The Development of the Next Generation of Nurse Leaders

Department

Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2010

Abstract

This article explains the development of a value-added leadership focus to a graduate nursing program. With the changes to and complexity within the health care system, advanced practice nurses need academic preparation in advanced care management of populations and leadership competencies. Strategic environmental scanning suggested that some revisions could better prepare future nurse leaders. Through literature review and focus groups, faculty's analysis provided evidence for development of a different kind of advanced practice nurse. This process led to a graduate program that prepares nurse leaders who are competent in the clinical settings and leadership roles of today's health care organizations. The 40-semester hour program allows flexibility for minimum career disruption and a choice of tracks to accommodate individuals' educational needs. Grounded in practicum experiences and guided by health care theory, policy, and research, graduates possess the knowledge and competencies to assume the advanced leadership roles required in future health care systems.

Journal Title

Journal of Nursing Education

Journal ISSN

0148-4834

Volume

49

Issue

3

First Page

168

Last Page

171

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3928/01484834-20090916-08

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