| dc.description.abstract | Effective leadership skills are a necessary element of successful Nurse Practitioner practice. Lack of leadership ability among Nurse Practitioners may lead to gaps in patient care, poorer outcomes, decreased patient satisfaction, increased healthcare spending, and inadequate communication between patients, providers, and peers (O’Grady, 2008). Both the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) identify components of leadership that are crucial to the role that the Nurse Practitioner plays while caring for patients (NONPF, 2012 & AACN, 2006). The landmark report on the Future of Nursing from the Institution of Medicine of the National Academies specifically identifies recommendations that directly relate to leadership, including the recommendations to “expand opportunities for nurses to lead and diffuse collaborative improvement efforts” and “prepare and enable nurses to lead change to advance health” (Institute of Medicine, 2010).
A survey of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses was completed in the state of North Dakota (N=34) in an effort to identify areas of needed enhancement of leadership skills. Overall, participants identified four main topics that were felt to be lacking in proficiency in their current practice. These areas included involvement in health policy, systems leadership, negotiation, and influencing peers to accomplish positive change in practice. After extensive literature review, it was determined that information regarding these topics would be beneficial for nurse practitioners throughout the country.
In response to the need for increased education regarding the aforementioned topics, a series of four online continuing education modules were created in collaboration with the
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American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Continuing Education Center and presented as a leadership development series. Nurse practitioners who completed the continuing education modules were surveyed regarding perceived knowledge and likelihood of involvement in the given leadership activity, and information regarding the electronic format of content dissemination was collected. Sample sizes ranged from 11 to 27 participants. Data collection occurred from May 16, 2014 to June 23, 2014. Evaluation of the modules demonstrated that participants indicated an increase in their perceived knowledge and likelihood of participating in the four areas of leadership. The vast majority of respondents indicated the modules were created at an educational level appropriate for their current role. Nearly every participant identified that the online module format is an effective means of content dissemination. Qualitative responses regarding the modules were generally positive in nature. | en_US |
