CNO/CEO???

[FutureCNO]

Hello everyone. I have currently been a nurse for 17 years and have been a clinical nurse manager for 5 years. I am currently finishing up my BSN and interested in pursuing a role in nursing leadership/executive and maybe even future CNO or CEO of a hospital within my healthcare system (I know big dreams). I will be enrolling into a dual MSN/MBA program at the completion of my BSN.

I have applied to a nurse manager position and am a little concerned. Although a higher position than my current position now, the pay is far less since it is salary. It will be ~$30k less a year. Due to complex family dynamics, I am the sole provider and can not afford that sort of financial hit. I have had discussions with HR and negotiations but seems like they are moving on to another candidate (and understandably so).

My question is, in order to obtain a nursing executive role (Director/CNO or even CEO) am I required to climb the ranks of nurse manager, director, etc.) or will a MSN/MBA degree suffice with experience in a clinical nurse manager role (clinical nurse manager is a charge nurse with added responsibilities such as evaluations, scheduling, tracking labor usage, payroll, etc.).

Thank you for your time

[klone, MSN, RN]

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).

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

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.

[klone, MSN, RN]

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.

[FutureCNO]

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.