An MSN Nursing Administration program takes a caring science lens to the dynamic world of healthcare management and leadership. The degree teaches RNs how to create effective collaborative systems for patient outcomes.
Nurse administrators serve as the connection point between patients, nursing and support staff, and organizational leadership. Whether you’re considering an administrative path or seeking to further your professional development, read on to learn more about the distinct value of this degree.
Boost Your Operations
Whether in hospital settings or healthcare organizations, an MSN – nurse administrator is responsible for meeting patient standards. They also play a critical role in mentoring new nurses. As a result, they are instrumental in shaping the nursing workforce and contributing to positive culture and employee satisfaction in healthcare environments.
MSN graduates from Lamar University are also qualified to take on several leadership roles that require advanced knowledge and business expertise, such as nurse executive positions or those within the field of health information management. These professionals are involved in the maintenance and security of electronic systems used for patient records, and they should have a strong working knowledge of laws that affect those systems.
MSN nurses can also address the ongoing nursing shortage by serving as nurse educators. These nurses train the next generation of nurses in classroom and clinical settings, offering their specialized expertise and reducing the burden on other healthcare professionals.
Build Empowered Teams
As the population grows and aging boomers require more healthcare services, the need for qualified nursing professionals is critical. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree are often eligible for management or leadership roles within clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.
Having an MSN Nurse Administrator on the team can help boost staff morale by giving nurses a voice in their workplace. Research has shown that when administrators utilize strategies that empower nursing teams, including providing regular performance feedback, encouraging unit-level sharing of information and solutions, and enforcing collaborative, multidisciplinary communication between managers and nurses, it improves connections and engagement.
An MSN program with a nursing administration specialization prepares graduates to take on management, organizational, and leadership roles at healthcare facilities and other institutions. The programs offer a combination of coursework and practicum experiences. RNs interested in this career path may want to consider the professional certification options available for nursing leaders through AONE, such as Certified Nurse Manager and Leader and Certified in Executive Nursing Practice.
Increase Patient Satisfaction
An MSN focusing on nursing administration allows nurses to take their careers to the next level and move into managerial positions. Whether they want to work as a nurse manager, clinical leader, or director of nursing, an MSN in nursing administration prepares nurses for leadership roles that connect patients and their care teams with the larger healthcare organization.
A recent study found that nursing administrators who engage frontline employees for process improvement initiatives can improve patient satisfaction by as much as 20 percent. They can reduce costs beyond simple billing practices and deliver patient-oriented outcomes.
This is especially important as the U.S. faces a nursing shortage. A Master of Science in Nursing degree specializing in nursing administration can help address this issue and ensure patients have access to quality care. This is particularly important in rural communities. APRNs and other advanced practice nurses can help expand patient access in these areas while contributing to better overall health outcomes.
Cut Healthcare Costs
As the healthcare industry faces a shortage of skilled nursing professionals, MSN degree holders are playing an increasingly critical role. MSN-educated nurses possess the leadership skills and expertise to translate research findings into nursing practices that improve patient outcomes.
They also have the potential to influence nursing education and support innovative healthcare initiatives. This makes them a valuable asset to any healthcare system.
In addition, MSN graduates can work as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare professionals. APRNs have a wider scope of practice than RNs and can diagnose and treat patients autonomously. This reduces the burden on other healthcare professionals, resulting in lower costs.
A healthier population with fewer episodes of care and post-treatment complications reduces the need for costly readmissions, further contributing to cost reduction. This, in turn, allows nurses on the floor to focus their time and energy on caring for a smaller patient group, ultimately leading to improved care.
