Incredible Health Staff

Nurse Types / Chief Nursing Officer

Every career field has its ladder rungs. At the top of the nursing hierarchy is a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). When you want to become a CNO, you give up working bedside with patients to pursue a non-clinical, administrative position within a healthcare system. Nurses who want to make a difference in healthcare but no longer desire the hustle and bustle of hands-on care with patients may find this a desirable career path. Becoming a Chief Nursing Officer requires a high level of education and experience. Nurses who aspire to this role can take several different paths to get there.

In this article, we will explore:

• Job responsibilities of a Chief Nursing Officer
• Where CNOs work
• Education
• Certifications
• CNO job and salary oultlook

Job responsibilities of a Chief Nursing Officer

CNOs, sometimes called Directors of Nursing, ensure everything is working properly within a nursing unit. While they do not work directly with patients, they have the final say on how patients receive treatment prescribed by their medical teams.

CNOs serve as a voice for all nurses within their organization. They collaborate with their team of nurses to make sure everyone under their management aligns to the mission, values, and vision of the healthcare organization they represent. Chief Nursing Officers have complex and demanding roles. They must be willing to be accountable for everything that happens under their oversight. CNOs also require strong communication and leadership skills to achieve quality patient outcomes.

Some of the day-to-day responsibilities of a CNO include:

• Creating achievable goals for improving the nursing department

• Coordinating daily nursing operations and overseeing new projects that affect the unit

• Developing best practices and improved patient outcomes guidelines

• Hiring and supervising nursing staff within the unit

• Overseeing financing and budgeting for the department

As with all nursing careers, there may be additional responsibilities for CNOs depending on where they choose to work.

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Where Chief Nursing Officers work

Chief Nursing Officers work in a variety of healthcare settings. Any medical facility that relies on nurses to deliver patient care can benefit from having a CNO on staff. Some of the most popular places for CNOs to work include:

• Government healthcare agencies and services

• Group physician or nurse practitioner practices

• Healthcare system corporate offices

• Hospitals and trauma centers

• Insurance company corporate offices

• Outpatient clinics and surgery centers

• Rehabilitation facilities

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Education

Chief Nursing Officers are Registered Nurses (RNs) who have earned either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). After they complete their formal education, they must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to earn their RN licensure.

Once nurses hold their RN licensure, they have two choices for continuing to pursue their advancement to a CNO position. They can opt to work as a licensed RN for several years to gain some experience, or they can continue with their education by applying to a Master of Science in Nursing degree program. Some nurses choose to work as RNs while pursuing their MSN degrees part-time. This can take longer to earn an MSN. Regardless of whether you attend part-time or full-time, choose an MSN program that focuses on healthcare administration, leadership, and nursing management. While not required, some CNOs continue their education in a Doctoral Nursing Program because employers prefer this advanced degree.

There are bridge programs that can help cut down time spent in school:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – 3-4 years
  BSN-to-MSN bridge program – about 2-3 years

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – 6 years
  RN-to-MSN bridge program – about 2 years

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – up to 8 years
  BSN-to-DNP bridge program – about 3-4 years
  MSN-to-DNP bridge program – 1-2 years

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Certifications

After earning your MSN or DNP, the final step is to become certified in administration, leadership, or nursing management. There are numerous options for CNO certifications. Here are some of the possibilities:

• Certification in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) from the American Organization for Nursing Leadership

• Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) from the American College of Medical Practice Executives

•  Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Each certification program has eligibility requirements. Certifications must be renewed every 3 to 5 years for most of these certification programs. Continuing education requirements vary by certification, so CNOs must check with certifying bodies to ensure they meet all renewal obligations.

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CNO salary and job outlook

CNOs have extensive responsibilities and receive top salaries to compensate for the additional accountability. The average salary for a CNO is $177,997. The top 90% of wage earners in this field can top out at around $262,000 annually. Some of the highest paying cities for CNOs include New York, NY; San Mateo, CA; Boston, MA; Juneau, AK; and Berkeley, CA. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts demand for medical and health services managers like CNOs will increase by 32% between now and 2030. 

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Nurse Types / Cardiac Care Nurse

Every 36 seconds, someone in the U.S. dies from cardiovascular disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women of most ethnic and racial groups in the United States. Arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, congestive heart disease, and high blood pressure are among the types of diseases that affect the heart.

In this article we will explore the following:

• What is a cardiac nurse?
• What skills does a cardiac nurse need?
• What are the education requirements?
• What is required for cardiac nurse licensure?
• What certifications are required?
• What are the job and salary outlooks for cardiac nurses?

What is a cardiac nurse?

Cardiac nurses serve on the healthcare teams that provide care for patients receiving treatment for cardiovascular conditions and diseases. These registered nurses (RNs) receive special training and certification in the cardiovascular system. Cardiac nurses can work with cardiovascular patients to improve their health and carry out treatment plans following heart surgery.

What skills does a cardiac nurse need?

Cardiac nurses need more than technical knowledge about how the human body. They need specific training on the heart and how it works. They must also possess soft skills like communication, critical thinking, organization, and teamwork to succeed in their roles. A quick scan of cardiac nursing jobs posted within the last year reveals the following technical skills are in the highest demand:

• Acute care
• Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)
• Catheterization
• Critical care
• Life support
• Patient care
• Pediatrics
• Telemetry
• Treatment planning

Cardiac nurses spend a significant portion of their time educating patients and their families about treatment plans and care options. To work in this nursing career, you must be comfortable communicating with others.

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What are the education requirements?

Before you can work as a cardiac nurse, you must earn your registered nurse credentials. Nursing candidates have a few options for becoming an RN:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program completed at an accredited nursing school. ADNs take between 18-24 months to complete and are usually taken at a community college.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program completed from an accredited college or university. This program takes approximately four years to complete.

• ADN to BSN bridge program helps nursing candidates with an ADN further their education. This program takes about 12-18 months.

• RN-BSN bridge program is for registered nurses looking to obtain a BSN. This option takes about 1-2 years to complete.

While an ADN is a minimum education required to work as a cardiology nurse, most employers prefer candidates with a BSN. Cardiac nurses who wish to work in higher education or cardiology research should pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Having an MSN also allows cardiac nurses to work independently of cardiologists and other supervisors when treating patients.

What is required for cardiac nurse licensure?

Once you have completed your ADN or BSN program, you can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Questions are selected based on each nursing candidate’s ability and specialty. You will have up to six hours to complete the test, which includes scheduled breaks. The NCLEX exam tests a nurse’s abilities, knowledge, and skills. Higher levels of cognitive abilities, like critical thinking and problem-solving, also are assessed. If you fail the exam on your first try, you must wait 45 days before you can try again.

What certifications are required for cardiac nurses?

Certification is not required to work as a cardiology nurse, but many employers prefer nurses who have acquired them. The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) offers many certifications. Some of the more popular options for cardiac nurses include:

• Adult cardiac surgery certification (CSC) is for cardiac nurses who provide direct care to acutely or critically ill cardiac surgery patients in the first 48 hours after cardiac surgical procedures. They can work in cardiovascular surgery clinics and in post-anesthesia care units.

• Adult cardiac medicine certification (CMC) is a specialty certification for RNs who provide direct care to acutely or critically ill cardiac patients. Nurses who want to work in cardiac care units, heart failure clinics, intensive care units, and telemetry may find this certification gives them an edge over the competition.

• Cardiac rehabilitation nursing certification (RN-BC) is for cardiology nurses who wish to work with cardiac rehabilitation programs that help heart patients recover from surgical procedures and carry out treatment plans for various cardiac conditions and diseases.

• Cardiac vascular nursing certification (CV-BC) is an extremely specialized cardiac nursing certification. Nurses who wish to work in cardiac catheterization labs may wish to pursue this credential to make them more viable candidates for open positions.

• The American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine (ABCM) offers certifications for acute cardiology care, non-acute cardiology care, and catheterization laboratory nursing.

Eligibility criteria for each of these certifications vary, so be sure to review requirements before scheduling to take the exams. Most certification programs for cardiology nurses mandate at least 2 years of experience practicing as an RN and 2,000 clinical practice hours within the last 3 years. Many have requirements for continuing education as part of your original certification process and future renewals of your credentials.

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What are the job and salary outlooks for cardiac nurses?

As with other nursing professionals, cardiac nurses are in high demand. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts demand for cardiac nurses will grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031.

Demand does not always equal higher wages in some parts of the U.S. According to Indeed, the national average salary for cardiology nurses is $58,911. California (35%), Illinois (22%), Oregon (22%), and Pennsylvania (15%) pay the highest above the national average for cardiac nurses. South Carolina was the lowest-paying state for cardiology nurses at 50% below the national average. 

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Nurse Types / Geriatric Nurse

As the U.S. population becomes grayer, there is an increased need for healthcare professionals specializing in gerontology. Geriatric nurses devote their time to caring for the 16.5% of U.S. residents aged 65 and older. Older adults have special needs and require a gentle touch when navigating through the healthcare system. With people living longer thanks to advancements in medical care, the demand for skilled geriatrics nurses will continue to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts job growth of 7% for this field between now and 2029.

In this article we will explore:

• What are the duties of geriatric nurses?
• Where can geriatric nurses work?
• How do you become a geriatric nurse?
• What are the certification options for geriatric nurses?
• What is the average gerontology nurse’s salary?

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What are the duties of geriatric nurses?

Geriatric nurses do more than deliver healthcare services to older patients. They assist with administering medications, educating patients and caregivers, and guiding daily activities. Their patients can have a range of health conditions, including Alzheimer’s, cancer, or congestive heart failure.

Job responsibilities for geriatric nurses vary depending on their employer. Their primary role is to provide bedside care for elderly patients and to educate their caregivers and families about specific care needs. Some of the other tasks geriatric nurses perform are as follows:

• Administering medications
• Changing surgical or wound dressings
• Collecting blood work and laboratory tests when ordered
• Exercising and massaging patients
• Helping patients with daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom
• Measuring and recording vital signs
• Monitoring for signs of elder abuse
• Transporting patients to doctor visits and other appointments
• Triaging/stabilizing patients who require emergency medical attention

Geriatric nurses must closely coordinate with their patient’s medical care team, including primary care physicians. Acting as a liaison for their patients is an important part of the job.

Where can geriatric nurses work?

Geriatric nurses can work in clinics, hospitals, and residential care facilities for senior citizens. Nursing homes and retirement communities also employ nurses who specialize in this field. Other options include working as a traveling nurse who provides in-home care services to elderly clients.

As a gerontology-focused nursing professional, you are not limited to only these settings. There are other creative ways to use your education, training, and passion for helping older patients. You can explore career options in academia, with health insurance companies or medical supply companies that cater to senior citizens. Memory care centers are also an option for employment. Any healthcare organization or provider that works with the elderly may need your services.

How do you become a geriatric nurse?

There are three main steps to becoming a geriatric nurse: 

Step 1. 

Attend an accredited nursing school to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN will take between 18 and 24 months to complete, while you can expect to spend roughly four years in school for a BSN. Most nursing programs include classes and modules focused on geriatric nursing. If you already have an ADN, there is an ADN to BSN bridge program that allows you to earn a BSN in 12-18 months. The more education you have, the better your chances of landing your dream job.

Step 2.

Sit for the NCLEX-RN exam so you can become a Registered Nurse (RN). The NCLEX provides questions on the following topics to test nursing candidate knowledge:

• Safe and effective care environments
• Health promotion and maintenance
• Psychosocial integrity
• Physiological integrity

Nursing candidates can expect between 74 and 145 questions for the NCLEX-RN exam. You have up to six hours to complete the test, which includes scheduled breaks.

Step 3.

The final step in the process is to gain bedside experience. As a geriatric nurse, you should seek out job opportunities that provide critical care experience, especially for older patients. It will give you hands-on practice in skills like artificial ventilation and treatment options through the course of a disease cycle.

What are the certification options for geriatric nurses?

Certification is not required to work as a geriatric nurse, but it might give you an advantage over other candidates in your field. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers the Gerontological Nursing Certification (RN-BC) for eligible candidates. To be considered for this certification, nurses must:

• Hold an active RN license
• Have 2 years of experience working as an RN
• Have a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice in gerontology in the most recent 3 years
• Have completed 30 hours of continuing education in gerontological nursing.

The initial certification lasts for five years. Credentialed nurses can renew their certification by taking another exam that measures their skills and knowledge of geriatric nursing.

What is the average gerontology nurse’s salary?

Based on data collected from the most recent job postings for geriatric nurses, the national average salary is $72,535 per year. Cities and states that pay above the national average for gerontology nurses include:

LOCATION	PERCENTAGE ABOVE NATIONAL AVERAGE
San Francisco, CA	25.0
New York, NY	20.3
Boston, MA	12.7
Washington, DC	11.3
Chicago, IL	6.1

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Nurse Types / School Nurse

School nurses are a branch of community nursing. They provide care outside of a traditional hospital or healthcare setting that focuses on a specific group or location. In the case of school nurses, their attention is focused on the school or school district where they are employed. Working in the schools provides nurses with a predictable schedule and other added perks, like summers and holidays off.  

In this article, we will explore:

• What does a school nurse do?
• Where do school nurses work?
• What are the steps to becoming a school nurse?
• How much does a school nurse make?

What does a school nurse do?

School nurses focus their time and talents on the students and staff at public and private schools. Pursuing a career as a school nurse allows you to support children in their learning environment. Evaluating students’ mental and physical health is one of the main priorities of a school nurse. Research has shown links between academic success and students’ overall health and well-being.

School nurses treat students experiencing an illness or injury during the school day. Some also provide continuing coverage and care for students engaged in after-school activities. Their duties go beyond treating an injury or illness. School nurses must assess the situation to determine if an advanced level of care is required. For instance, if a student comes to the nurse’s office with stomach pains and the school nurse determines it likely is the student’s appendix, emergency medical care is needed.

School nurses do more than intervene when students – or staff – are feeling ill or become injured. Here are some of the other common job duties associated with this nursing field:

• Administering prescribed medications to students in a safe environment
• Assessing and monitoring the immunization status of students and staff
• Collaborating with faculty, parents, and students on health and safety awareness programs
• Encouraging healthy mental and physical development of students
• Leading the way toward a healthy school environment
• Screening and referring students for health conditions and follow-up medical care
• Serving as a liaison among school personnel, families, and healthcare providers

There may be additional duties depending on where you work. For instance, some schools ask their school nurses to oversee and teach sex ed and development classes for students. Most employers list job duties and responsibilities in job ads. If they don’t, be sure to ask for a list of required duties during your job interview.

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Where do school nurses work?

As RNs, school nurses can technically work in any setting. Options in a K-12 school environment include public and private elementary, middle, and high schools. Private and parochial schools also employ school nurses. Some colleges and universities hire nurses to run campus health programs. Other alternatives include vocational-technical schools, alternative education programs, juvenile correction facilities, and summer camps.

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What are the steps to becoming a school nurse?

Education and certification standards vary by state, so it is best to check with the licensing board for the state in which you intend to work to make sure you have all your bases covered.

Education

The first step in becoming a school nurse is to earn a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited college, university, or nursing program. It takes three to four years to complete a BSN. If you already have your ADN, there is a bridge program that allows you to finish an ADN to BSN in 12-18 months.

NCLEX 

Once you earn your degree, the next step is to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. You must pass the exam to earn your RN licensure.

Experience

Licensed RNs are encouraged to gain two to three years of experience before applying for jobs in a school setting. Most public and private schools prefer candidates with hands-on practice in the nursing field.

Certifications

Beyond your degree, license to practice, and experience, some states also require RN certification for school nurses. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers several certification programs for nurses. Other options include the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). 

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How much does a school nurse make?

According to PayScale, the average annual school nurse salary is $48,481. Top earners can make as much as $72,000. Salaries for school nurses vary because some schools can afford higher wages than others. Larger school districts and private schools may offer the best pay since they have the most financial resources at their disposal.

RNs in non-academic settings typically earn more than their school nurse counterparts. For instance, an RN in a hospital setting has a median annual salary of $75,330. Educational services in the state, local, and private sectors offer the lowest pay and benefits of all the industries where RNs can work. But most RNs choose to work in a school setting because they want to work with children and have an impact on their lives.

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The top companies currently hiring for school nurses are Santa Ana, CA, Frisco, TX, Bellevue, WA, and Durham, NC. You can find more job opportunities for school nurses on the Incredible Health Job Board.

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