Chief Nursing Officer – $196,382
Want to work at the top? The chief nursing officer (CNO) is the highest-ranking administrative nurse in a hospital. Along with the high salary, however, comes a high level of responsibility and long work hours. As a member of the executive team, the CNO provides leadership and direction for the development of strategies to promote the recruitment and retention of nurses in the organization. The CNO also serves as the spokesperson for nurses.
This role requires a business background and a broad knowledge of the health care system. A master’s degree in nursing is essential, and a doctorate degree is recommended if you want to work in a university-based hospital.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist – $164,995
As a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), you not only earn high pay but also have a high degree of autonomy. CRNAs administer anesthesia and monitor patients during and after surgical procedures. They may work in hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers or offices of dentists, podiatrists, plastic surgeons and pain management specialists.
CRNAs work with minimal supervision by anesthesiologists, and some choose to work independently for a number of facilities. To become a CRNA, you need to be a registered nurse with at least one year of experience in an acute care setting, complete a master’s degree in nurse anesthesia and pass the national certification exam.
Nursing Director – $131,058
If you’re a registered nurse who aspires to a more administrative role, you might be interested in becoming a nursing director.
This position is also a stepping-stone to becoming chief nursing officer. Nursing directors typically oversee several departments and work in hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities.
Job responsibilities are a combination of supervising nursing staff, managing patient care and performing administrative tasks such as budgeting. A nursing director should enjoy working with people because they frequently interact with doctors, administrators, nurses, patients and their families. Most hospitals require nursing directors to be registered nurses with a master’s degree.
Nursing Education Director – $110,968
Directors of nursing education are usually nurse educators who move up the ranks to leadership. The role includes directing and coordinating curriculum development and overseeing the training staff. A nursing education director conducts needs analyses, evaluates the performance of training programs and ensures training meets regulatory requirements.
You’ll need to be a registered nurse with five to 10 years’ experience and a
master’s degree in nursing education, although some employers prefer a doctorate degree. This position typically reports to senior management.
Nurse Manager – $96,734
Sometimes referred to as a head nurse or nursing supervisor, a nurse manager is in charge of a particular clinical department. The most common workplaces are hospitals, ambulatory care centers and long-term care centers. Nurse managers are responsible for recruiting, overseeing and retaining nursing staff, interacting with doctors on matters regarding patient care and assisting patients and families as needed. The ideal candidate is someone who is responsible, influential and remains calm under pressure.
Salaries are higher for nurse managers in ambulatory care facilities, averaging $121,186 annually. Wages also vary depending on the hospital department.
- ICU: $101,059
- Operating room: $95,661
- Critical care: $94,786
- Emergency room: $92,957
- Obstetrics: $92,280
Nurse Practitioner – $96,734
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has completed advanced education and clinical training.
An NP performs physical examinations, diagnoses and treats common illnesses and injuries, coordinates referrals, provides immunizations and manages chronic health problems. They are able to prescribe medications in all 50 states. A master’s of science in nursing (MSN) degree is required, and there is a growing movement in the U.S. to require nurse practitioners to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
An NP may work in a variety of health care settings, including clinics, family doctor’s offices and urban community health centers. Salaries vary according to subspecialty.
- Neonatal NPs: $107,136
- Psychiatric NPs: $102,000
- Oncology NPs: $100,588
- Pediatric NPs: $97,000
- Family NPs: $94,320
