A new specialization is emerging in nursing, brought about by the turbulent, ever-changing world of healthcare. Nurse leaders in executive practice are setting the vision for the future of nursing in the delivery of safe, timely, efficient, equitable and patient-centered care. As I interact with nursing professionals in a variety of settings and catch up with recent nursing graduates, I see growing demand for nurse executives working within an interprofessional environment to improve the patient experience as well as the delivery of care while keeping an eye on per capita costs.
The new executive nurse leader is highly valued in healthcare for the unique competencies they possess in leadership, professionalism, business skills and principles, communication and relationship management, and nursing knowledge of the healthcare environment, according to a 2016 article in the American Association of College of Nursing.
The profession of nursing is positioned to lead in the development of cost effective models of care delivery, placing nurse leaders in the boardroom and in various senior leadership positions throughout the healthcare system. One area in particular, the integration of hospital-based healthcare with home and community based services, has potential for significant growth as it looks to continue needed health services while using a less expensive delivery model. This new leadership role for nurses requires higher levels of academic preparation to transform health systems into leaner more community integrated agencies. While employment opportunities exist, many clinically competent practitioners in nursing lack the administrative preparation necessary to assume these expanded leadership roles. This information was found in the article, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, published in the 2010 issue of the Institute of Medicine. A tremendous opportunity lies before academic nursing to participate in transforming both health systems and healthcare education.
Colleges and universities are stepping up to provide the graduate-level nursing education to develop executive nurses. The curriculum focuses on developing the knowledge and skills to effectively lead in complex clinical environments. Core courses provide a foundation in evidence-based practice and research, nursing outcomes, use of technology, finance, organizational theory and health policy. The courses are delivered in a hybrid format, which consists of online instruction coupled with a monthly on-campus class. The hybrid format allows graduate students to continue their nursing practice while studying for the graduate degree.
Nurses considering the continuation of their education on a graduate level should review the curriculum of the degree program but also look at the professional experience of the faculty in terms of leadership roles in clinical systems, executive practice, professional communication and development, and health policy.
Executive nursing positions usually require an MSN in Health Systems Leadership or a DNP with a concentration in Executive Leadership. Graduates are hired into leadership and management roles at the department and senior executive level.
