The Evolving Role of the Corporate Nurse Executive
Abstract
The role of the nurse executive is one of growing complexity. It is being dramatically altered by the growth of corporate orientation within health care organizations, the nurse shortage, and all the inherent problems therein. With the organization's emphasis on service and t he bottom line, and the nursing staff 's emphasis on participation and empowerment, the nurse executive must successfully integrate the management of the delivery of nursing care with the management of complex corporate structures. Parameters of this essay include an exploration of empowerment, participative management, shared governance, and the expanded financial expectations of the nurse executive. A comprehensive review of health care and financial literature and research will validate the importance and demonstrate the manner by which the nurse executive can effectively balance the budget while meeting the needs of her nursing staff.