Chief Nursing Officer Salary: How to Become a CNO

The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is responsible for overseeing nursing operations in a hospital or clinic. You might have heard of this role before, but you might not know exactly what they do, or why they are so important.

CNOs are nurses with extensive experience in administrative work. They are, in many respects, at the top of the food chain when it comes to nursing. However, sometimes they do a thankless job. They don’t get as much recognition as other nurses, or APRNs.

In this blog post we’ll talk about the role of the CNO: how to get there and what you should know about them. Is it possible for a nurse practitioner to become a CNO? What are the requirements? Let’s dive in and answer some of these questions.

What exactly is a Chief Nursing Officer?

The CNO is sometimes called Director of Nursing, VP of Nursing, or head nurse. They are in charge of making sure everything works properly within the nursing unit. They don’t work with patients, but they do have a say on how patients receive treatment and are accountable for overseeing the quality of such care delivered by their staff.

Some of their day to day responsibilities include:

• Working with financing and budgeting: making sure everything is in order.
• Hiring and monitoring nurses (and sometimes non-nursing staff).
• Coming up with achievable goals to improve the nursing department.
• Developing guidelines for best practices and improved patient outcomes.
• Coordinating nursing operations and overseeing new projects.

As you can see, the job of the CNO has a lot to do with human resources, leadership, and administration. That is why you don’t see many NPs becoming CNOs. The education of a nurse practitioner focuses more on providing healthcare, while CNOs manage how that healthcare is ultimately provided.

Being a CNO is about making key decisions that will affect how patients in a hospital receive care from nurses. It’s important to highlight their role because they not only manage nurses but they also represent them. As the voice of nurses within the healthcare setting, CNOs work across diverse environments including hospitals, government agencies, and private practices, significantly influencing both the delivery of patient care and the management of large nursing teams.

‍

Why should you become a CNO?

You should only become a Chief Nursing Officer if you have an interest in administrative and executive work. We’ll talk more about this below. Not every nurse needs to work their way up to CNO. However, it would be good for you to consider the basic benefits, like the salary.

According to Salary.com, the median pay for a CNO (as of December 2020) is $236,140. This is definitely not bad as it’s quite above the median salary of a nurse practitioner.

Other websites like Glassdoor, however, put the CNO median salary at $126,880. This can be a little confusing, but it might be because they calculate their salaries based on their job postings. Indeed.com also reports a median salary of $125,531. Payscale puts the average salary at $130,519, following this trend.

The difference between these salaries and the one reported on Salary.com is noticeable, to say the least. We can’t really tell you which one is correct, as there is no official data, but these are still interesting numbers to think about.

However, you should not become a CNO simply because of the higher earning potential. It’s a job that requires you to have a certain calling that can be very different from that of a nurse practitioner.

The potential workplace benefits of a Chief Nursing Officer include everything from health insurance, dental and vision insurance, to maternity leave, various reimbursements, and appealing retirement options.

As an executive, you will enjoy some perks that other people don’t get. Additionally, CNOs play a crucial role in ensuring high-quality patient care and efficient health care operations within health care facilities.

Is it possible for an NP or registered nurse to work their way up to Chief Nursing Officer?

Yes! It might take you a long time and some additional education. However, if you are passionate about being a leader, you can totally pursue it.

The role of the Chief Nursing Officer is for nurses who are looking to make a difference at the executive level.

How do you know if becoming a CNO is right for you?

The first thing you should keep in mind is that being a CNO is a lot of work. Yes, it does come with a lot of benefits, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility and accountability.

Chief Nursing Officers can work in one hospital or many, depending on the size of the hospital. You won't do a lot of running around with patients, but you will do a lot of running around anyway. There's a lot more meetings that you will have to attend.

If you're reading this article, there's a good chance you've thought about this before. Your interest may lie outside of patient care, and that's great! There's so much work to do nowadays in healthcare administration. We need more people willing to work inside the system to change it for the better.

You might be a good fit for a CNO position if you are:

• Passionate about leadership.
• Looking to manage a team of nurses and see them improve over time.
• Interested in the administrative and the business side of healthcare.
• Interested in implementing and working with the latest technologies and procedures.

Does that sound like you? Great! Let's look at the requirements for the job.

What you need to do to become a Chief Nursing Officer

The first requirement for the Chief Nursing Officer position, aside from relevant experience, is a Master’s Degree. As an NP, you already have one, but it won’t be the one you actually need.

Nurse Practitioners pursue Master’s Degrees in the clinical setting. Their education, your education, is about seeing patients. Nurses who want to become CNOs have to pursue a different kind of Master’s, one that’s focused on healthcare administration or nursing leadership. Obtaining a master's degree in nursing is critical for advanced roles in healthcare, such as nurse practitioners and chief nursing officers (CNOs).

You can totally go back to school and pursue an additional Master’s in this field to start making the career change.

Previous experience as an RN is also important. The best Chief Nursing Officers have worked for years at the bedside too. They know what it’s like to be a nurse, and now they want to make things better for other nurses (and their patients). Registered nurses play a crucial role in providing high-quality patient care and are essential within healthcare organizations.

However, don’t get discouraged if you don’t have a lot of RN experience. If you work hard enough, you can achieve this goal too.

Types of degrees for you to consider

A DNP is also a great way of advancing your education if you want to get the biggest job in nursing. There are many reasons why you should get a DNP, and this is one of them.

If you choose to pursue a DNP, make sure it’s focused on executive administration. Also, remember that there is a difference between a DNP and a PhD. Both are terminal degrees for nurses, so you might get confused. Understanding health care systems is crucial for nursing leadership and administration, as it impacts patient care delivery and the management of nursing staff.

Another degree that can help you become a CNO is an MBA. There are also a lot of reasons why you should get one. And, last, but not least, you can choose to pursue a Master’s in Health Administration (MHA). There are also dual MBA/MHA degrees that can help your career.

Whatever you choose, it’s important to make sure that your preferred degree covers the following subjects:

• Human Resources (HR) and management
• Healthcare administration
• Safety and quality in Healthcare
• Nursing informatics
• Economics
• Leadership
• How to translate research into practice
• Financial management

While a BSN lays the groundwork, many Chief Nursing Officers hold a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) to further their expertise. Certain MSN specializations can be particularly beneficial: nursing administration, healthcare systems, and nursing leadership provide targeted knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to the responsibilities of a Chief Nursing Officer.

By pursuing an MSN, you position yourself for leadership roles that demand a deep understanding of both clinical and administrative aspects of healthcare.

Getting your first job and possible certifications with a master's degree

Nobody gets started right away as a Chief Nursing Officer, unless they have a pretty substantial resume. After obtaining the necessary education, you should look for a job as a nurse manager, department manager, clinical leader, etc.

The idea is to get your foot in the door. Make sure you let your superiors know that you are interested in pursuing this path. That can be helpful. They can help point you in the right direction. Effective leadership and management by CNOs are crucial in ensuring quality patient outcomes, as they oversee nursing staff and ensure effective patient care.

It’s not easy to get those types of jobs if you don’t have the background. However, it’s never a waste of time to check if there’s something you can do to assist them. Talk to people in these positions (if you’re able).

Your next step (after you get the opportunity to work in this field) can be to try and get a certification. There are many options, and they all have different requirements. Here’s the list so you can check them out:

• Certification in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP), and the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader Certification (CNML), both provided by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL).
• Nurse Executive (NE-BC) and Nurse Executive, Advanced (NEA-BC), both provided by the ANCC.
• Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) or Fellow (FACMPE), provided by their association, the American College of Medical Practice Executives, and the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA).
• Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) provided by the college (ACHE).
• Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), provided by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
• Any of the six certifications by the American Hospital Association.

Develop Leadership Skills

To excel as a Chief Nursing Officer, developing robust leadership skills is paramount. This can be achieved through a blend of education, hands-on experience, and targeted training. As a CNO, you will need to inspire and motivate your nursing staff, make informed decisions, and communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals.

Strong leadership involves the ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and develop strategies to enhance patient outcomes and quality of care. Whether through formal education or on-the-job experiences, honing these skills is essential for anyone aspiring to take on the significant responsibilities of a Chief Nursing Officer.

Stay Current with Continuing Education

The healthcare industry is in a constant state of evolution, and Chief Nursing Officers must stay abreast of the latest developments and advancements. Engaging in continuing education programs, attending conferences, and participating in workshops are excellent ways to remain current.

Additionally, staying informed about changes in healthcare policy, regulations, and laws is crucial. Adapting to new technologies and innovations is also a key component of the role. By committing to lifelong learning, Chief Nursing Officers can ensure they are always equipped to lead their teams effectively and improve patient care.

We invite you to look through these links to think about which one is better for your career goals. You definitely don’t need to get all of them.

Putting everything together

If you read this far, there's a good chance that you have a great interest in becoming a CNO. That's great!

Now that you know what it takes, it's important that you make a plan with steps to achieve your goal. Think long term.

It's just like how you became a nurse practitioner. Study, work experience, certification. Maybe not necessarily in that order, but following a distinct path with a clear endgame.

We wish you lots of success if you decide to join the ranks of the many Chief Nursing Officers around the country. It's a very rewarding job, with astounding benefits and pay, and a great opportunity to change and improve the lives of patients, and the landscape of nursing.

Navigate your career with confidence

Pursuing a role as a Chief Nursing Officer requires staying informed and prepared for the challenges ahead. We know balancing your current studies with long-term career goals can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to share resources that speak to your challenges and aspirations:

• Facebook: Find quick, actionable tips and updates that make planning your rotations and career path simpler.
• Instagram: Discover relatable content and insights to stay motivated as you move toward graduation.
• NPhub website: Dive into detailed guides and practical blogs to align your goals with your next steps.

You’re not just preparing to graduate—you’re building a career that matters. Let these tools help you focus on what’s next.

‍

‍

‍

Follow us on social media and feel free to contact us for any questions and requests:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NPHubOfficial/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nphub_

Join our new Facebook group for FREE for exclusive updates on new preceptors and promo codes here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/availablepreceptorsfornps