Management preparation for nurse executives: the dual degree option.
Nurses have the clinical expertise that enables them to better understand the complex issues inherent in management of the delivery of health care. Yet without adequate preparation in management, as well as training of higher levels of nursing theory and research, nurses will be less prepared to compete at higher levels as the system continues to change. The University of Colorado offers a program designed to meet these needs, which serves as a national model for other schools of nursing considering such a curricular change. Further research needs to be conducted to identify the specific components of a graduate program that will enable the nurse executive to develop advanced nursing practice skills while developing the management skills necessary to achieve effectiveness in the practice setting. Because the long-term outcome of the dual degree model is still unknown, the effectiveness of the program in the health care system over time will be evaluated in relation to three outcomes: first, the effectiveness of program goals and objectives for producing successful nurse executives; second, the effectiveness of the curriculum design in preparing successful nurse executives; and third, satisfaction of graduates with the program and with their preparation. Participants in the dual degree program look forward to meeting this challenge.
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D000288:Administrative Personnel / Q000193:education*; D003120:Colorado; D004500:Education, Graduate; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate; D006801:Humans; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000193:education*; D012579:Schools, Nursing; D014495:Universities