Nurse Administrator Specialization

The Nurse Administrator specialization builds upon the baccalaureate program and prepares the graduate with skills in organizational behavior, clinical operations and system design, quality measurement and risk management, fiscal operations and systematic change, human resource development and the use of technology. Specialized skills in organizational politics and policy development, implementation and impact analysis will be acquired.

In addition to the standards set forth by the AACN Essentials of Master's Education for Advanced Practice Nursing, the curriculum plan for the Nursing Administration specialization track curriculum is congruent with the criteria for Nursing Administration Education (AACN/AONE). Graduates, meeting all other eligibility requirements are eligible to sit for the Nurse Administration or the Nurse Administration, Advanced, national certification examination.

In addition to the MSN Expected Outcomes, students graduating from a nurse administrator program demonstrate foundation knowledge and skills necessary to engage in an advanced practice role.

• Build leadership alliances for collaborative action and change around health issues.
• Encompass concepts of fiscal and human resources in designing quality care measures.
• Influence the health policy making process through the involvement and leadership of nurses having diverse perspectives.
• Integrate advanced core competencies and clinical expertise to evaluate nursing care delivery systems.
• Lead in a manner that recognizes the cultural and spiritual context of that health community and environment.
• Integrate principles of evidence-based related practice in the design and implementation of nursing and health care delivery programs.
• Incorporate ethical precepts in leadership and management practices.
• Incorporate administrative and leadership theories in the design, development implementation and evaluation of quality nursing and health care delivery programs.

References: Council on Graduate Education for Administration in Nursing Essentials of Baccalaureate Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership and Management, and Master’s Nursing Education for Nursing Administration Advanced Practice, June 1995; Scope and Standards for Nurse Administrators 2nd Edition, ANA 2004; AONE Nurse Executive Competencies 2005