While many factors go into a successful healthcare operation, few have as much of an impact as the performance of the nursing staff. Nursing leaders provide guidance and oversight in managing critical nursing services. Their work directly impacts achieving better patient outcomes and improving the quality of work done by their fellow caregivers.
Hospitals and health systems increasingly see the value in nursing leaders who focus on improving patient safety and outcomes. Nurse leaders also implement quality initiatives within healthcare organizations like hospitals, clinics, and physician’s offices. The increased focus on leadership is one reason that management ranks as one of the fastest-growing areas in the healthcare industry.
Nursing leadership is a complex and demanding job that requires specialized education and years of experience. Many working nurses start their journey into leadership by earning an MSN in Nursing Leadership program designed to prepare nurses for nonclinical leadership roles.
The Importance of Nursing Leadership
Nurses enter an MSN Leadership program because they are motivated to take a central role improving high-quality care. Nursing leaders demonstrated their importance during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, nursing leaders across Texas and the country had to implement new workflows and care models, most involving the use of technology (such as telemedicine).
Because they focus on developing the best methods for care and improving current systems, leaders are essential “to advocate and influence exceptional care delivery in Texas,” according to the Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership (TONL). Doing so requires proper education and commitment to keeping abreast of the latest innovations in their field.
Job Opportunities with an MSN Leadership
Nursing leaders are needed at every healthcare operation where nurses work. A nurse earning a Master of Science in Nursing prepares them for high-level leadership positions at care facilities, including hospitals, physician offices, community clinics, outpatient surgery centers, and adult-care homes. Potential job titles include:
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Nurse Manager
- Nurse Administrator
- Director of Nursing
- Healthcare Administrator
- Healthcare Consultant
- Healthcare Manager
- Program Director
Also, an aging nursing workforce has increased the number of job openings for nursing leaders. Overall, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 32 percent increase in healthcare managers by 2030. The median pay for medical and health service managers reached $101,340 in May 2021.
With their clinical and leadership skills, nursing leaders also make excellent nurse entrepreneur candidates. As self-self-employed nurses, they launch businesses like nurse staffing agencies, home healthcare services, professional consulting, and medical device sales.
Houston Christian University’s MSN in Leadership
The online MSN in Nursing Leadership from Houston Christian University gives nurses the flexibility to boost their careers with a graduate degree while maintaining their current job. Nurses in the program learn the skills and knowledge needed to take the next step in their careers.
The program prepares nurses for the Nurse Executive Board Certification. Most students complete the 35-credit program in 24 months. The program includes practicum and role immersion experiences that HCU sets up at healthcare facilities near where the student lives.
The online program features a no-fee application. Applicants to the program must have current RN licensure from anywhere in the United States.
An MSN Leadership program offers nurses the chance to excel in a complex, demanding role. It’s a rewarding career path for professional nurses ready to lead their fellow nurses and create higher-quality patient outcomes.