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Just a few of the many benefits of becoming a chief nursing officer (CNO) are a satisfying salary and the ability to make your schedule — but there are so many more to consider. There are also quite a few different steps to consider that are involved in obtaining this type of role. If this is a position you’re thinking about working towards, learn more about what to do to become a CNO.
Receive the Required Education
Becoming a registered nurse (RN) is typically the first step toward becoming a CNO. This will likely require you to get an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which takes about two years. An ADN is a minimum requirement needed to become an RN. You’ll also need to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam, which allows you to earn your nursing license. Some employers may prefer to hire nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) over nurses with an ADN. You typically also need a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) to become a CNO, but you can work toward earning your MSN later on after you’ve become an RN and have gained experience working as a nurse.
Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
After you earn your ADN or BSN, you can take the NCLEX-RN exam to become an RN. The NCLEX-RN exam has between 75 and 145 questions related to the following four areas:
- Safe and effective care environments
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Psychosocial integrity
- Physiological integrity
You have up to six hours to take the test, and you can take it again if you don’t pass. In 2020, the national first-time pass rate for the NCLEX-RN was 86.6%.
Gain the Relevant Nursing Experience
CNO positions are mostly administrative. However, you still need to obtain clinical experience as a nurse before you can become a CNO. CNOs are licensed RNs with clinical nursing backgrounds.
While working as a nurse, look for opportunities that can specifically help you gain experience related to some of the duties and responsibilities of a CNO. CNO responsibilities typically include:
- Developing and implementing policies and procedures, including those related to department budgets
- Ensuring your department is compliant with medical and health regulations
- Working with other leaders in your organization to gain accreditation
- Recruiting and training new nurses
- Overseeing your organization’s daily operations
- Ensuring your department has an appropriate and safe staff-to-patient ratio
- Identifying and introducing new technologies that can improve patient care
For example, imagine that you read or learn of new medical treatments or equipment that can benefit your nursing department. To gain some experience with the role, talk to your CNO about it and volunteer to help your CNO implement that new technology.
Earn an MSN Degree in Nursing
Large hospital systems often prioritize CNO candidates with MSN degrees over those who have BSN or ADN degrees. It’s possible to earn your MSN within 24 to 36 months if you only have an ADN degree, though doing so is often a full-time commitment that may leave little time for nursing.
Working toward an MSN degree also allows you to get certified in one or more subspecialties of your choice. Midwifery, anesthesia, and pediatrics are examples of subspecialties you can pursue while earning your MSN degree.
Become a Leader
Successful CNOs have excellent leadership skills and can effectively fulfill their administrative duties while managing their departments and overseeing staff.
While getting your MSN, consider enrolling in courses that focus specifically on leadership and management. Or, while working as a nurse, join policy and procedure development committees to gain relevant experience. Another way to gain leadership experience for a CNO role is to get hired in a different leadership position—such as that of head nurse, nurse manager, or director of nursing.
Network With Other CNOs and Industry Leaders
You can increase your chances of being hired as a CNO if you are already performing some of the same duties and responsibilities as a CNO in your current role. Spend time shadowing and networking with other CNOs. Your future role as a CNO will likely require you to collaborate closely with other CNOs and department heads to ensure the highest quality of patient care.
You can also look into joining local in-person or virtual “support” groups that are exclusive to CNOs and other executive healthcare leaders. These groups can provide you with insight into some of the unique challenges commonly faced by CNOs and can increase your exposure to healthcare systems and leaders who can potentially hire you in the future.
When you’re ready to apply for a CNO position, ask your current employer about openings, or browse nursing job boards online. You can also contact professional nursing organizations (such as the American Academy of Nursing) or healthcare organizations in your specialty (such as the American College of Nurse Midwives if you are pursuing a career in midwifery) to look for available CNO positions.
Resource Links
- “2020 NCLEX® Examination Statistics” via National Council of State Boards of Nursing
- “A Look at a Typical Chief Nursing Officer Job Description” via Grand Canyon University