Leaders in Nursing Education Competencies

Patterson, Barbara J.

Wednesday, 24 July 2013: 1:30 PM

Barbara J. Patterson, PhD, RN, ANEF
School of Nursing, Widener University, Chester, PA
Anne Marie Krouse, PhD, MBA, RN-BC
Nursing, Widener University, Chester, PA

Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to identify four competencies for leaders in nursing education.

Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to describe tasks related to each of the four competencies for leaders in nursing education.

Purpose: Nurse educators must provide leadership not only for nursing programs, but also at the university level. Unfortunately, many educators lack formal preparation in leadership development. It is vital for nurse educators to develop leadership skills and be knowledgeable to create institutional policy that results in organizational effectiveness and innovation, as well as effective student learning environments. Currently, there exists a dearth of research on the competencies necessary for leaders in nursing education. The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify and describe the competencies that doctoral students pursuing an academic career trajectory need to be a leader in nursing education. The specific research question was: What leadership in nursing education competencies do doctoral students in nursing require?

Methods: The research design was qualitative description. Fifteen leaders in nursing education were interviewed. Data were analyzed using an inductive approach combined with an iterative reflective process. Trustworthiness was established through an audit trail and member checks.

Results: Four core competencies emerged from the interviews. These competencies include: articulate and promote a vision for nursing education, function as a steward for the institution and nursing education, embrace professional values in the context of higher education, develop and nurture relationships. Participants also identified attributes of leaders in nursing education and barriers to leadership in the higher education setting.

Conclusion: Identifying the core competencies for leaders in nursing education provides evidence for strong faculty leadership roles that promote success of faculty, nursing students, and nursing education. Leadership is an essential component of the role of the nurse educator. With an aging academic nursing workforce, the description of the competencies and the best educational practices to obtain the knowledge and skills to function as a leader in nursing education is more crucial than ever.

See more of: Competencies for Effective Nurse Leaders
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