Leadership and Management in Nursing: Differences and Similarities in Role, Scope of Practice, Current Salary & More

The terms Nurse Manager and Nurse Leader are often used interchangeably in the nursing field. Though they share some commonalities, the management and leadership in nursing are distinct paths with notable differences. 

In this guide, we will examine the similarities and differences between leadership and management in nursing, along with the key details of each role. You will discover the differences among job descriptions, duties and responsibilities, education, and salary, as well as the essential skills and qualities that set these highly trained professionals apart from other nurses.

What Is the Difference Between Leadership and Management in Nursing?

In nursing, leadership is a complex of skills and aptitudes that focus on influencing, coordinating, and empowering teams of healthcare professionals to achieve a shared vision or direction in daily practice. Compared with other functions, management focuses more on resource organization and management, as well as on maintaining compliance and ensuring efficient operations.

In other words, Nurse Leaders set the direction and motivation of a team, while Nurse Managers ensure that daily operations and the established vision are achieved within available resources, such as budgets, task possibilities, and nurse schedules.

What Is Leadership in Nursing?

Leadership in nursing refers to the ability of professionals, generally in authority roles, to motivate, influence, and guide other nurses and team members to achieve specific patient outcomes, uphold high standards of care, and advance the profession. The emphasis in leadership positions is on achieving goals and communicating a comprehensive outlook on healthcare settings.

What Is Management in Nursing?

Management in nursing focuses on organizational processes and involves directing, controlling, and allocating resources and technology to deliver safe, effective, high-quality patient care. As a specialty, it can be broader than leadership, encompassing not only team motivation and guidance but also administrative tasks and decision-making, including planning, staffing, and budgeting. 

However, one similarity between leadership and management is that both involve coordinating daily activities with long-term organizational goals and objectives.

What Are the Differences Between Nurse Manager and Nurse Leader?

Leadership and management in nursing both have roles that coordinate healthcare team activities: Nurse Managers (NMs) and Nurse Leaders (NLs). While both positions require similar skills and aim to advance and improve nursing practice, they are not synonymous. 

For instance, Nurse Leaders will be more present in teams, providing direct guidance and intervening in daily activities, while Nursing Managers will often perform administrative tasks independently of the rest of the team. However, both direct nursing staff members maximize efficiency across the nursing workforce, mentor RNs, and lead their teams in providing quality patient care. Yet, the scope of their practice, the sphere of influence, and focus will differ.

What is a Nurse Leader?

A Nurse Leader (NL) is a Registered Nurse (RN) who holds a leadership position and whose role involves improving nursing practice and outcomes. Their approach is less hands-on and more focused on the bigger picture: implementing the vision, fulfilling the mission, and developing long-term plans for the organization in which they work. 

Nurse Leaders’ expertise and guidance are invaluable for developing annual strategies to achieve financial and operational goals. They oversee the upholding of ethical, professional, and medical standards within their institution. They also spearhead projects and initiatives focused on two essential goals: improving the quality of patient care and reducing its costs.  

RNs working in nursing leadership can hold positions such as Head Nurse, Director of Nursing, or Chief Nursing Officer. They will generally delegate tasks to Nurse Managers. At the same time, they maintain a bird's-eye view of improvements in patient health outcomes. 

Nurse Leaders focus on empowering others and on motivating, inspiring, and influencing the nursing staff to meet the organization's standards. 

What Is a Nurse Manager?

A Nurse Manager (NM) is a Registered Nurse in a leadership role who is responsible for the continuous administrative and operational management of a nursing unit or department. The position involves overseeing, directing, and organizing employees, and ensuring that the department they supervise meets practical goals effectively, subject to conditions set by patient pools, current treatment and outcome standards, and the state of nursing staff. 

Nurse Managers are tasked with providing actionable solutions when staff members encounter issues in fulfilling their duties, problems with coworkers, or need advice and guidance on accurately diagnosing or providing care to patients. 

While not as involved in bedside care and hands-on treatment, NMs consistently engage in patient care planning and oversee collaboration and communication between nurses and the rest of the healthcare team. Additionally, the Nurse Manager position requires an in-depth understanding of the business side of healthcare provision. NMs will often handle budgets in addition to their other organizational responsibilities.

Nurse Managers can also occupy leadership roles, such as Director of Nursing, Chief Nursing Officer, or Nurse Case Manager.

Nursing Management vs. Leadership: Duties and Responsibilities

Below, we will explore the duties and responsibilities of leadership and management in nursing, based on the tasks defined in the scopes of practice for Nurse Leaders and Nurse Managers across the roles they may fulfill.

What Does a Nurse Leader Do?

The job description for professionals specializing in nursing leadership focuses on setting policy, influencing nursing teams, and initiating transformation in nursing practice. They must always be well-informed about the latest developments in healthcare research. The key responsibilities of Nurse Leaders include:

Patient Outcomes & Care Quality

• Introduce initiatives and projects that shorten the average patient length of stay
• Develop strategies to reduce patient readmission rates
• Oversee the implementation of quality and safety measures
• Develop and guide treatment plans

Compliance & Professional Standards

• Ensure employee compliance with rules, regulations, and ethical standards
• Advocate for patients, nurses, and the nursing profession

Operations & Financial Stewardship

• Commit to reducing overall healthcare costs
• Manage fiscal responsibilities and resource allocation
• Implement retention initiatives to reduce RN turnover

What Does a Nurse Manager Do?

A Nurse Manager’s role focuses on improving the efficiency of the nursing staff by directly overseeing their work. While the list of responsibilities is vast, here are some of the most common duties that come with the Nurse Manager role:

Staffing & Scheduling

• Identify staffing needs and ensure adequate coverage
• Create schedules and assign work to nursing staff

People Management & Performance

• Hire, onboard, and, when necessary, terminate nursing staff
• Evaluate RN performance and provide constructive feedback
• Offer career mentoring and coaching

Budget & Resources

• Manage the department or unit budget
• Ensure the unit has appropriate equipment and supplies

Practice Quality & Development

• Evaluate the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice in the unit/institution
• Promote professional development by planning and implementing educational opportunities

Communication & Representation

• Serve as a liaison between nursing staff and senior leadership
• Ensure RNs are involved in decisions and initiatives that affect their practice and work environment

Nurse Leader vs. Nurse Manager: Scope of Practice Differences

As you can see, despite considerable overlap and coordination between the two roles, there are also notable differences between Nurse Leaders and Nurse Managers in terms of scopes of practice, duties, and responsibilities. Here is a brief overview of the main differences:

• Focus: Nurse Leaders drive organization-wide strategy and outcomes while Nurse Managers run a specific unit’s or department’s day-to-day operations.
• Level of influence: Leaders shape policies, quality and safety systems, and major initiatives across the institution. Managers implement those initiatives locally and ensure they work in practice.
• Primary goals: Nurse Leaders target big-picture metrics, such as length of stay, readmissions, cost containment, workforce retention, or compliance culture. In comparison, Nurse Managers target unit performance, such as staffing coverage, workflow, supplies, team performance, and practice quality.
• Human relations responsibilities: Leaders advocate for the profession and set expectations for ethical/regulatory compliance. Managers handle hiring/firing, scheduling, performance reviews, and coaching.
• Financial scope: Leaders oversee broader fiscal responsibilities and cost-reduction priorities, compared to Managers, who primarily manage a unit or department budget and resources, including equipment and supplies.
• Typical outputs and deliverables: Leaders usually create strategies, programs, and standards. In comparison, Managers create schedules, assignments, staffing plans, and operational improvements.

Essential Qualities and Skills for Nurse Leadership and Management Positions

Nursing leadership and management are different in many respects, though they share a core skill set. Certain qualities are required from both Nurse Managers and Nurse Leaders.

Below, you will find the qualities and skills required for nursing management and leadership positions:

• Leadership – Both roles require strong leadership to guide teams through daily demands and long-term priorities. Effective nurse leaders and managers motivate staff, delegate appropriately, and address challenges with sound judgment. These skills directly support morale, engagement, and job satisfaction.
• Interpersonal Skills – Nurse Leaders and Nurse Managers work in highly collaborative environments and interact with diverse stakeholders and team members every day. Strong interpersonal skills help them build trust, strengthen teamwork, and maintain productive working relationships across roles and departments.
• Analytical and Critical Thinking – Both positions require the ability to interpret information, evaluate options, and make informed decisions, many times under pressure. Analytical skills support problem-solving, performance improvement, and data-informed planning. They also help leaders stay aligned with evolving standards, regulations, and legal requirements.
• Communication – Clear, consistent communication is essential for implementing policies, procedures, and practice changes. Nurse Leaders and Nurse Managers must explain expectations, reinforce compliance, and ensure staff understand how new requirements affect workflows and patient care.
• Technical and Digital Proficiency – Modern nursing leadership depends on comfort with clinical technology and data systems. Nurse Leaders and Nurse Managers are expected to understand tools such as electronic health records and basic data reporting, so they can support adoption, reinforce best practices, and help teams use technology effectively in day-to-day care.

Learn more about the essential skills for Registered Nurses of various specialties.

Educational Paths for Leadership and Management in Nursing

To practice, Nurse Managers and Nurse Leaders must meet specific educational requirements. Although educational paths can vary, they typically involve some common educational and licensure requirements.

1. Complete Graduate Education and RN Licensure

The first step is earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree and obtaining RN licensure. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a BSN is typically considered the minimum requirement for entry-level management and leadership roles in nursing.

To reach the BSN level, you can either pursue a standard 3-to-4 year graduate program or, if you already hold an RN license (for instance, by having earned an ADN or ASN previously), you can complete a shorter RN-to-BSN advancement path. 

At Nightingale College, you can enroll in a 3-year BSN Program that blends online instruction with in-person field experiences, available in various SOFE Areas across the US. The educational program culminates in a Capstone Project that provides valuable preparation for leadership and management in nursing, along with core courses on the topic. If you currently hold an RN license, you can enroll in the shorter 1-year RN-to-BSN Track, a fully online learning program that quickly advances you to the Bachelor's level.

Read more about how to earn your BSN Degree or explore Nightingale College’s academic programs.

2. Pursue Advanced, Post-Graduate Education

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree is increasingly common among those pursuing advanced roles in nursing leadership and management. Studies show that MSN education is central for developing the skills and competencies necessary for leadership and management in nursing, with many Master’s programs having an academic focus on management or leadership.

Graduate programs take between two and three years to complete. They include coursework and practical experience directly related to leadership and management. Thus, graduates of MSN programs are better prepared to assume managerial or leadership roles in the healthcare industry. 

At Nightingale College, you can pursue one of three popular MSN-level academic programs: 

• MSN Ed – for careers in nursing instruction and post-secondary education
• MSN FNP – for nursing roles that involve providing and coordinating care for broader communities and patient pools across various age brackets
• MSN PMHNP – an educational option focused on psychiatric and mental health care

Each program incorporates management and leadership instruction and training as part of its core curriculum, making it valuable for applicants aiming to fill administrative roles.

Read more about the types of Master’s in Nursing degrees you can pursue or explore Nightingale College’s academic programs.

3. Obtain Certification and Seek Further Advancement

While not always required, earning certification in nurse management and leadership roles can be a great advantage when you start looking for a job.

Key credentials include: 

• Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML): provided by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), suitable for managers administering daily operations
• Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP): also from the AONL, with a focus on high-level leadership and executive roles
• Certified Nurse Leader (CNL): from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), with a focus on interdisciplinary team leadership and outcomes-based care
• Nurse Executive-Board Certified (NE-BC): provided by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), recommended for Nurse Leaders in administrative roles
• Certified Pediatric Nurse Executive (CPNE): for Leaders and Managers working in pediatric settings, from the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)

Certification generally facilitates not only an easier entry into the workforce but also career advancement opportunities once employed. When considering earning credentials for leadership and management in nursing, make sure to check the requirements set by your employer or state-level legislative bodies. 

Many aspiring Nurse Leaders and Managers also consider furthering their education by pursuing a Doctor of Nursing (Ph.D.) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Such programs represent the culmination of nursing education and the career ladder, elevating learners’ skills and knowledge and enabling them to pursue and excel in senior positions.

Learn more about the length of nursing school depending on the level of education pursued.

Nursing Management vs. Leadership: Salary Expectations

Nursing management and leadership positions come with higher-than-average wages. A Registered Nurse earns, on average, $98,430 per year. In comparison, the 2026 average salary for a Nurse Case Manager is $98,869, while Medical and Health Services Managers earn $117,960 per year, according to the BLS. 

According to AONL’s Salary and Compensation Study for Nurse Leaders, the salary of most Nurse Leaders falls between $90,000 and $169,900 per year, with Directors likely earning $100,000 or more.

The relatively higher pay reflects the higher level of education and the greater responsibility that comes with these positions. 

Specializing or taking on other roles can affect your earning potential as a nurse, much like regional and state differences. Read our comprehensive analysis of Nurse Salaries by State for various specialties and occupations.

Earn Your Leadership and Management in Nursing Job

Both leadership and management roles are essential to the good functioning of the healthcare system. While these positions may not be synonymous, they definitely are complementary. It’s best when effective Nurse Leaders also excel at management, and when Nurse Managers are effective leaders. The nursing workforce is like a living organism, and good collaboration, successful communication, and effective leadership are its backbone. 

Nurse Leaders and Managers must be passionate, respected, and committed individuals. They need to work ceaselessly to improve the quality of care for patients and employee job satisfaction. 

These are not easy roles to fill, but one is bound to succeed with the proper education, training, and skillset. 

If you want a career in nursing management and leadership, the surest way to pursue it is to advance your education. The minimum educational requirements are earning a BSN degree. 

You can do so easily by enrolling in Nightingale College’s BSN Program. This 3-year hybrid learning option blends online instruction with in-person field experiences and a capstone project, providing the preparation needed to become a leader in the field and pursue managerial roles. If you already have RN certification and want to advance to the Bachelor's level, you can opt for the RN-to-BSN Track. This 1-year fully online program provides additional teaching and preparation to broaden your career options.

Since leadership and management are key components of nursing, further education may be necessary, particularly if you want to work in a specialty setting. In these cases, you may want to advance your education to the Master’s level, which you can do easily by enrolling in one of the MSN programs at Nightingale College:

• MSN Ed Program, for a career in nursing instruction and post-secondary education/
• MSN FNP Program, recommended for professionals who want to work with diverse patient pools and age groups.
• MSN PMHNP Program, if you want to go into psychiatry and mental health care.

All of these programs provide complete, certified preparation via blended and hybrid learning models that include preceptorship classes and seminars, allowing you to advance your education and career in just 24 months.

If you see yourself in a career in management or leadership, start paving the road for yourself today. 

Explore Nightingale College’s academic programs and take the first step toward your dream career!

Cited Sources

• Carson, O., McAloon, T., Brown, D., & McIlfatrick, S. J. (2023). Exploring the contribution and impact of master’s education for leadership development in adult general nursing: A scoping review. Nurse Education in Practice, 71, Article 103697. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2023.103697

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, August 28). Medical and health services managers. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved February 17, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm

• American Organization for Nursing Leadership. (2019). Salary and compensation study for nurse leaders: Executive summary. https://www.emergingrnleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2019-Executive-Summary-AONL.pdf