Educational Innovations

The Development of the Next Generation of Nurse Leaders

Kathie A. Aduddell, EdD, RN; Genie E. Dorman, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC

  • Journal of Nursing Education
  • March 2010 - Volume 49 · Issue 3: 168-171
  • DOI: 10.3928/01484834-20090916-08
Rights and Permissions

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.

AUTHORS

Dr. Aduddell is Associate Professor, Well-Star School of Nursing, and Director, Center for Community Health Care, WellStar College of Health and Human Services, and Dr. Dorman is Professor of Nursing, WellStar School of Nursing, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia.

Address correspondence to Dr. Kathie A. Aduddell, EdD, RN, Associate Professor, Kennesaw State University, 1000 Chastain Rd. #1601, Kennesaw, GA 30144; e-mail: .kaduddel@kennesaw.edu

doi: 10.3928/01484834-20090916-08

Healio is intended for health care provider use and all comments will be posted at the discretion of the editors. We reserve the right not to post any comments with unsolicited information about medical devices or other products. At no time will Healio be used for medical advice to patients.