Characteristics of nurse leaders in hospitals in the U.S.A. from 1992 to 2008.
OBJECTIVE
Describe the nurse leader workforce in hospitals in the USA over time by exploring three research questions: (1) What are the characteristics of the nurse leader workforce in U.S. hospitals? (2) How does the nurse leader workforce change over time? (3) How do nurses in executive positions (administrators) differ from nurses in first-line supervisory positions (supervisors)?


BACKGROUND
Effective nurse leaders use management skills to ensure safe patient care in hospitals in the USA. Changes in the nurse leader workforce have an impact on patient care.


METHODS
non-experimental design was used to explore the characteristics of 10,150 nurse leaders using the 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008 National Sample Surveys of Registered Nurses.


RESULTS
Number of masters and doctorally prepared nurse leaders increased from 14.5% to 23.2% along with an increase in mean age. A 30% decrease in the number of nurses in leadership positions was found. Male nurses reported significantly higher salaries P < 0.000.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurse leaders are older and have achieved higher educational degrees. Salary disparities based on gender still prevail. Implications for nursing management  Identifying and developing future leaders with necessary skills and competencies is critical for organizational success.
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI 54901 , USA. westphaj@uwosh.edu
Judith A
JA
Westphal
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D063508:Social Discrimination; D014481:United States