The role of a nurse administrator is complex and never easy, at best. However, with rules, regulations and healthcare laws that are continually changing, it is a job that requires constant attention and more than a little knowledge of health law and policy. If you are considering furthering your nursing career with the hopes of becoming a nurse administrator, an advanced degree in health law like this one offers the following benefits.
A Much Higher Rate of Pay
As an RN you are already earning a rate of pay higher than the national average for many jobs that require a bachelor’s degree for entry level positions. However, as an RN with a masters in health policy you can go right to the top of your profession as a nurse administrator or a chief nursing officer (CNO), typically qualifying you for a rate of pay that is 67% higher than you would be making as an RN. The increase in pay is due to greater responsibilities being cast on you, as well as your expertise in healthcare law. Some nurse administrators study business administration, but with a masters in health law you will be in even greater demand. Bear in mind the rapid rate at which healthcare regulations are changing, even as you read this.
Ability to Help Establish Hospital Policy
Having spent years on the floor, you know that there are times when hospital policy doesn’t align well with the needs of your patients. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about it as an RN except speak with hospital administration who may, or may not, be interested in hearing what you have to say. Once you have obtained a master’s degree in healthcare law, you will automatically be speaking from a position of authority. As a nursing administrator, people stand up and take notice. Are you looking to improve hospital policies? This is one advanced degree that will put you in a position to do just that.
Greater Job Stability
There are some careers that you can actually educate yourself beyond what you can hope to gain from an advanced degree. Fortunately, this is not the case when you are an aspiring nurse administrator. Any position within the healthcare industry could benefit from an advanced degree in health policy, but it is most suited to nurses and doctors who want to be a vital part of the administrative staff. Nurse administrators with a knowledge of health law have excellent prospects for job stability. After all, compliance with the law is always a top priority in any hospital, so a health law degree puts you in the driver’s seat for the long run.
Because you can expect higher than average pay, better than average job stability, and the respect required for establishing hospital policy, an advanced degree in health law is well worth your efforts. You can study online while continuing on in your current job, but once that degree is in hand it’s time to get moving – upward and onward to that coveted position as the hospital’s nurse administrator.