How do you become a head of nursing?

2 Gain relevant experience

To become a head of nursing, you need to have several years of clinical experience as a registered nurse (RN) in various settings and specialties. You also need to demonstrate your ability to lead, mentor, and supervise other nurses, as well as handle complex and stressful situations. You can seek opportunities to take on more responsibilities, such as charge nurse, nurse manager, or nurse educator, and participate in committees, projects, or initiatives that involve cross-functional collaboration and problem-solving.

3 Build your network

Networking is an important strategy for advancing your career as a head of nursing. You can connect with other nursing leaders, mentors, and peers through professional associations, conferences, events, or online platforms. Networking can help you learn from the best practices and experiences of others, gain insights into the current trends and challenges in the field, and discover potential job openings or referrals. You can also use your network to seek feedback, advice, or support for your professional development.

4 Update your resume

Your resume is a key tool for showcasing your qualifications and achievements as a head of nursing candidate. You should highlight your education, certifications, skills, and accomplishments that are relevant to the role and the organization you are applying to. You should also use quantifiable metrics and action verbs to demonstrate the impact and value you have delivered as a nurse and a leader. For example, you can mention how you improved patient outcomes, reduced costs, increased staff retention, or implemented new policies or procedures.

5 Prepare for the interview

The interview is your chance to impress the hiring manager and convince them that you are the best fit for the head of nursing position. You should prepare well by researching the organization, its mission, vision, values, and goals, and how you can align yourself with them. You should also anticipate common questions that may be asked, such as your leadership style, your strengths and weaknesses, your conflict resolution skills, or your vision for the nursing department. You should practice your answers and provide specific examples from your previous or current roles.

Becoming a head of nursing requires a lot of dedication, hard work, and continuous learning. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of achieving your career aspirations and making a positive difference in the nursing profession.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?