Forging a future for nursing. A system's nurse executives collaborate to create a strategic plan

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Administration
• Strategic Planning in Healthcare

Background:

• The Nurse Executives' Council (NEC) of the Sisters of Providence Health System initiated a comprehensive review in 1991.
• This review included an internal survey on patient care delivery and nursing involvement in program planning.
• An external environmental scan specific to nursing was also conducted.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of patient care delivery processes.
• To determine the extent of nursing participation in healthcare program and service planning.
• To identify key strategic issues and develop a strategic plan for system nurses.

Main Methods:

• Conducted an internal survey of nursing staff and processes.
• Performed an external environmental assessment relevant to nursing.
• Formed specialized committees (Strategic Planning/Bylaws, Human Resources, Productivity) to address identified concerns.
• Drafted and refined a strategic plan through committee and NEC review.

Main Results:

• Identified preliminary nursing strategic issues from the internal survey.
• Developed a comprehensive strategic plan for nursing within the health system.
• The final plan, presented in fall 1992, outlined four critical strategic issues.
• Key issues included developing nursing leadership, maximizing human resources, coordinating continuum of care, and demonstrating fiscal stewardship.

Conclusions:

• The strategic plan provides a roadmap for advancing nursing practice and leadership.
• Addressing the identified strategic issues is crucial for effective healthcare delivery and resource management.
• The plan emphasizes a holistic approach to nursing, encompassing leadership, human resources, patient care coordination, and financial accountability.