Degree RequirementMSN or higher preferred
How Long To Become6 Years
How Much Do You Earn*$58,000-$148,500

What is a Nurse Executive?

Nurse executives play a pivotal role in medical care as they help carry out the mission of their healthcare organization. A nurse executive often holds the most senior nursing position in their place of employment and can even have a title such as Director of Nursing. To be a practical nurse executive, RNs must clearly and effectively communicate with their nursing staff to help provide the best patient care possible. Not only do nurse executives assume social responsibility for instilling change to improve the health of patients, families, and communities as a whole, but they also practice moral and ethical principles while doing so. Nurse executives are considered to be precious members of healthcare management.

In many ways, this high-level nursing role is similar to that of a Chief Nursing Officer, but there are some differences:

AspectChief Nursing Officer (CNO)Nurse Executive
RoleOversees nursing operations in a healthcare organizationLeadership role, may span multiple departments
ScopeFocused on nursing and patient careBroader organizational responsibilities
HierarchyTop nursing positionVaries, can report to CNO or senior leaders
ResponsibilitiesPatient care, staffing, budgeting, complianceStrategic planning, policy, overall operations
ReportingReports to CEO or COOReporting varies by organization
EducationAdvanced nursing degree (MSN, DNP)Advanced degree in nursing or healthcare administration
FocusNursing practices, patient safetyOrganizational strategy, financial management
Decision-MakingNursing-related policiesBroader organizational decisions
CertificationsNEA-BC (Nurse Executive Advanced)NE-BC (Nurse Executive)

How Do I Become a Nurse Executive?

A successful nurse executive requires a mix of advanced nursing knowledge and savvy business skills. A high-level nursing degree and sometimes even a business degree are typically needed to enter the role, along with substantial nursing experience. To be suited for this high-level position, nurses must have a passion for leadership, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and a knack for the business side of healthcare.

What Are the Schooling Requirements for Nurse Executives?

To become a professional nurse executive, one must complete a series of steps to be certified ultimately:

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

A nurse executive who manages and oversees an entire nursing staff in a healthcare environment must have advanced certification. While some degree programs may simultaneously prepare students for these certification exams, it is important to meet all accreditation standards, as there are a few exceptions. For instance, if one does not pursue a master’s degree, 30 hours of continuing education credits will be required.

As credentials make a world of difference when applying for nurse executive roles, the more credentials the RN has, the greater the employment opportunities. The American Nurses Credential Center (ANCC) offers two exams: The Nurse Executive and Nurse Executive-Advanced exams. In addition to the ANCC, the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) provides certification credentials that include Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) and Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML). Read more for further clarification on nurse executive certifications.

What Does a Nurse Executive Do?

Professional nurse executives must possess leadership qualities as they mentor their team. As this field is fast-paced and generally behind the scenes, one must be comfortable assuming a managerial role. Nurse executives promote creativity within a nursing team, demonstrate financial responsibility, provide continuing education courses, and encourage the staff to join national nursing organizations. The roles of nurse executives have expanded from simply focusing on nursing services to a broader overview of patient care within a healthcare system.

Where Do Nurse Executives Work?

Familiar places of employment for nurse executives include:

  • Hospitals
  • Healthcare organizations
  • Home health agencies
  • Nursing homes
  • Nursing schools
  • Consulting firms

What Are the Roles and Duties of a Nurse Executive?

Some of the duties tasked to nurse executives include:

  • Designing and managing patient care
  • Creating healthcare facility budgets
  • Effectively communicating diverse needs
  • Bearing the responsibility of financial accountability within healthcare organizations
  • Shaping policies related to health and nursing care
  • Overseeing the planning and development of policies and procedures for healthcare facilities
  • Collaborating with interdisciplinary health professionals
  • Advocating for patients and staff
  • Developing networks of quality care and wellness

Read more in our Expert Guide to Nursing Leadership

Nurse Executive Salary & Employment

With healthcare constantly evolving, nurse executives must raise awareness and seek new ways to provide services for today and the foreseeable future. With this in mind, the duties of a professional nurse executive will only continue to expand as these nurses assume responsibility for instilling change in healthcare organizations. Nurse executives must continue to learn how to grow to succeed at their jobs by being flexible yet innovative. With advanced nursing jobs increasingly in demand, the overall employment for this type of role remains high.

Certified nurse executives can earn an annual salary of anywhere from $58,000 to over $148,500. Location, place of employment, education level, experience, and many other factors will determine the exact salary.

Average Annual Salary
Lowest 25% of Earners$58,000
Median$93,552
Top 25% or Earners$120,500
Top Earners$148,500

Helpful Organizations, Societies & Agencies

*Salary data is taken from BLS