Career Advancement Options for Nurse Practitioners
Nurse practitioners are healthcare providers who have attained a master's degree or higher in the nursing field, and who often serve as the primary care contact for a specific group of people, such as adults, geriatric patients, or children. With their advanced nursing education, nurse practitioners are well established to pursue advancement in healthcare and education fields. Three career options include director of nursing services, chief nursing officer, and postsecondary nursing instructor. Details on the requirements and responsibilities for each of these fields can be found below.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (2016-26)* | Qualifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Director of Nursing | $89,090 (2019)** | 20% (medical and health service managers) | Bachelor's or master's in nursing, active state RN license, management experience |
| Chief Nursing Officer | $127,308 (2019)** | 20% (medical and health service managers) | Bachelor's or master's in nursing, active state RN license, management experience |
| Postsecondary Nursing Instructor | $73,490 (2018)* | 24% | Master's in nursing or DNP (or equivalent), active state RN license, CTE certification |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), **PayScale.com
Career Information
Director of Nursing
The director of nursing is responsible for recruitment, training, and scheduling of a nursing team as well as other healthcare professionals and office staff. Managing budgets and clinical records are also important job functions for a director of nursing, as is overseeing healthcare law compliance. Strong communication, effective delegation, and an orientation toward details are necessary skills for nurse practitioners wanting to move into director of nursing positions.
Chief Nursing Officer
Nurse practitioners comfortable working in a hospital environment may consider the role of chief nursing officer (CNO). A CNO is responsible for managing a hospital nursing team, ensuring that hospital policies are followed, improving patient care, and monitoring supplies. Budgeting, equipment purchases, nurse training, and emergency planning also fall under the scope of a CNO's responsibilities. A nurse practitioner's master's degree-level education, coupled with managerial experience, are important qualifications for this role.
Postsecondary Nursing Instructor
A college or university nursing instructor teaches students about patient care in both classroom and clinical settings. The postsecondary education field provides a variety of employment opportunities for experienced nurse practitioners, from part-time (adjunct) roles to full-time faculty positions, teaching on-campus courses or providing online instruction. Some full-time faculty teaching positions require research and publication, while others focus entirely on teaching. Educational requirements for these positions vary; a master's in nursing may be satisfactory for some colleges, while larger universities often seek out experienced nurse practitioners with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or equivalent terminal degree, as well as certified nurse educator (CTE) certification. Previous teaching experience is also an advantage.
