includes extended paid vacations, bonuses, and increased 401k contributions.

Nevertheless, it’s important to note that some nurses earn more than administrative nurses.

Registered nurses may receive over time, operate in high-demand locations, and accept special assignments.

It enables them to earn six-figure salaries and make a reasonably high income.

Career Outlook

Administrative nursing is a continually expanding field, and job growth will increase over the next decade.

As a result, there will be more opportunities for increased wages, more employee benefits, and better job security.

Some administrative nurses make better money than general registered nurses.

However, they have more managerial duties and are accountable for high-level tasks like hiring and managing budgets.

As a result, nurses need to weigh the pros and cons of this position.

Understanding the roles of administrative nurses is vital to determine whether it’s worth the pay and career change.

Benefits of Administrative Nursing

There are numerous benefits to administrative nursing.

For instance, administrative nurses typically work in a non-direct care role.

It enables them to focus entirely on administrative duties by reducing the stressful activities of patient-facing work.

Administrative nurses also have numerous opportunities to influence hospital policies and workplace practices.

Their high-level roles allow them to manage budgets, assist with employee training, and improve hospital flow.

How To Become An Administrative Nurse

Aspiring administrative nurses must complete numerous steps to obtain careers in this discipline.

It includes joining a nursing school, obtaining a BSN, passing the NCLEX, acquiring experience, finishing postgraduate education, and getting certified.

The following sections provide helpful information on each phase of the administrative nursing process. 

1. Join a Nursing School

The first step to becoming an administrative nurse is to join a nursing program.

Students must complete multiple prerequisite courses to gain entry into nursing school.

They must also maintain an acceptable GPA based on the nursing school’s requirements.

It takes approximately 1 – 2 years to complete the necessary prerequisites based on the student’s prior education.

Nursing school can be challenging to enter due to limited seating and intense competition.

As a result, many aspiring nursing students apply to multiple nursing schools to maximize their acceptance odds.

2. Obtain a BSN Degree

After finishing the prerequisites and gaining admission into nursing school, students can pursue an ADN or BSN degree.

The ADN degree takes about 18 – 24 months to complete and provides fast entry into the nursing profession.

As a result, some students pursue the ADN to become registered nurses and gain experience quickly.

It also enables them to earn a living while pursuing their BSN.

The BSN degree takes roughly 36 – 38 months to complete and provides a more comprehensive nursing education.

It is also required for students who want to become administrative nurses or specialize in specific nursing occupations.

Those who obtain an ADN and licensure can take online schooling to acquire their BSN while working as registered nurses.

3. Pass the NCLEX-RN

Successful nursing school graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

Completing the NCLEX-RN exam enables nursing students to become licensed registered nurses.

As a result, this examination is necessary for students to operate in the healthcare field and obtain specific careers.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing sets the exam to ensure graduates have proper training and education.

4. Gain Work Experience

After obtaining a degree and passing the NCLEX-RN, registered nurses must gain career experience.

Most nurses spend several years learning the ins and outs of their domain before returning to nursing school to earn their MSN.

Acquiring experience enables them to understand the roles of various specializations and how healthcare facilities operate.

While developing experience, applying for an entry-level administrative job is beneficial.

Not all registered nurses can obtain an administrative position, but it can help those who find suitable work.

Entry-level administrative jobs allow registered nurses to handle low-level tasks in a limited capacity.

It also helps prepare them for returning to school to earn their MSN degree and specialize in administrative nursing.

5. Earn an MSN Degree

Most administrative positions require an MSN degree due to management and budgeting responsibilities.

As a result, most nurses return to school to earn their MSN degrees.

Facilities hiring administrative nurses may accept registered nurses with a BSN and master’s in business or management.

The MSN program lasts approximately two to three years and teaches nurses the ins and outs of administrative work.

It takes roughly six to eight years of education and training to develop the skills to become an administrative nurse.

6. Consider Nurse Administrator Certification

Most administrative nurses do not need additional certification beyond their MSN degree.

Nevertheless, many employers prefer administrative nurse certifications to ensure they’ve received adequate training.

Numerous organizations offer nurse administrative credentials.

However, the most well-known include the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE).

The ANCC offers executive nurse credentials and Nurse Executive Advanced Certification.

The AONE offers certification in Executive Nursing Practice.

5 Steps to Become an Administrative Nurse:

  1. Obtain a BSN nursing degree
  2. Gain work experience
  3. Earn an MSN degree
  4. Consider nurse administrator certification
  5. Apply for administrative nurse jobs