Abstract
Background: Much controversy has been reported in the literature regarding the value of graduate programs in nursing administration. Yet a rapidly changing healthcare delivery system requires that nurse administrators be well prepared to deal with a fiscally restrained environment that demands the delivery of high-quality care
Objective: The purpose of our study was to investigate the current status and future plans of graduate programs in nursing administration. We particularly focused on anticipated program reforms and relationships with external stakeholders.
Method: A survey was mailed to 338 National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited master's programs. Data from 105 completed surveys were analyzed descriptively.
Results and conclusions: Graduate programs in nursing administration are alive and well. Programs appear to be adding needed content as suggested by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and American Organization of Nursing Executives and others to keep pace with a changing healthcare delivery system. Programs continue to explore creative ways to reach more students with fewer faculty resources.
A rapidly changing healthcare delivery system demands that nurse leaders be educationally prepared to operate effectively within a clinical environment that demands fiscal accountability, while at the same time delivering quality care. What graduate programs prepare such leaders? Further, do the curricula offered in these programs preparing nurse administrators offer coursework that provides a foundation for dealing with the contemporary demands of the US healthcare delivery system?
With these questions in mind, the purposes of this study were to investigate the current status of nursing administration graduate programs in the United States and to identify the reform strategies and future plans for program development. The information gathered from this descriptive study will assist academic leaders in making decisions about needed curricular revisions in their nursing administration graduate programs.