Each nurse, regardless of education level or role, is a leader. Nurses rely on decision-making and critical-thinking skills to improve patient health, whether as a caregiver at a patient’s bedside or as a manager in the boardroom. The nation’s healthcare landscape is changing, and nurses are at the forefront. They are being asked to bolster their leadership skills to deliver optimal patient-centered care and take on a growing number of roles as administrators, policy advisers, researchers and teachers.
Healthcare organizations want nurses to obtain as much education as possible. The Northern Kentucky University (NKU) online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Nurse Executive Leadership Concentration program provides nurses with the education and leadership knowledge to help others thrive and improve health outcomes.
The Importance of Nurse Leadership
There is a chasm between today’s healthcare environment and that of the previous decades, according to “The Future of Nursing 2020-2030” report from the National Academy of Medicine (NAM). Healthcare in the past served mostly patients suffering from acute illnesses, but more patients now suffer from chronic illnesses.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are more than 3 million working nurses in the U.S., placing this group of professionals in a prime position to help restructure our nation’s healthcare system. In fact, one of NAM’s key messages is that nurses take on leadership roles and work as full collaborators with other healthcare professionals.
Nurses are still in demand to work in traditional patient care roles, but they are also needed to work in newer roles — some of which rely heavily on solid leadership and management skills. For example, nurse executives are administrators who shape healthcare policies, develop budgets and encourage others to think creatively.
Qualities Needed to Work in the Nursing Field
Strong nurse leaders possess many qualities, such as the following:
Critical-Thinking and Decision-Making
Whether developing technology, advocating for patients or running hospitals, nurses need decision-making skills. For example, NAM says nurse leaders must identify problems and areas of waste, devise and implement improvement plans and make necessary adjustments to achieve goals. These responsibilities require analyzing problems, looking at the bigger picture and devising solutions.
A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
Being a successful learner requires more than enrolling in nursing school, studying hard and getting good grades. With the increase in technological advances, staffing limitations and challenging settings in the health system, nurses must keep pace and be willing to learn throughout their careers.
Willingness to Work With a Team
Effective patient care relies on nurses who can collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Nurses and other providers should contribute to “common goals by giving power and respect to each person’s voice, integrating individual differences, resolving competing interests, and safeguarding the essential contribution each makes in order to achieve optimal outcomes.”
How Earning an MSN Can Benefit Nurses Who Want to Lead and Manage
To pursue more complex nursing leadership and management roles, you will need an MSN degree or higher. NKU’s online MSN – Nurse Executive Leadership program strengthens nurses’ critical-thinking, leadership, management and communication skills, among other essential proficiencies.
Nurses are being called upon to expand their leadership skills, whether they work as traditional caregivers or in formal management roles. Good leaders have certain attributes, including critical-thinking and communication skills, a commitment to lifelong learning and the ability to work as part of a team. NKU’s program helps nurses strengthen these skills and prepares them to thrive in the challenging new healthcare landscape.
Learn more about NKU’s online Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Executive Leadership Concentration program.
