Nursing's Wicked Problems: Partnering With Academic Leadership to Develop Solutions.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Leadership
• Healthcare Management
• Professional Development in Nursing

Background:

• Nursing faces complex, culturally ingrained challenges termed "wicked problems."
• Constant organizational change and unprecedented issues exacerbate these problems.
• Existing issues hinder nurse leaders from elevating the nursing profession.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss current issues impeding nurse leaders' professional advancement.
• To highlight the pivotal role of academic nurse leaders in driving positive change.
• To propose strategies for academic nursing to address complex healthcare challenges.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of current issues affecting nursing leadership.
• Focus on the contributions of academic nurse leaders.
• Discussion of strategies including collaboration, reimagined education, evidence-based practice, and advocacy.

Main Results:

• Identified key strategies: meaningful collaboration, reimagining nursing education beyond hospital settings, investing in evidence for practice, and amplifying new voices.
• Academic nursing's role in understanding, critiquing, and solving complex disciplinary problems is emphasized.
• Academic nursing shares accountability for achieving tangible outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Academic nurse leaders are essential for navigating and resolving complex nursing challenges.
• A multi-faceted approach involving education, evidence, and advocacy is necessary for professional advancement.
• Accountability and results are critical for the impact of academic nursing.