CNO/CEO???

IMO, it's highly unlikely that you would be hired into an executive leadership role without any middle management experience. In order to be a viable candidate, they will want to see demonstrated success in progressively responsible leadership roles. The degree on its own will not cut it.

On the other hand, you're a guy, so it's possible that all bets are off (it's been my experience that, even in the predominantly female profession of nursing, being a man offers more opportunities for advancement into leadership roles).

OP: I agree with Klone. In reality and based on a merit-based system, the answer to your question is NO! You will need to go from entry-level management, which is where you are at now, to a middle management position followed by a senior leadership position prior to ever seeking or receiving an executive level position. On the other hand, if you know the right people (and those people like you) convention can be thrown out the door!

In fact, I know a person who went from Staff RN (he was a staff RN for 3 years bedside and in the company for 6 months) before being promoted to an entry-level management position. He quickly moved to a Middle Management position in 6 months and then was promoted to a Senior Level Management position in another 6 months (actually 3 months, but his replacement was not installed and he was not allowed to leave for another 3 months). In short, he was a Senior Leader in less than 1 year after being made an entry-level manager.

By the way, he was in no way shape or form an effective manager and he could not manage stress well! However, I have yet to ever see a female RN with the same personality flaws and lack of work experience/background be able to pull what he pulled off and I doubt that I ever will. So, good luck... you may not need it.

I will also say that, as someone with an MSN in Nursing Leadership, the degree does not in any way, shape or form prepare you for nursing leadership more than....well, working as a nurse leader.

You need to be able to walk before you should expect to run a marathon. I would not want to work for any organization that would hire into an executive leadership position a nurse who has never been a manager.

Thank you all for your insight. I have been moving along the interview process for the nurse manager position and it seems I may have the position. I feel this is a step in the right direction in achieving the my career goals. It may be a difficult job but am looking forward to hitting it head on and learning to deal with the day to day obstacles that may (and will) arise.