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Those in nursing leadership positions today have an opportunity to significantly impact the healthcare industry. The profession is evolving as healthcare facilities seek to hire experienced and qualified nurses who understand the importance of personalized patient care and who can address the challenges being faced at every level of the industry.
If you are interested in leadership in nursing, then now may be the best time to consider earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Nebraska Methodist College (NMC).
Why Leadership Matters in Nursing
Effective leadership has always been critical in the nursing profession, but the last several years have brought great change that has heightened the need for dynamic and adaptive leadership in nursing. Recognizing the important role that nurse leaders play in the healthcare profession, aspiring nurses need to begin building and developing their leadership skills throughout their BSN program.
The Role of Nurse Leaders in Healthcare
One of the most common misconceptions of nurse leaders is that they are defined by the position or role that they have within a healthcare facility. While nurse managers and shift supervisors are in leadership positions, the American Nurses Association notes that any nurse can become a leader if they:
- Inspire those around them to continue to work harder to improve patient care and outcomes.
- Recognize the role that daily tasks have within the organizational structure of the healthcare system.
- Communicate effectively and collaborate with those on their care teams.
Meeting the Challenges of Modern Healthcare
By focusing not only on clinical skills but also on the core competencies required to lead effectively in the clinical setting, nurse leaders are uniquely positioned to take on the complex challenges of the modern healthcare system. According to the American College of Healthcare Executives, some of the top challenges being faced by the healthcare system today include:
- Rising healthcare costs.
- Low staffing levels among healthcare professionals.
- Improving patient safety and quality of care.
- Improving overall access to care and reducing the disparities that exist within the healthcare system.
Core Leadership Skills Gained Through a BSN Program
The BSN program is uniquely designed to equip students not only with advanced clinical skills, but also with an in-depth understanding of the healthcare system.
The core leadership skills gained through a BSN program include:
Critical Thinking and Decision-Making
The coursework required as part of the BSN program emphasizes critical thinking and decision-making, two skills highly valued in today's fast-paced healthcare settings.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Throughout the BSN program, students will have an opportunity to enhance their communication and interpersonal skills, allowing them to improve patient care and better collaborate with the entire team of providers.
Advanced Knowledge and Competencies From a BSN
While it is possible to become a registered nurse without earning a BSN, aspiring nurses who want to consider higher-level positions in the future often find that this program is worth the investment of their time and resources.
Some of the advanced topics discussed throughout the BSN program include:
Understanding Healthcare Systems
An associate's degree or diploma program focuses on clinical skills and knowledge. In contrast, a BSN program offers a broader view of the healthcare system, giving graduates a deeper understanding of the profession's complex challenges.
Evidence-Based Practice
The BSN program emphasizes evidence-based practice throughout its curriculum, allowing aspiring nurses to learn how to take the most recent and relevant research findings and put them into action within the clinical setting.
Career Opportunities for BSN-Prepared Nurse Leaders
The BSN program offers a comprehensive curriculum focusing on clinical skill development and leadership skills, public health science and healthcare policy. As a result, BSN-prepared nurses often have a wider range of career opportunities available to them, allowing them to align their career paths with their personal and professional interests.
Some of the career opportunities that may be available to nurses with a BSN include:
Management and Administrative Roles
Most nurse management positions require nurses to have a BSN degree. Within management and administrative roles, nurses can guide other nurses, mentor those providing bedside care, and improve operational efficiency within a healthcare organization. They have a direct impact on the quality of care that is provided and can cultivate a positive workplace culture.
Education and Mentorship
In addition, BSN-prepared nurses are often qualified for nurse educator positions. Nurse educators work to train, develop, and inspire the next generation of nurses, allowing them to enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding position. Nurse educators may work in healthcare facilities, or they may work for outside organizations that create and develop training programs.
Preparing for Leadership: Beyond the BSN
In addition to earning a BSN, nurses can take actionable steps throughout their careers to prepare for nursing leadership positions. For example, if a nurse wants to become a director of nursing or a chief nursing officer, they may need to pursue a graduate degree.
Continuing Education and Certifications
Continuing education plays a vital role in developing the leadership skills required for the most advanced nursing positions. In some cases, BSN-prepared nurses will want to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to develop the qualifications required for high-level leadership positions in nursing. Depending on their career goals, BSN-prepared may find that certification programs allow them to specialize in niche areas of the nursing profession, allowing them to better personalize their career path.
Gaining Practical Experience
One of the best ways to hone nursing leadership skills is to gain practical experience in clinical settings. The fast-paced environments of hospitals and physicians' offices allow nurses to develop their clinical expertise while fine-tuning their critical thinking and decision-making skills.
The Future of Leadership in Nursing
As healthcare organizations continue to prioritize nurse leadership, it's clear that the role of nurse leaders will continue to evolve in the years to come.
The future of leadership in nursing will be defined by:
Embracing Innovation and Technology
Technology will continue to reshape the healthcare industry. Robotic assistance, electronic medication management systems, and artificial intelligence technologies will have a significant impact on the nursing profession in the years to come.
Advocating for Health Equity
Nurse leaders will also be called upon to advocate for marginalized populations who have not always had equal access to healthcare, allowing them to play an integral role in addressing the disparities that exist while improving health equity overall.
A BSN as a Gateway to Leadership
The BSN program serves as a bridge between nursing positions that focus solely on bedside care and nursing leadership positions. It is one of the best investments that nurses can make in their careers.
Learn More About the BSN Program at Nebraska Methodist College
At NMC, we offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing that prepares students with the skills and knowledge required to practice as a registered nurse. Prioritizing patient care and nurse leadership skills, this degree program allows you to establish a foundation you can build upon throughout your nursing career.
Request more information about our healthcare degree programs today.