Leadership in care of the elderly: assessing needs and challenges

What opportunities and challenges for nursing leadership present themselves in institutions that provide care for our expanding aged population? Should nursing administrators take up these challenges? If so, what skills, resources, and attitudes will they need? This article opens the door for further exploration of these questions. The discussion stimulates thinking about the levels of involvement, authority, and responsibility that nursing administrators can and should have in providing care for the elderly. The article further suggests opportunities and benefits that such leadership can provide for patients, nurses, and society.