| There exists a need to identify contemporary competencies of practicing nurse executives in an attempt to assure and enhance quality healthcare service delivery. A recent Institute of Medicine study identified the need for reduction in clinical patient care errors. Nursing leaders are charged with unique responsibilities related to oversight of patient care, in addition to routine healthcare executive responsibilities. Identification of core, existing, and emerging contemporary nurse executive competencies is essential for safe, ethical care to consumers, development of relevant training and education, as well as succession planning within a profession currently undergoing a severe workforce shortage. This study utilizes a qualitative approach, grounded theory, to explore and identify contemporary competencies of practicing nurse executives. A purposive sample of nurse executives across practice settings provided information during structured interviews about practice patterns. Data from interviews was coded and themed according to grounded theory research procedures. The end product is the first proposed list of contemporary competencies for practicing nurse executives depicted within a systems based theoretical model. Core competencies for nurse executives emerged according to four themes: leadership, operations, interpersonal/soft skills, and industry/environment based skill groups. Emerging competencies included: information technology savvy, financial skills, awareness of regulatory requirements, physician relationship management, situation preparedness, cultural competence, and management of an intergenerational workforce. Nurse executives will benefit from the identification of contemporary competencies, as they may utilize the list to assess the potential need for additional professional training and education. |
