Nurse Manager

Hi,

Check out job ads for nurse managers and read what they require. You may also be able to access job descriptions which will also have qualifications preferred.

Can't help you with your question regarding postgrad studies in pharmacology, but would think it would be of benefit if you were thinking of a sales position with a pharmacology company.

Generally senior management positions require previous management experience, usually at an associate management level for a number of years, and evidence that you have acted up in the position. You may also need postgraduate qualifications in the unit specialty, and often a masters which incorporated management/finance/leadership studies. Most nurse managers reach that level in their late 30's early 40's, and can progress to more senior roles within healthcare.

As joannep said, it's usually a combination of experience and qualifications. Get a couple of years in on the floor, then ask to be designated in charge on a shift-by-shift basis (on my ward we start giving experience to appropriate staff around 18 months in). Ideally you'll be a able to apply for an acting associate manager role, en route to a unit manager position.

Qualification wise, a Masters in human resources or business administration is a significant asset, though advanced degrees in other areas (like a clinical specialty) don't hurt.

Keep in mind that there are many avenues available to nurses at the start of their career, and if you set your mind on management you may miss out on a path you find more rewarding. You've expressed an interest in pharmacology, for example, which won't help you at all on the management front but could open doors as a rep, a practitioner, or an area that isn't even available yet.