NURS 621DB Leadership Practicum II

Leadership Practicum (LP) II, an exclusive opportunity for advanced leadership in nursing practice, builds upon the immersive learning foundational experiences of LP I. LP II offers a rigorous and in-depth application of advanced leadership principles in nursing practice. Students will engage in unique and complex leadership activities, including strategic planning, quality improvement initiatives, and organizational change projects. The practicum aims to enhance students' leadership competencies and prepare them for mid- to high-level executive roles in nursing. Importantly, course content is anchored in the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) (2022) Nurse Leader Core Competencies® -- communication and relationship management, professionalism, knowledge of the healthcare environment, business skills, and principles -- enabling students to readily transfer these critical skills to the student's expanded and advanced practice setting. In this course, students will continue to work directly with nurse leaders in varied healthcare settings. Course content focuses on the practical development of collaborative relationship-building with non-nursing departments and aims to equip students with a keen understanding of essential advanced leadership role competencies inherent in fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork. Advanced financial acumen and proficiency will enable students to excel in developing a healthcare quality and/or safety project designed to contribute to industry transformation. This advanced practicum focuses on participation in leadership activities at the macro level in a healthcare setting. Students will engage in hands-on activities focusing on financial management, strategic planning, and operational efficiency within a healthcare organization. Students are expected to seek opportunities to apply financial, information technology, and human resources principles and participate in strategic decision-making as they further develop leadership competencies essential for nurse leaders and executives. This experiential, immersive course includes 270 indirect care hours, referring to nursing decisions, actions, or interventions provided through or on behalf of individuals, families, or groups. Experiential learning occurs in any setting where health care is delivered or health is influenced, and it allows for and requires the student to integrate new practice-related knowledge and skills. For this course, indirect care refers to nursing care activities provided at the point of care with other healthcare providers intended to achieve specific health goals or achieve selected health outcomes, regardless of setting. Including reflective weekly journal logs, case study analyses, and a major leadership project ensures students' ability to confidently apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, further enhancing their preparedness for advanced leadership roles in nursing.