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Nurse Executive Leader M.S.N. Concentration

In today’s healthcare industry, managing a nursing department or facility can be similar to running a complex business. The Nurse Executive Leader concentration within the online M.S.N. program is for nurses who aspire to such management and high-level administrative roles.

Nurses who serve in demanding leadership positions are accountable for patient care across a broad spectrum, resulting in a need for professionals with significant expertise in collaboration, organization, communication, and critical and strategic thinking. They may also have to manage human resources, develop budgets and coordinate plans with other professionals.

The Nurse Executive Leader Concentration

Coursework focuses on organizational and administrative expertise such as communication, conflict resolution and fiscal management, as well as systems thinking in health care systems. The Nurse Executive Leader concentration requires 21 semester hours in addition to 15 semester hours of foundation courses.

NRHL 6620 Building Effective Communication and Relationships
This course covers knowledge and skills related to effective communication and relationship- building across various healthcare settings. Students study communication strategies to address nursing and organizational issues and conflicts, as well as advanced communication skills related to diversity in the workplace, generational benefits, recruitment and retention, collaborative decision-making, and shared governance. Building trust and credible organizational relationships with key stakeholders is also emphasized. Pre-requisites: NRHL 5501, NRHL 5502, NRHL 5503, NRHL 5505, NRHL 5506. 3 semester hours

NRHL 6622 Professionalism and Executive Career Development
Students focus on the knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively coach and further the professional development of others within the healthcare organization. Coursework emphasizes the concepts of professionalism, personal and professional accountability, transparency, advocacy, and ethical standards. Students complete a comprehensive executive leadership career assessment, conduct a gap analysis, and develop an executive career plan for the future. Pre-requisites: NRHL 5501, NRHL 5502, NRHL 5503, NRHL 5505, NRHL 5506. 3 semester hours

NRHL 6624 Advanced Knowledge of Healthcare Systems
This course explores the skills and knowledge nurse executives need to effectively lead in a variety of healthcare systems. Students study the unique needs of healthcare settings such as hospitals, ambulatory facilities, community-based services, long-term care, and private practice as well as financial, operational, regulatory, and clinical aspects of management specific to a range of healthcare systems. Factors such as reimbursement, technology, staffing, leadership, organizational design and complexity, and for-profit and not-for-profit aspects of the system will also be addressed in the context of nursing leadership strategies. Pre-requisites: NRHL 5501, NRHL 5502, NRHL 5503, NRHL 5505, NRHL 5506. 3 semester hours

NRHL 6646 Nursing Leadership and Systems Thinking
This course explores principles of nursing leadership and the skills required for nurse managers and executives to function effectively in complex healthcare environments. The student develops leadership self-awareness in order to effectively lead change, build strong cultures and effective teams, and resolve conflicts. Pre-requisites: NRHL 6620, NRHL 6622, NRHL 6624. 3 semester hours

NRHL 6648 Financial Management and Resource Allocation
This course advances student knowledge regarding financial accounting, budgeting, cost analysis, planning and control, and management of financial resources. The role of nurse manager and executive leader as it relates to responsible financial management in healthcare is explored. Pre-requisites: NRHL 6646. 3 semester hours

NRHL 6653: Advanced Nursing Practice: Clinical Immersion
This course builds upon the synthesis of prior knowledge and skills that promote the advancement of professional clinical nursing practice. The student applies nursing research and evidence-based practice to develop advanced clinical competency in a defined area of nursing practice. The course requires 70 practicum clock hours of clinical learning experience in the practice setting and the development of a nursing project proposal. Pre-requisites: NRHL 6648. 3 semester hours

NRHL 6655: Advanced Nursing Practice: Capstone Project Implementation
This course provides opportunities for the student to apply knowledge and skills learned throughout the program into nursing practice. Under the direction of the faculty and guidance from the preceptor students complete a nursing project that demonstrates their cumulative learning, nursing practice abilities, and professional growth that reflects master’s nursing practice. The project validates students' ability to synthesize and apply new knowledge and skills to real-world clinical issues and problems. The course requires 70 practicum clock hours of clinical learning experiences in the practice setting. Pre-requisites: NRHL 6653. 3 semester hours

What Can I Do with the Nurse Executive Leader Concentration?

A Nurse Executive Leader can work in a variety of settings. You could find yourself managing a department within a large healthcare organization or you could become responsible for an entire clinic. If you like the idea of continuing to use your nursing skills as you manage other nurses, oversee business aspects of your department or organization, or develop service lines, then the Nurse Executive Leader concentration may be a perfect fit.

View the M.S.N. degree webinar to learn more about program details and your concentration options.

The career outlook for Nurse Executive Leaders is currently experiencing rapid growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that demand for Nurse Executive Leaders is expected to grow by 23 percent through 2022. With a median salary of $88,580, the Nurse Executive Leader concentration is worth considering if you want to continue working with patients but also take on managerial responsibilities.

Why Choose Benedictine’s Nurse Executive Leader Program?

Completing Benedictine’s flexible online M.S.N. program means that your personal, professional and family commitments will not be compromised. Our outstanding nursing faculty have earned doctoral degrees and many hold additional certifications. Their professional expertise make each M.S.N. course a rich and rewarding learning experience.

Discover What Benedictine’s Nurse Executive Leader Concentration Can Do for You

Learn more about how the Nurse Executive Leader concentration within Benedictine’s Online M.S.N. program can help open up new opportunities for you. Request more information or call (866) 295-3104 today to speak to a program manager.