Editor's Note
A structured nursing leadership development program that included a Web-based modular approach combined with engaged nursing executive mentorship significantly increased the competence of developing nurse leaders, in this study.
The program involved nurses in a large academic health system in the southeastern US in the following roles:
Participants completed the Essentials of Nurse Manager Orientation online program, were paired with assigned mentors, and attended monthly leadership sessions.
The approach in this program may prove to be a valuable resource for developing future nursing leaders in other healthcare organizations, the authors say.
Studies report that nursing leadership will be essential to a redesigned healthcare system. In 2010, the Institute of Medicine's The Future of Nursing: Advancing Health, Leading Change landmark report recommended nurses prepare for leadership positions to more effectively lead change and advance health in today's complex healthcare environment.