Making Nurses Into Leaders

Although the program is new, Kirschling anticipates that it will be offered annually; the AACN got a high-level of interest from prospective participants this first time around.

Kirschling says she believes excellent nurse leaders need solid communication skills, the willingness to take calculated risks, and an attitude that no job "is not their job." They also need to care deeply about the nursing discipline, be able to handle rapid changes, and be unsatisfied with the status quo. She thinks that this new program will help the participating executives add even more tools to their arsenals.

"I think that they'll come out with stronger negotiating skills and hopefully a broader perspective about leveraging new partners," she says.