title: A finger on the pulse of change.
abstract: This article reviews the institution-based data elements that must be regularly analyzed by the nursing administrator. Some of the major exogenous factors having impact on today's health care institutions are discussed. A method for developing contingency plans as part of the normal ongoing administrative role is suggested.
mesh_terms: D000288:Administrative Personnel; D004651:Employment; D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations / Q000639:trends; D006777:Hospitals, Proprietary / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D009718:Nurse Administrators; D009738:Nursing Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D010934:Planning Techniques; D011445:Prospective Payment System; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013531:Surgicenters / Q000639:trends; D014481:United States