Nursing Leadership & Health Systems

NR.561 3 credits Semester 4

Course Overview

Nursing Leadership focuses on transformational leadership, management, and organizational systems in healthcare. This course prepares nurses for transitional and leadership roles by exploring healthcare policy, quality improvement methodologies, interprofessional collaboration, change management, and evidence-based decision-making. Students examine healthcare financing, reimbursement models, regulatory compliance, and the impact of nurse staffing ratios on patient outcomes. The course addresses Magnet recognition standards, nurse burnout and retention, and the nurse's role in organizational culture and strategic planning. Emphasis is on ethical leadership and creating positive work environments.

Learning Objectives

  • Apply transformational leadership principles to advance nursing and healthcare practice
  • Understand healthcare systems, financing mechanisms, and reimbursement models
  • Implement Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) and other quality improvement methodologies
  • Lead interprofessional teams and facilitate effective communication and collaboration
  • Manage change in healthcare organizations using evidence-based strategies
  • Advocate for nursing practice standards and healthcare policy improvements

Lecture Topics

  • Week 1: Leadership Theories and Transformational Leadership Styles
  • Week 1: Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness in Leadership
  • Week 2: Organizational Structure and Healthcare Delivery Systems
  • Week 2: Healthcare Financing - DRG, Medicare, Medicaid, Private Insurance
  • Week 3: Quality Improvement Methodologies - PDSA, Lean, Six Sigma
  • Week 3: Safety and Error Reduction - Root Cause Analysis, Never Events
  • Week 4: Change Management and Organizational Development
  • Week 5: Interprofessional Collaboration and Team Dynamics
  • Week 5: Nurse Staffing Ratios and Patient Outcomes
  • Week 6: Magnet Recognition and Nursing Excellence Standards
  • Week 7: Healthcare Policy and Nursing Advocacy
  • Week 8: Nurse Retention, Burnout Prevention, and Work Environment Culture

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Resources

Leadership and Nursing Management (Marquis & Huston)

Comprehensive leadership textbook covering theories, organizational behavior, quality improvement, and healthcare systems.

Required

IHI Open School - Improvement Knowledge Modules

Free online quality improvement education from Institute for Healthcare Improvement with certificates.

Required

ANCC Magnet Program Standards and Application Guide

Official Magnet certification standards and case examples of organizations achieving excellence.

Free

Center for American Nurses - Healthcare Policy Resources

Policy briefs and advocacy materials on nursing workforce, staffing ratios, and healthcare legislation.

Free