The professional practice of nursing administration. Integrated nursing practice

The role of the nurse executive is dynamic, requiring a high degree of leadership skill and managerial competence linked with clinical nursing knowledge and research. Preparation for the role requires an integrated curriculum in nursing administration and life span leadership development. Recognition of the professional level of differentiated practice as nursing administration is essential if professional nursing is to remain vital in the 21st century. Transformed schools should be named schools of nursing administration, and the new product should be the nurse executive who has the ability to function in a wide variety of settings on earth and in space.