[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses who want to play an active role in developing healthcare policy and ensuring the quality of nursing practice can do so as a nurse executive, nurse administrator, or nurse manager.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although each of these roles allows experienced nurses to serve in a leadership capacity, they represent increasing levels of responsibility. The following guide explains the differences among each role in terms of their scope, typical responsibilities, career paths, and earning potential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Continue reading to learn what to expect in each of these critical positions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Leadership Roles Compared: Key Similarities and Differences[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse leaders are committed to providing top-quality care to every patient in the most efficient, effective manner. Nurse executives are the top leaders responsible for leading overall nursing operations, while nurse administrators manage specific departments according to workplace policies and protocols.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse managers work on the unit, managing the day-to-day activities of the staff. All are critical to the overall healthcare delivery system and represent opportunities for nursing career growth.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Is a Nurse Executive?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The most senior nurses in any organization, [hen-ui-link href=”/executive-nurse/”]nurse executives[/hen-ui-link] are administrators who help oversee operations. From the hiring, training, and managing of staff to developing policies and solving problems within the organization, nurse executives combine their knowledge of nursing and medicine with administrative skills to ensure the highest-quality patient care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse executives also have financial responsibilities and create and manage budgets for assigned areas. What really sets them apart from other professionals is their focus on collaboration and partnerships, both within and outside the organization.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Is a Nurse Administrator?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-administrator/”]nurse administrator[/hen-ui-link] oversees nursing staff in a hospital department or clinical area, a residential facility, or a physicians’ practice. Their primary responsibilities include human resources (hiring, training, and scheduling staff), carrying out and managing departmental policies, overseeing staff, and developing reports and budgets.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse administrators also represent nursing staff to internal and external stakeholders, serve as a liaison to healthcare staff, and work with executive teams to set performance goals and strategic plans.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Is a Nurse Manager?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse managers wear two hats, clinical and executive. They are leaders in their units and oversee patient care and daily operations, making sure that the workflow and procedures align with the facility’s overall strategic plan and goals. They typically report to nurse administrators and executives and collaborate on policy development and budgeting. Nurse managers also facilitate communication between executives and nurses, helping to foster understanding between both groups.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While nurse executives, administrators, and managers are all leaders in their organizations, their scope of influence varies. Nurse executives are at the top of the hierarchy and typically work at the corporate level with other organizational leaders. Nurse administrators may report to nurse executives but oversee nurse managers. Because nurse managers are directly involved in clinical care, they work on the floor of their unit or department.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, all three roles work together with the shared goal of delivering the highest-quality health care to every patient.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Leadership Core Competencies[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All nurse leaders need to be competent in specific skills, like [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//soft-skills-for-successful-nurses/”]soft skills for nurses[/hen-ui-link], to succeed in their roles. In general, any nursing leadership requires competency in clinical care, communication, leadership, and business and operational skills, to varying degrees.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While employers may have additional qualifications, the general competencies for each role are detailed below.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nurse Executive Core Competencies[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL) identifies five core competencies for nurse executives. These competencies align with the role’s focus on patient care that improves patient outcomes while keeping costs in check.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The specific competencies identified by AONL are outlined below.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nurse Administrator Core Competencies[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The American Nurses Association (ANA) has established a draft for specific standards for nurse administrator competencies that apply to any setting. These core skills focus on several areas, all with an eye toward providing the highest quality care and patient experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nurse Manager Core Competencies[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse managers must have the ability to oversee the day-to-day operations of their unit or the office they manage. This requires several core competencies, as identified by AONL.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Education and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse leadership roles are filled by experienced nurses with advanced degrees. Nurse managers typically need at least a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN); nurse executives and nurse administrators must have advanced degrees — a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) or higher. A [hen-ui-link href=”/healthcare/healthcare-administration/”]degree in healthcare administration[/hen-ui-link] and nursing experience can also prepare you for a leadership role.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most facilities also require experience in both nursing and leadership roles, with nurse executives needing the most experience. On average, applicants need at least five years of progressively increasing responsibility.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While a leadership certification is usually not necessary to qualify for a management, administrative, or executive position, it can help demonstrate one’s expertise to employers. The remainder of this article discusses these certifications in depth.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The nursing profession provides four different “leadership” certifications, which vary in education requirements and certifying body. Notably, the American College of Healthcare Executives also offers a certification applicable to nurse practitioners interested in leadership.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certifications sought by nurse practitioners interested in holding leadership roles include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse Executive & Nurse Executive Advanced (NE-BC and NEA-BC)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Credentials[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Credential & Certifying Body[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Education Requirements [/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Description[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Knowledge Expertise[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Credential & Certifying Body”]Nurse Executive (NE-BC)American Nurses Credentialing Center[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Requirements”]Bachelor’s degree or higher[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Description”]A nurse leader responsible for managing the daily operations of a unit or service line[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Knowledge Expertise”]Structures and processes, professional practice, leadership, and knowledge management[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Credential & Certifying Body”]Nurse Executive Advanced (NEA-BC)American Nurses Credentialing Center[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Requirements”]Master’s degree or higher[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Description”]Same as above[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Knowledge Expertise”]Structures and processes, exemplary professional practices, transformational leadership, and new knowledge and practice applications[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Credential & Certifying Body”]Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP)American Organization of Nurse Executives[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Requirements”]Master’s degree or higher[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Description”]A nurse leader working at the executive level in their organization[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Knowledge Expertise”]Communication and relationship-building, knowledge of the healthcare environment, leadership, professionalism, and business skills[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Credential & Certifying Body”]Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)American Organization of Nurse Executives[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Requirements”]Diploma or higher[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Description”]A nurse leader serving in any healthcare-specific managerial role[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Knowledge Expertise”]Financial management, human resources management, performance improvement, and strategic management and technology[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Credential & Certifying Body”]Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)American Association of Colleges of Nursing[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Requirements”]Graduates from a master’s or post-master’s CNL program[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Description”]A nurse leader who still provides direct patient care[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Knowledge Expertise”]Care coordination, outcomes measurement, transitions of care, interprofessional communication, team leadership, risk assessment, implementation of best practices, and quality improvement[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Credential & Certifying Body”]Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE)American College of Healthcare Executives[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Requirements”]Master’s degree or higher[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Description”]Any healthcare professional who serves in executive management roles[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Knowledge Expertise”]Business, finance, governance and organizational structure, healthcare, healthcare technology, human resources, laws and regulation, management and leadership, professional ethics, and quality and performance improvement[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nurse Executive & Nurse Executive Advanced (NE-BC and NEA-BC)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The nurse executive certification is awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This certification was previously called [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-administrator/”]nurse administrator[/hen-ui-link], and it is tailored toward the nurse responsible for managing the daily operations of a unit or service line. To be eligible for the nurse executive certification, one must:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hold a current, active registered nurse license within a state or territory of the United States or the professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Have a bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Have held a mid-level administrative or higher position or a faculty position teaching nursing administration for at least 24 months in the previous five years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Have completed 30 hours of continuing education in nursing administration within the last three years (requirement waived for those who hold a master’s degree in nursing administration)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The certification requires applicants to pass an exam, which provides a valid and reliable assessment of the entry-level clinical knowledge and skills required of a nurse executive. The initial application and certification fee is $270 for members of the American Nurses Association and $395 for non-members.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The certification exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions, 150 of which are scored. The test evaluates a candidate’s knowledge in four domains of executive practice: structures and processes, professional practice, leadership, and knowledge management. The ANCC provides both a detailed exam content outline as well as sample questions. If one meets the eligibility criteria listed above and passes the exam, he or she will earn the Nurse Executive-Board Certified credential (NE-BC).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The ANCC also offers the credential Nurse Executive, Advanced (NEA-BC). The eligibility criteria for this credential is the same except a candidate must hold either a master’s degree or higher in nursing or a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in another field. The exam for the advanced certification is similar in structure but covers different domains of executive practice: structure and processes, exemplary professional practices, transformational leadership, and new knowledge and practice applications. The ANCC provides both a detailed exam content outline as well as sample questions for this certification as well.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To prepare the the certification exam, the ANCC recommends the following books:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Nurse Executive Review and Resource Manual[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Nursing Administration: Scope and Standards of Practice[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Contemporary Nursing: Issues, Trends, and Management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Leadership Roles and Management Functions in Nursing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) awards the [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.aone.org/initiatives/cenp.shtml” target=”_blank”]Executive Nursing Practice certification[/hen-ui-link], which is tailored for nurse leaders working at the executive level in their organization. Eligibility criteria for this certification includes:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A current, valid, unrestricted license as a registered nurse (RN)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree or higher in nursing plus two years of experience in an executive nursing role, or a bachelor’s degree in nursing plus four years of experience in an executive nursing role[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This certification also requires applicants to pass an exam. This exam has 175 multiple choice questions, 150 of which are scored. It covers five core topics: communication and relationship-building, knowledge of the healthcare environment, leadership, professionalism, and business skills. A detailed outline and sample questions can be found starting on page 22 of the [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.aone.org/docs/certification/cenp-handbook.pdf” target=”_blank”]AONE Certified in Executive Nursing Practice Examination Handbook[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The application costs $325 for an AONE member and $450 for a non-member. If one meets the eligibility criteria and passes the exam, her or she will be awarded the CENP credential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In preparation for this exam, the AONE recommends a review of the following books:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Nursing Administration: Scope and Standards of Practice[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Leadership and Management in Nursing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Quantum Leadership: Advancing Innovation, Transforming Healthcare[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Financial Management for Nurse Managers and Executives[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The AONE also awards the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nursepractitionerschools.com/resources/nurse-exec-vs-admin-vs-manager/” target=”_blank”]Nurse Manager and Leader certification[/hen-ui-link], which is designed for those nurses in the managerial role. The AONE describes this certification as the “industry-recognized certification that demonstrates knowledge of the essential elements of nursing management and leadership…a certificate to showcase your management expertise and share your credentials across the nursing leadership community.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Eligibility criteria for this certification include having a current, valid, unrestricted registered nurse license and one of the following:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A diploma or associate’s degree in nursing plus 5,200 hours of experience in a nurse manager role[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A non-nursing bachelor’s degree plus 3,120 hours of experience in a nurse manager role[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing plus 2,080 hours of experiences in a nurse manager role[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Just like the CENP, this certification requires applicants to pass a multiple-choice exam. The exam includes 115 questions, 100 of which are scored. Topics covered included in the exam are financial management, human resources management, performance improvement, and strategic management and technology. A detailed outline and sample questions can be found in the [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.aone.org/docs/certification/cnml-handbook.pdf” target=”_blank”]the AONE Certified Nurse Manager and Leader Examination Handbook[/hen-ui-link]. The application costs $300 for AONE members and $450 for non-members.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In preparation for this exam, the AONE recommends the following books:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Budgeting Concepts for Nurse Managers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Human Resource Management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]From Novice to Expert: Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Project Planning and Management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Organizational Behavior, Theory, and Design in Healthcare[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) awards the [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.aacnnursing.org/CNL” target=”_blank”]Clinical Nurse Leader[/hen-ui-link] (CNL) certification, which is tailored toward a clinical leader (i.e. one who is at the point-of-care) focusing specifically on care coordination, outcomes measurement, transitions of care, interprofessional communication, team leadership, risk assessment, implementation of best practices, and quality improvement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Eligibility criteria for this certification can be found on page nine of the [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/CNL/CNL-Certification-Guide.pdf” target=”_blank”]CNL Certification Guide[/hen-ui-link] and includes the following:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduate of an accredited CNL master’s or post-master’s education program or a student in their last term of a CNL education program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A current and active, unrestricted professional registered nurse license[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To earn the certification, a candidate must also pass a 140 question multiple-choice exam. The test covers three key topic areas: nursing leadership, clinical outcomes management, and care environment management. The 2016 Job Analysis Summary published by the AACN contains a detailed outline of content that is covered on the exam. Candidates can also purchase a practice test for $50 from the AACN website.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In preparation for this exam, the AACN recommends the following books:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Clinical Nurse Leader Certification Review, 2nd Edition[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Policy & Politics in Nursing and Healthcare[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Quality by Design: A Clinical Microsystems Approach[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Lilienfeld’s Foundations of Epidemiology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Essentials of Nursing Informatics, 6th Edition[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) awards the [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.ache.org/mbership/credentialing/faq-tab.cfm” target=”_blank”]Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives[/hen-ui-link] (FACHE) credential, which is tailored toward any healthcare discipline (including nurse practitioners) who serve in executive management roles.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Eligibility criteria for this credential includes:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Current ACHE member with three years tenure as a full member, faculty associate, or international associate (student members excluded)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Master’s degree or other post-bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Currently holds an executive healthcare management position with a minimum of five years of executive healthcare management experience[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Proof of 36 hours of healthcare-related continuing education within the last three years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Two examples of community/civic activities AND two examples of healthcare-related activities within the last three years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Two references: one fellow reference (must be a structured interview) and one from a senior-level healthcare executive[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, to become a certified FACHE, a candidate must pass the [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.ache.org/mbership/credentialing/EXAM/exam.cfm” target=”_blank”]Board of Governors Exam[/hen-ui-link]. This exam includes 230 multiple-choice questions, 200 of which are scored. It covers 10 core knowledge areas, including business, finance, governance and organizational structure, healthcare, healthcare technology, human resources, laws and regulation, management and leadership, professional ethics, and quality and performance improvement. The exam registration fee is $200. The ACHE offers both a [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.ache.org/mbership/credentialing/EXAM/ReferenceManual/BOGExamReferenceManual.pdf” target=”_blank”]Complete Reference Manual[/hen-ui-link] and a practice exam with answer key.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In preparation for the exam, the ACHE recommends the following textbooks:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Practical Governance[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Human Resources in Healthcare[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Managing Health Services Organizations and Systems[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Essentials of Healthcare Finance[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Applying Quality Management in Healthcare: A Systems Approach[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Understanding the U.S. Health Services System[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Contemporary Issues in Healthcare Law and Ethics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Career Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse leaders at all levels are paid well, especially at the administrator and executive levels. According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nursing_Manager/Salary” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link] as of May 2022, the average annual salary for a nurse manager is $88,840, with entry level managers earning about $83,000 and experienced managers bringing home over $95,000 per year.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse administrators and executives earn higher salaries. Payscale’s sample size for these two roles is too small to make an accurate assessment of average earnings, but using the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’s data for medical and health services managers, the average annual wage for these roles is estimated at $119,840.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Which Nurse Leadership Role Is Right for Me?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As the nursing workforce ages, and experienced nurses leave the profession, the need for experienced nurse leaders is expected to increase, especially given the ever-growing demand for healthcare services. For some nurses, these positions also represent a career path, as it’s common for employers to require experience as a nurse or nurse manager for higher-level leadership positions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although the roles do not typically involve bedside patient care, they do provide the opportunity to influence the future of healthcare and the patient experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Related Pages[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”56485,51253,34284″][/hen-ui-article-row][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Sources[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CUSP toolkit, the role of the nurse nanager, facilitator notes. (n.d.). [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ahrq.gov/hai/cusp/modules/nursing/nursing-notes.html”]https://www.ahrq.gov/hai/cusp/modules/nursing/nursing-notes.html[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Draft nursing administration: 8 scope and standards of practice, second edition. (2015). [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.maphn.org/Resources/Documents/Draft%20Nursing%20Administration-01-30-15-public%20comment.pdf” target=”_blank”]https://www.maphn.org/Resources/Documents/Draft%20Nursing%20Administration-01-30-15-public%20comment.pdf[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse executive competencies. (2015). [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aonl.org/nurse-executive-competencies” target=”_blank”]https://www.aonl.org/nurse-executive-competencies[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse manager competencies. (2015). [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aonl.org/nurse-manager-competencies” target=”_blank”]https://www.aonl.org/nurse-manager-competencies[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Page last reviewed: May 3,2022[/hen-ui-text]