Date of Conferral
2023
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Melissa Rouse
Abstract
A new nurse leader often enters their role with minimal training. The absence of a structured orientation leaves new leaders without the advanced knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this complex role, increasing the risk of stress and burnout. This staff education project addressed whether providing the educational framework found within the American Organization for Nurse Leaders (AONL) nurse manager competencies would improve nurses’ knowledge to lead departmental operations and personnel for the new nurse leader. Duchscher’s stages of transition theory focused on the emotional aspects of transitioning into a new role. The AONL Nurse Leader Competency Assessment Tool: Self-Assessment provided leaders with a platform to assess their level of expertise by utilizing Patricia Benner’s novice-to-expert framework to capture the skills, knowledge, and abilities that guide the nurse leaders’ practice to success. Nine nurse leader participants with fewer than 24 months of leadership experience attended the 2-day program. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the participant ratings on the program evaluation (N = 9) and to compare the difference between ratings on the pre- and post-self-assessment (N = 8). All nine participants strongly agreed that the program should be offered to future new nurse leaders. An increase in the overall self-assessment rating was noted from pre (M = 3.07) to post (M = 3.60) with a shift toward Benner’s level of skill from competent to proficient. Findings may be used to enhance new leaders’ confidence while shifting the mindset of the participants from bedside nurses to organizational leaders improving social conditions through enriched professional relationships and a supportive work environment.
Recommended Citation
Smith-Fortney, Melanie S., "New Leader Mentorship Program Preparing Frontline Nurse Leaders for Success" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 13781.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/13781
